Page 5 of Beautiful Small Things
“So you tried to make things more tolerable?”
“Yes,” I admit. “I tried to show him life didn’t need to be so inimical.”
Iris stops typing and looks up from her laptop.
“I think that is very heroic, Dad,” she says.
“Not all heroes wear capes, Kiddo,” I joke.
“And you just ruined it,” she says with a shake of her head.
“Not surprising,” I offer. “Seriously, though, be careful who you assign heroism to. Don’t ever put me or anyone else on a pedestal.”
“Why is that?” she asks genuinely.
“Because there is nowhere to go but down. You will only be disappointed.”
“That’s grim,” she says flatly.
“Maybe,” I nod, “But it’s true. Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” she replies with a soft smile.
“Does it bother you that you and I are so different? I’ve been an impulsive, crazy man-child for most of my life. You’ve never been remotely like me.”
“Man-child?” she laughs.
“Other people’s words. Not mine,” I smirk.
Iris tilts her head to the side while she thinks for a moment.
“I understand why you would ask. I agree that we have little in common on paper. But we share one very important trait.”
“Good looks,” I joke.
“OK, We share two very important traits,“ she begins. “We both live our lives outside of the societal norms for our position in life. For example, you have always been underestimated and judged because of your affinity for chaos. I detest chaos, but am chastised for being intelligent and exceedingly rational. Different, but the same. It’s something I have always found fascinating about our dynamic.”
I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at her admission. She’s right. Iris has no choice in how her mind works. Her peers aren’t always forgiving of her quirks. She’s searching for a connection, and I need to be amenable to that.
“I understand,” I nod. “Today has gotten a bit crazy for me. Can we work on this later? I have a plane to catch and a meeting to get to.”
“Of course,” she agrees, packing up her things.
“What are you up to for the rest of the day?” I ask.
“I think I’m going to meet Orion at the beach. The swell is looking good for later this afternoon.”
“Have I told you lately that I think it’s so cool how close you two are?”
“You have told me. And I agree. Even though we aren’t cousins by blood, we are quite close. He’s an excellent friend and confidante.”
Callan’s son is a great kid. He’s someone who accepts Iris completely as she is and never criticizes her for it. It sets my mind at ease that they are such good friends. He’s a good guy to have in her corner.
Iris gives me a quick hug and heads out the door, leaving me with a broad smile and a full heart.
Chapter three
The Surf Spot
