Chapter 67
Jon wasn’t sure exactly who or what Zeke had been to Levi, and he knew Levi loved him. That didn’t keep him from worrying. He tightening his grip on Levi’s hand as they left the bakery. Was this how Levi felt when Robbie showed up?
They started across the street. Jon hadn’t noticed the sign in front of the old Victorian mansion when they parked. Now it was unmistakable. Parker’s Funeral Home. The man standing on the front porch wearing a scowl and a perfectly tailored black suit was also unmistakable. Jon wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but as they approached, his heart raced. Zeke was a handsome man, about his height, similar complexion, and though his hair had receded, he could envision the fiery red mop of his youth. Jon stood straighter and puffed his chest out. An involuntary reflex. He thought it was ridiculous, but knew jealousy didn’t always make sense.
“Levi!” Zeke yelled. “It takes your mother dying for you to come visit?”
As soon as they were across the street, Zeke ran down to meet them. He embraced Levi. “I am so sorry.”
Levi nodded.
“And who is this?” He asked, looking at Jon.
Levi introduced him to Zeke, who shook Jon’s hand. Jon knew he squeezed harder than was necessary and smirked inside, knowing he couldn’t let it show on his face.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jon. I just wish it were under happier circumstances.” Zeke turned to Levi. “You could’ve called, written, or something. But radio silence for the better part of a decade?”
“I was sorting some things out, finding myself, you know. Should we go inside?”
“Of course.”
The funny thing about funeral homes is that if you’ve been in one, you’ve been in them all. Sure, some things are different, but so much is the same. It’s almost uncanny, as if walking through the doors transports you to a single room shared by all of them.
Zeke led them to a room with a couch and some chairs. “Have a seat. I’ll be back in a moment.”
They took their seats as Zeke left the room. Sue looked at Levi with a questioning look. Levi shrugged. Zeke returned moments later and saw the question written on her face.
“Levi and I were best friends for years. I think I knew he was gay before he did. Besides, he swore me to secrecy when he told me before we started high school.” Levi glared at him. “What - I think she knows.”
He laughed, and Levi’s glare softened to a sly grin.
“You could’ve told me you knew,” Sue protested.
“Well, I figured that was the reason he dropped off the face of the earth. I didn’t want to assume anything about what anyone knew and let loose lips sink the fragile ship that surrounds a funeral. Emotions are running high. I’ve seen all-out brawls over flowers.”
Levi cleared his throat. “Not to sound crass, but can we stop talking about me and start talking business?”
Zeke nodded. He began going over details with Levi, explaining the policy that his mother had, and that she had done pre-planning and prepaid in case the policy didn’t cover the expense.
“She did all this when she got her first cancer diagnosis. All we really need to go through today is make sure you are good with it, because ultimately while I joke that the living aren’t my business - they really are. The dead couldn’t care less if they get cremated, buried, or donated to the body farm, but the living do.”
Levi looked at Jon. “What do you think, babe?”
“Well, if it were me and it was pre-planned and pre-paid, I don’t think I’d change anything. I would let my mother have what she wanted.”
He could feel Zeke’s gaze. Jon could tell he knew something was going on, but was afraid to ask.
Levi smiled at Jon. “Ok. You heard the man.”
As they went over the details of the service, Sue suggested they change the pastor. “I don’t like him much anymore, and I know that in the last couple of years Joan had expressed her dislike for him as well.”
Zeke nodded. “Do you have anyone in mind?”
“How about the new Presbyterian minister? I was at a funeral he preached recently, and I think he did a good job. Joan had gone to services there a couple of times earlier this year too.”
Zeke raised an eyebrow. “I’ll see if he’s available, but he will want to meet with Levi beforehand.”
Levi nodded his head. “I guess I’m good with that. Jon?”
“I’m here to support you in everything. You know that.”
“Alright, I’ll call you later and let you know what Reverend Baker says. If he’s available, I’m sure he’ll be excited to meet you. What are y’all doing for supper tonight?”
“We’re just staying in. I was thinking about grabbing a pizza or something.”
“Hell no, you’re not. My best friend shows up after more than a decade, and you think you’re getting off that easy? You and Jon are coming over to my house. I’ve already told Sarah to be expecting you, so I’ll just tell her to expect one more. You should know we make sure those in mourning eat. I won’t take no for an answer. Any dietary restrictions? Vegetarian, vegan, fruitarian?” He chuckled and looked at Jon.
Jon narrowed his eyes. “I don’t have any restrictions, but Levi won’t touch a tomato.”
Zeke smiled at him. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten, but until you said that, I had forgotten just how much he despised them. That works, though. The kids hate them just as much, so we rarely have them in the house.”
Levi blinked rapidly. “Sarah? Kids?”
“Then it’s settled. I live in my parent’s old house. You remember how to get there? Sarah and I moved in when mom and dad downsized. Be there a little after five so we can catch up. Sarah said she’s going to kick you for running away, and the kids are dying to meet you. Sue, you are welcome to come too.”
“Thank you, but I’m going to go home and rest after I take these two back home. Besides, y’all have a lot of catching up to do. Your children are going to go wild over these two, and I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up.”
Zeke smiled, and Levi gawked. Jon wasn’t sure why, but knew he would find out soon.