Leaving the Nest

By Paul R Davis

Already divorced and facing an empty nest, Jake plans a cruise through the Gulf Coast with his daughter Danielle before she leaves for college.

 

Danielle, however, struggles with the emotional baggage of her dad's reliance on her presence and what that means for her future.

 

Will this cruise help them sort out their emotional baggage? Or will it sink the relationship as life changes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul R Davis
• Release date: May 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393482871

Paul R Davis

Paul R Davis lives with his lovely family in Wisconsin. His children, ranging from elementary school to toddler, keep him on his toes. Mission work in other countries, a Tough Mudder, and reading mythology has led to the inspirations for his stories, creating a diverse pool of ethnicities in his fiction.

Book preview

Leaving the Nest

Paul R Davis

Published by Paul R Davis, 2021.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

LEAVING THE NEST

First edition. May 1, 2021.

Copyright © 2021 Paul R Davis.

ISBN: 978-1393482871

Written by Paul R Davis.

Also by Paul R Davis

The Three Rats of Washington

Leaving the Nest

The Ballerina with Horns (Coming Soon)

Watch for more at Paul R Davis’s site.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Paul R Davis

Leaving the Nest

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About the Author

Knock knock. Texas was warm in February. It was nice having the window down, even if the area reeked of the exhaust of hundreds of people funneling down a narrow road.

Danielle glanced at me, wondering if she should play my little game. I couldn’t help but smirk when she asked, Who’s there?

What else was she going to do? We were done talking about video games, the latest books, some friends she planned on keeping in touch with after school.

Amish.

This joke sounds insensitive, Dad. She leaned out the window, sleeves rolled up.

Come on, Danielle. Humor me. Amish, I gestured for her to keep the joke going.

Amish who?

The joy of a child welled up as I smiled from ear to ear. I chuckled before I got the punchline out.

That’s why you smell so bad!

A glare greeted my glee. What? Why are you like this? She snickered after a while. You are so weird. She went back to staring out the window. Probably at the guys walking by with chiseled jaws.

Did you get it?

Nope.

Amish who? I’m a shoe? Get it?

That joke was worse after you explained it. Should I just walk to check in? She nudged my shoulder. I wanted to cry. Not because of her saying she’d walk—that was a her problem. But because this was our last real trip. And then she was leaving.

Dad, you know I love you, right? I felt guilty at her pity. My girl had a talent for knowing when I was off. It was probably my somber face and distant stare.

Of course, Princess Pumpernickel.

We pulled up to check-in in front of the cruise ship. OceanTides Welcomes You! was written across a banner over the gangplank.

A valet opened Danielle’s door, then mine. Service was incredible, our bags already by check-in by the time Danielle was on the sidewalk. I swiped my backpack from the luggage pile before they could check it in.

Sir, the nice concierge, Amy, said from behind the counter. We can take that for you. You won’t want the extra weight.

Dad, really, it’ll be okay just this once.

I put the backpack on the pile of luggage, anxiety building up in my chest. I’m never going to see it again, I griped.

Sir— Amy started.

But Danielle interrupted her. Dad, what would you tell me? What is the worst thing that can happen?

What is your name? The concierge interrupted awkwardly.

Smith. Jake and Danielle. I looked at my daughter. The backpack ends up getting into the engine because it was delivered wrong, making the entire boat explode.

Uh huh. Yes, that’s definitely what you would’ve said to me. Dramatic much? She rolled her eyes. I hated and loved when she rolled her eyes. This time I mostly loved it.

It gets lost and I lose my books and notebooks.

Which you replace. Fairly cheaply. Will we die?

I might. From boredom.

Boredom? No. Dad, you’re going to barely touch those books. Instead you’ll be spouting off dad jokes all week.

I snickered.

Your keys and information. Please make sure to go to the theater for the safety briefing when the announcement is made. Amy kept her smile, and it was a winning smile. I looked at her left hand and saw no ring. Not that it mattered. I’d never see Amy again, and she was probably half my age.

We walked in the throng, forcing our way through the other visitors. Most of them had at least light jackets. Danielle took her hoodie off and tied it around her waist. I held my jacket.

There are clubs, theaters, talent shows—

I am not doing a talent show.

Yes. Yes you are. I remember how lovely you sang to me when I was a little girl. And you still sing such lovely tunes for church. Come on, Dad. Grace these fine folks with your alluring vocal pipes.

I blushed. There was a part of me which loved the fame, but there was a larger portion that hated having the spotlight put on me. We’ll see.

There is a surf thing, where you surf in place. Then slides.

I hate heights.

You’ll be fine. She was practically dragging me through the crowd