‘You just know. When you don’t have to question it, you know. Does that help?’
I thought about Mae. ‘Yeah. It does.’
‘And don’t worry about your mother. I’ll have a word with her. The hotel will always belong to the family,thatI do care about. And we’ll always have majority control through the board. But as for the day-to-day running? Relinquishing control of that doesn’t mean relinquishing power. I wouldn’t wish the stress on anyone who doesn’t actually want the job. Especially not one of my children. Don’t worry about the hotel. There’s someone I have in mind who might be willing to take over from me.’
‘Who?’
‘Don’t worry about that. I might be wrong, so I don’t want to say anything until I’ve talked to them.’
‘Does Mom know?’
‘No. Like I said, no point saying anything until I know for sure this person is interested.’
‘Do you think Mom will lay off me?’
‘Maybe.’ He drained the rest of his beer and belched loudly. ‘But I’m sure she’ll find something else to fixate on. Oh, that was good. That went down a treat. Do you think I should risk another one?’
‘Probably not. Mom has a nose like a bloodhound. She’ll smell it on you and then we’ll both be in trouble.’
‘Ah, you’re probably right. It’s done me the world of good though. Bit of normalcy. Being out here with the smell of the pines and the sea and this view.’ He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.
I swallowed hard, feeling emotional. My father and I hadn’t talked this openly in a long time, if ever. ‘You’ve been, youare, a good father,’ I told him. ‘I’m not sure if I’ve ever said that to you before, but I’m saying it now.’
He smiled, still with his eyes closed. ‘Sometimes it takes a near-death experience for people to remember what’s important in life. To say the things that need to be said.’
‘It shouldn’t.’
‘No. It shouldn’t. I’m proud of you, Jonah. I’m proud of the man you’ve become. And no matter what path you choose in life, I know you’ll do well. You might have inherited your mother’s stubbornness, but you get your tenacity and resilience from me.’
‘Jesus.’ I shook my head, feeling a heaviness in my chest, as if my heart had soaked up his praise and grown two sizes. ‘Look at us. One beer and we’re spilling feelings all over the place.’
He laughed. ‘At least I have an excuse. I’ve been off booze on doctor’s and your mother’s orders since the stroke. I’m a lightweight. What’s your excuse?’
‘I don’t have one.’ I drained the last of my own bottle. ‘I’m just really glad you’re still alive.’
‘Me too, son.’ He breathed in the cold Atlantic air and nodded. ‘Me too.’
I stood up. ‘We’d better get you back into bed before Mom gets home.’
‘I suppose you’re right,’ he agreed reluctantly. ‘I’m supposed to be saving my strength for the winter formal this Saturday.’
I was surprised. ‘You’re going?’
‘Maybe. Not for the whole night, but I’d like to make an appearance. This will be my last winter formal in charge of the hotel.’ He saw my face. ‘I’m not putting any pressure on you, but one way or another, I’m retiring. It’s time. I want to spend the days I have left on this beautiful planet doing the things I want todo. Things your mother has always wanted to do. Did you know she’s always dreamed of travelling to Ireland?’
More surprises. ‘Seriously?’
‘Yeah. She had a pen pal from there when she was a teenager and ever since she’s wanted to see the place.’
‘She’s never mentioned it.’
‘That’s because she’s always put her dreams aside to raise this family and help me run the hotel. She might be hard on you sometimes, Jonah, but she’s a good mother, and she’s been a good wife to me. It’s time I put her first for a change.’
‘But the hotel?’
‘Will be fine. I’ll figure it out. Are you coming to the formal?’
‘Yeah, I’ll be back by then.’
