Why in the hell did I say yes to a goddamn date?
On Fourth of July out of all days? That's usually the day dad and I go out and I'd break that rough on the edges but soft inside heart of his no doubt. And if he knew I ditched him? For a boy. Either I'm going in the chump or Tom is. Or both of us.
I arrived home and Dad had stocked the place will all our favorite snacks. He pulled out all the cards, " It's almost the Fourth!" he exclaimed, " And I think we're all ready for a celebration. thought maybe in the mornin' we can go get you a new boat since your other one got wrecked, play some poker with some real gamblers… I'll even let ya have a couple beers."
"Okay, hold up…" I reply, putting my hands on his shoulders, " Who the hell are you and what have you done with Samuel Quint?"
He chuckled. " I never thought I'd LIVE to see the day."
He always gave me this look when I shot quick comedic comebacks to him — I think I got his looks & tough skin, but my humor comes from my mother. It was one of the things he loved about her was how she could keep up with his remarks in an instant.
"Don't act like you haven't stolen one of my beers and cigarettes before," he smiles.
Well, Samuel Quint, I am your daughter.
"Either way, it's better for me to do it in the house with you than out with friends right?"
The phone rang, he grabbed it and I went to grab a bag of chips from the pantry.
" Cheif. Hope you're wise and value the life of your town and take my offer…What? You want my daughter? What in the hell for?"
" Let me handle it," I slid the phone out of his hand,
"Hello, Brody?"
" Millie, we have to open the beaches for the holiday weekend. All those lousy fishermen are still out in search however I need you to keep CLOSE watch of the beaches. Be a lifeguard essentially— we have a walkie talkie for you to keep in contact with us. and don't worry we can compensate any sort of food or beverages—"
"Now hold on a sec!" I interrupted, " Brody, that's impossible. First off, I'm not even remotely a lifeguard— don't you need classes for that stuff? Second the beaches are massive and you're asking me to watch ALL the Beaches? Didn't you say you had extra help? And lastly-"
"Alright, We'll split up and keep each section of the beaches under close watch. You and I will stay on the beaches and Hendricks and Hooper will monitor from the boats. "
" Who the hell is Hooper? What in the hell kind of name is that?"
"This is not up for debate Millie. Nor is this a joke. This is serious. We have to be strategic about this to make sure there's absolutely no casualties. If we have another shark attack, Amity's going to shut down. Take it seriously. I need your help, kid. This is an important day and I know you're able to do the job. "
And before I could get a single word in, he hung up. Hung up!
Oh this is great, I thought. I had a young boy ask me out on a date, Dad's taking me out to get a brand new boat & poker, AND I'm being drafted into watch duty on the beach for a Great White? All for the same day?
Jesus Christ.
Tom was nice; I could tell he had a genuine interest in me. It would be my first ever date with anyone.
I spend every day with my Dad. It might be nice to change things up.
But then again…
Tom had to be at least in his 20s, drunk on the beach with that girl.
What's he doing trying to go on a date with a 15 year old girl? He acts a lot younger, maybe he was going for an older woman.
And Brody practically forcing me to watch the beaches in what sounds like a recipe for disaster. I can't believe him for caving in to that basket case. Vaughn's gonna get his townspeople fed for lunch, and he's got a bunch of brainless fishermen "doing the job" when they have no business getting paid to drink out on the water.
But then again…
The police cheif wants a shark hunter's kid to watch the beaches and keep the townspeople safe from harm.
That says a lot too you know…maybe if if do a well, they'll ditch the amateurs and make that ten thousand dollar agreement! Dad and I could finally get a TV & maybe clean up the boathouse. He's had so many hardships before and after having me — trauma from his past in the war, becoming estranged and having to adjust his life to having a 7 year old to take care of while creating a successful fishery from his bare hands.
Maybe in some way, it will help him. And what helps him helps us.