Chapter 167 Choices
Byron poured a lot of funds into the construction of the wave pool, and a few months later, it was built and ready for use.
The building looked sleek and contemporary on the outside, while inside it was a warm oasis away from the autumn chill.
Mandy swam and frolicked in the waves with her friends, stopping only to sip a bit of juice, then she was back in the water for more splashing. The high ceiling allowed natural light to come in through its numerous skylights, giving the space the ambience of a warm beach. The wave pool was definitely a hit.
Emily and Byron watched the kids, lounging on deck chairs by the water.
“It’s not quite as relaxing as a real beach, but it’ll do,” Byron said as the echoes of children’s voices bounced around the vast space. Ripples of sunlight reflected off the water and played over his face.
“The kids don’t seem to care if it’s relaxing or not,” Emily said, observing them race each other in the waves. “But as long as they’re happy…”
“Do you think Mandy is happy overall?” Byron asked, catching Emily by surprise.
“What do you mean?”
“I was thinking… she loves to play her piano. Maybe we could arrange to have a few extra lessons?”
“Don’t you start too,” Emily moaned, “Next thing you’ll be saying she should go on Talent Quest and become a child star.”
“No, definitely not. I do wonder if she should explore her talent more.”
“This is how it starts,” Emily complained. “A kid shows promise and likes some activity, then it becomes a chore as they’re made to believe that it’s going to be the making of their career.”
“You can’t know for sure that it’ll become a chore,” Byron said, “Maybe she will still be into it.”
“Maybe I’d rather not take that risk,” Emily said. “She’s way too young. I want her to enjoy her life, not to get serious about her career at age five. When the time comes, she’ll choose. Or maybe she won’t have to choose because she’ll want to do more than one thing. The important thing is, I want her to make her own choices in life.”
“Just like someone I know,” Byron said with a subtle smile. “Don’t be mad at me for asking. I wanted to be sure we’re doing the right thing, and whatever you decide is fine with me.”
Emily knew that he supported her, but sometimes the pressure from all the outside forces was too much. Everyone else had their own opinion about how to raise her child.
She got so tired of it that she often became snippy with people and cut them off before they stated their view on children’s education.
“I’m sorry I brought it up,” Byron said at length. He probably noticed that she grew morose due to this topic as she had been in recent days.
“It’s okay. You’re just trying to do what’s best for the kid,” she said wearily.
“Yeah, but I trust you. Would you like to try?...” He passed his bottle of juice to her so she could have a sip.
“Thanks, it’s really good.” Emily gave him some of her drink to try. She could never be mad at him very long. He was too gorgeous and sweet. Suddenly, she had an idea. “What do you say to a weekend getaway?”
“Sounds good,” he said readily, “Where would we go?”
“I don’t know. I just need a getaway. How about you keep it a surprise, just like in the old days? Throw me in the car and take me anywhere, just the two of us.”
“If that’s what you want, my lady,” he replied, looking at her seductively from beneath his long lashes, “Nothing would make me happier.”
