8. Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
Emilia
M y entire weekend is spent in the gallery office, only really taking a few short breaks, enough to eat and get a little sleep.
My back and knees ache from sitting on the floor for hours on end, while I made various piles to put some order into the paperwork strewn around the room.
But my efforts have been well worth the discomfort as I stand in the doorway on Monday morning, gazing with pride over the now perfectly clean desk, empty in and out trays, and filing cabinet drawers that finally close for the first time in a decade.
With a deep sigh, I stride away from the open office door and out to the front of the gallery, where the funeral home's black town car is waiting at the curb, ready to take me to my father’s funeral.
The ride over is silent, a deep sadness pressing against my chest. In a sense, I have loved being back home, and relishing the comfort that the place brings me.
But there is no denying the empty feeling that also hits me at being here alone.
The memories of my childhood, my parents, the discovery of my love of art and painting, the chaos of new exhibits being opened and the thrill of the high-end gala’s…
but each memory is now tainted by the knowledge that I won't ever have any of it again, now that both of my parents are gone.
It made the decision to sell the gallery business a little easier, though.
I’m still not sure if I’m going to keep the building.
I understand the investment potential it holds if I lease it out, my accountant highlighted the benefits in detail, but deep down I think I would only be keeping it to hold onto their memory.
My life is in Perth now. With the funds from the sale, I could start my own gallery over there, without the raised eyebrows as to where the money came from.
It’s always been a dream of mine, but I had given up on the idea a while ago when I realised my legitimate business could never viably fund the purchase, and I would’ve needed to use money I’ve earned from my forgery commissions.
A sudden influx in cashflow from an inheritance will allow me to put a little extra into the new venture without any unwanted attention.
The car stops under the portico at the front of the funeral home, next to the black hearse.
I can’t help but to stare at the empty glassed-in rear, until my door opens, and a hand appears.
Without really looking, I take the offered hand and alight from the back seat, pushing my sunglasses onto the top of my head, I mumble a ‘thank you’.
“‘Tis the least I could do, cher ,” the familiar deep voice rumbles close to my ear, pulling me from my thoughts.
With a gasp in surprise, I throw myself at Silas, and the tears that have threatened to pour out all morning start to flow.
His arms come around me and practically swallow up my not so small frame within his huge one.
A few of his dark dreadlocks fall over my face as he bends down to embrace me properly. “I can’t believe you came.”
I pull away a few moments later to look up at my dear friend's face. His warm chocolate brown eyes soften, as he puts his large hands on either side of my face, his thumbs brushing away the tears still on my cheeks.
“I couldn’t let you do this alone. And I knew if I’d asked you first, your stubborn ass would’ve just said no. So, today I chose to ask for forgiveness instead.”
“There is nothing to forgive. I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t think I realised just how much I’d need a friendly face today, until now that I’ve seen one,” I respond, not having to force the small, watery smile.
Silas releases my face and straightens to his full height, before turning to offer me his arm with a haughty look. I gratefully accept it, looping my arm through his with a huff of a laugh as we walk through the open front doors.
Alister Green is waiting just off to the side of the foyer as we walk in, and he walks over to greet us once we’re inside.
“Miss Walters, Mr Lacriox, if you could please follow me through to the chapel, you can review the set up before the guests start to arrive. I will have some coffee made and brought in to you both shortly.”
I nod to Alister and let Silas guide me through the space towards the closed double doors at the end of the foyer, pausing briefly for Alister to open them ahead of us.
The room is large with windows that run down both sides.
Rows of seats are set up on either side of the aisle, highlighting the path down to the cherry wood casket.
Simple wildflower arrangements are scattered around the room on pillar stands, bringing the riot of colour that my father had loved so much into the space.
They make it seem far too cheerful for a funeral, but I know the choice would have made him happy and today isn’t about me.
A large portrait of my father sits on an easel to the side of the casket, the portrait had been painted by my mother before she passed - she was the original artist of the family.
“Everything is per your specifications, but we do understand that sometimes when we see the final plans in the actual space, they may not match our vision. So, please feel free to let me know if there are any changes you would like made, Miss Walters. We still have plenty of time and always have a stock of different flowers and coloured fabric options on hand,” Alister says from beside me.
“No, that won’t be necessary, thank you, Alister.”
“Would you like a few moments alone?” he asks gently. “Some people like to take some time to be with their loved one, before everyone arrives.”
“Thank you for the offer, but to me, my father isn’t here.
He is with my mother now, where he belongs.
That,” I say, gesturing to the coffin, “is just a representation of his presence.” I release Silas’ arm and turn back towards the doors, needing to be out of this space that feels more like the void of life, rather than a celebration of my father’s life.
“I think I’ll take that coffee now.” I say, not waiting for Alister or Silas to respond as I walk back out of the room and towards the office.
Once we settle into the office, Alister excuses himself to see to the last-minute details, and closes the doors behind him as he leaves.
“Is there anythin’ I can do, cher ?” Silas asks, rubbing circles on my back.
“Not right now, Si. I just need to get through the next few hours,” I say, quietly. My attention is on the wall and not my friend’s face, but I see him pick up his coffee cup from my periphery.
“And then what, girl? We go back to my hotel, order a ridiculous amount of room service, and at least four bottles of wine. You can have a nice soak in the very oversized bath, and then we can eat in bed, watchin’ movies,” he offers, knowing full well he’s targeted every one of my comfort weaknesses.
“Then in the mornin’ I can take you to the apartment to grab your things and the plane can be ready to take us home, so you can be back in your own bed by tomorrow night.
I take a deep breath in and exhale before answering. My mind is made up, but the words stall in my throat.
“Yeah, Si. I think that is exactly what I need,” I manage to answer eventually.
I lower my eyes to my lap as I feel the sting of more tears forming, but none fall.
“I’m not sure if there is any paperwork I need to sign with the solicitor before I can leave though, so let me check in with him after the funeral, before we make any concrete plans.
I might have to stay another night or two just to wrap things up here.
But I can hop on a commercial flight home afterwards.
“You wound me, cher ,” Silas turns my chair to face him, so my legs are between his.
He leans forward and gently lifts my chin with his finger, making me look up into his sympathetic face.
“I can stay if you need me. Just say the word. I will move some meetin’s around and I can be here to help you get the rest of the plans in place. Then we can fly home together.”
I shake my head, the movement dislodging his fingers from my chin, “No, Si. I can’t ask any more of you, you have already done so much. You go. I’ll only be a couple of days behind you.”
His dark eyes flit between mine, and I hope he can see the resolve I am trying to give off. He must, as he nods slowly a few moments later. “Okay. But you are not flyin’ commercial with the peasants. I will send the plane back to collect you and bring you home when you’ve settled everythin’ here.”
“Thanks, Si.”
He hands me my coffee from the table and settles back into his chair. We sit in companionable silence for a few minutes before the office door opens and Alister takes a few steps inside. “The guests have started to arrive. Are you ready to come out and greet them, or do you need some more time?”
I take a breath to steady myself then rise from my chair. I feel Silas stand behind me and place his hand at the small of my back. I nod to Alister. “Let’s get this over with.”