Harold flipped an omelet on the pan. He knew that Cybil had arrived with her husband. He wasn't going to give her a grand reception but then again, for Psyche's sake he would try to be nice.
Sighing, he turned off the gas and went to greet his second daughter. Just as he reached the living room, a lithe female body collided against him and hugged his tight.
Love and anger made confusing emotions race through his heart and he gave Cybil a light hug and pushed her back to look at her.
Staring at his daughter's face he saw his wife's haunting look stare back at him. She had inherited her mother's heartbreaking good looks but that was where the similarities stopped. Her petite frame packed in the indomitable spirit of an obstinate mule. He had rebuked her overtures of conciliation so many times that after a couple of years he had stopped counting and yet she persisted.
"Hi Harry how are you?"
There was only one fellow who had the guts to call Harold by that foolhardy name and that was Kevin, Cybil's husband. Harold let go of Cybil and genuine fondness spread through his eyes as he exchanged a manly hug with his Irish son-in-law.
Holding him by the shoulders Harold asked him "How have you been? How is the construction business coming along?"
"Business is good dad but could be better."
Slinging an arm around Kevin's shoulder, Harold herded him towards the kitchen and effectively ignored Cybil who walked behind them silently.
"Have you eaten? I'm making breakfast." Harold broke a couple of eggs on the sauce pan.
Unaware of the tension between the father and daughter Kevin smiled and took out plates and forks from the drawer and began to lay the table.
Cybil looked at the two men in her lives and a pang resonated in her heart. She loved them both so much and yet she loved one more than the other. Her father's dark brooding presence dominated the room, pushing her husband's sunny personality into the background as it did to most of the men she had seen him interact with.
She loved strong men and her father was the epitome of an alpha male. He was strong not only in body but also in mind and she was still sexually attracted to him. Was that wrong? She knew it to be but couldn't help the desires that bled painful memories and fantasies in her heart.
She had come to love her husband; after all he was not only drop dead gorgeous to look at in that sexy Irish way but also had a razor sharp mind. His tender love was a soothing balm on her lonely soul and she tried to make up for her dark unattainable desires by being a loving wife. She smirked in self derision and her look was caught by Kevin who put a heavy laden plate before her.
A quiet look passed between them and she sighed. Kevin knew that something was wrong with their marriage but couldn't put his finger and his questions were always met with light rebuffs.
Mustering a happy smile she pulled her husband down and pecked him on the lips in assurance.
Digging into her plate of fried eggs she asked her father "Is Psyche still in bed?"
Giving Kevin his plate, Harold sat down with his plate and answered "No she isn't here. She and Melissa have gone on a trek."
Giving her father a shrewd smile she said "You weren't able to get rid of Psyche's psychiatrist then."
Taking a bite of his food, Harold answered "What makes you think I would want to get rid of her. She is a perfectly good doctor. And quite pleasing to the eyes may I add."
Cybil's eyes narrowed and she asked "Ah is there something brewing in that direction?"
Harold put is fork down and looked at her intently for a minute and then resumed eating.
Caught in the midst of tense undercurrent Kevin felt uncomfortable and asked in a light voice "Isn't it too early to go trekking at six in the morning?"
"Melissa wanted to photograph the Dahl and they are found on higher grounds, hence the early trek."
Settling back in his chair Kevin yawned and said "In that case you wouldn't mind if we caught some extra winks? We've been traveling for over four hours."
Harold collected the plates and said "Sure go ahead. In the mean time I will make some business calls."
Cybil stood next to her father and began to help him wash dishes and said lightly "You are such a workaholic dad. You should learn to relax."
