Page 156 of When There Was You
“I’ve got a surprise for you when you get home.”
My heart performs a little flip. “Really? What is it?”
He chuckles. “Yeah, like that’s going to happen.”
I know.He’s like a fucking vault when it comes to secrets. Something I love about him. “A girl can try.”
“Don’t bother to guess.”
My mind whirs, then slows. I’m exhausted—and if I’m honest, anxious. There’s no energy to mentally sift through a list of presents I could want. “I miss you.”
“I miss you more.”
“I’m too tired to argue.” I stretch my legs, joints cracking in my ankles.
“Just how I like my women...pliant.”
I bark out a laugh. “Pliantmy ass.”
“I like a pliant ass too.”
“Well, that’s true. Youarean ass man.” A loud yawn escapes.
“Get some sleep, Sundance. I’m sure tomorrow will be tough. What time is the funeral?”
“Midmorning.”
He pauses. “I should be with you.”
God no.Potent images of Mick and Remy flash unbidden in my mind.“That would be like coming to my high school reunion, a total drag. No one cares about the plus-one. You’rejust the guy everyone is morbidly curious about because they’re nosy and want to know if I wound up with a hot guy or some balding loser.”And I need to do this alone.
“Which one am I?”
“If you have to ask...” My lips curve into a smile.
“Ouch.”
“I’ll call you later tonight, hot guy.”
“And then you better get your pliant ass back home.”
“Soon, baby. Soon.”
Seventy-Six
Even though I arrive early at the Chapel of the Chimes, the only Oakland facility large enough to accommodate the mourners streaming into Terry’s funeral, it’s already packed. I wonder how many people here actuallyknewhim and aren’t just fans. I walk toward the imposing structure and find the fountain in the front, spotting Kendra. Like me, she’s wearing a black, knee-length dress. Her hair is longer and in a new style.
Our eyes meet, and mine instantly well. We fall into each other’s embrace, clutching tightly. I’ve missed her and never expected to reunite over something tragic. It’s bittersweet. We pull apart, our hands connecting.
“Despite this fucked-up situation, you look amazing,” I say.
“And you’re still a fine-ass white girl,” she answers, and we share wan smiles. “Let me see that ring.”
I lift my hand.
“You better hang onto that man. That’s exquisite, Jacqui, and so perfect for you.”
“I know,” I murmur, but it’s hard to be excited about this with grief hanging so heavy between us. I sniff, reachingfor the travel pack of tissues in my pocket. “You ready for this?”
