Chapter 19 #2
“Josh has mentioned Oscar, but I haven’t met him. He said Oscar’s wife was pregnant with their third child when she died.”
Ashlyn’s eyes went wide when she snapped her gaze to mine. “Shit. I didn’t know that part of it. Wow.”
“I don’t think it was a secret. But it was a while ago. He said that was part of why his marriage ended. She didn’t like that he was spending time with Oscar and Christy instead of her.”
Ashlyn rolled her eyes so hard I thought she’d fall over. “Not a shock. She’s a piece of work.”
“That’s what you said.”
“She’s the opposite of them in every way.
Walks around like she owns everything and expects everyone to worship her, even though she’s not a local and not liked or respected.
She married some rich guy who likes to throw his money around to get his way.
She throws even more of it around than he does.
Of course, she’s around more than he is, but she’s just demanding of attention. ”
“I definitely got that feeling from her the one time I saw her in Daily Ritual. She seemed like she was difficult.”
Ashlyn faced me with a smirk. “You never told me about that. Then again, I wouldn’t have understood the significance.”
I shrugged. “I learned later it was the day she was telling Josh about moving the graduation party to his house. She was in line in front of me before he got there and definitely had her demands on display.”
“Is that code for boobs?”
I snorted. “No, but those were on display, too.”
“She’s something.” Ashlyn scanned the room where everyone was gathering.
“I imagine she’ll be here. The last time we spoke, she demanded I find her a rental for family coming in for graduation.
Everything was booked, and she was furious that I wouldn’t cancel another reservation so she could have the place she wanted at the last minute. ”
“Wow,” I breathed, catching sight of the woman herself walking in like she was the most important one in the room. “She’s here.”
Ashlyn turned to the door, taking in the head to toe auburn pantsuit Hannah wore. She had on a massive hat in a matching color and sunglasses like a movie star trying to hide her appearance and only drawing more attention to herself.
As we stared at Hannah, Josh skidded to a stop in front of us. “Hey.”
“Hi. How are you?”
“Busy. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
I shook my head. “We’re here for Christy.”
“You are?”
I nodded. “Of course. We brought food from Daily Ritual for her, but she’s been pretty slammed.” I pointed to the box Ashlyn was holding.
Josh’s face softened, his eyes going molten and having the same effect on my insides. “You’re amazing.”
“I can’t take the credit. Ashlyn said she didn’t eat much the day of her dad’s funeral. She thought it would be good, even if Christy doesn’t eat anything until later.”
“Thank you.” He wrapped an arm around my back and hugged me to him. He kissed my neck and lingered at my ear. “You look amazing, and I feel like a jerk saying that here, but you’re gorgeous.”
I smiled at him, my heart fluttering at the look in his eyes. “You look exhausted. You should eat something, too. And Oscar. I’m sure none of you are sleeping.”
Ashlyn held the box up in front of him. “Kannon sent plenty for everyone. Maybe you can pull them away one at a time to eat something.”
Josh took the box and hugged Ashlyn. “Thanks. This means a lot.”
Ashlyn nodded.
Josh looked at the line to speak to Christy and winced. “I really need to go. I’m sorry. I…”
I shook my head. “Go be with Christy. She needs you right now. Just like Oscar did years ago. I’ll see you later or in a few days or whenever it makes sense.”
“Are you mad?”
I smiled and cupped his jaw. “Not in the least. I promise. Go be with your family.”
His eyes softened again, gratitude and something that looked like love to my vulnerable heart shining at me. He kissed me quickly, then carried the box away. He made a beeline for Oscar, pointing to us after a second.
Oscar waved, and we smiled and waved back.
“Hey,” Sage said from behind us. “I was hoping I’d find you guys. This is crazy.”
“It is. Everyone loves Coach, and Christy,” Ashlyn said.
“Yeah. I thought Zuri was coming, too. Have you seen her?”
Zuri found us a few minutes later, and we got in line to speak to Christy. After we offered her our condolences, we made our way to the football field for the service.
Shortly after we sat, the music changed.
Everyone stood as the funeral director brought the casket onto the field, guided by six pallbearers, including Oscar’s sons, Evie, and three other kids I assumed were former players.
Josh and Oscar flanked Christy, the three of them right behind the casket with two other couples behind them.
I assumed they were the parents of the other pallbearers.
I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures of them all together. It was a sad moment, but after seeing Josh’s house, I thought it might be something he wanted to capture.
The entire crowd was quiet as the minister spoke about the impact Coach Ross had on the community and the players he coached. I heard sniffles from all around me, knowing this man I’d never met was truly loved by all there.
Josh stood and delivered the eulogy, praising the man who’d always been a supporter of himself, Christy, and Oscar.
I took more pictures of him, one with a sad smile on his face that I knew I would keep forever.
He talked about Coach encouraging Josh to pursue his dreams and offering parenting advice to him.
It brought back the conversation from a few days ago about kids. I hadn’t had the courage to say anything to Josh about it, even though I knew he was wondering why I was so quiet that night. I’d considered bringing up the subject the next morning, but Evie came home and I never had a chance.
Josh sat, and the service continued. When the minister was done, he invited anyone interested to follow them to the gravesite for the burial.
“Are we going?” Sage whispered.
“We planned to,” Ashlyn whispered back.
“Me, too,” Zuri said.
Sage nodded. “Sounds good. I wore flats just in case. Are you guys going to the reception?”
Zuri, Ashlyn, and I all nodded.
“Okay, perfect.”
We followed along with everyone else in town, walking the abandoned streets to the cemetery.
We hung back to allow Coach’s players and close friends and family to have closer seats.
I took a few more pictures of Josh with his friends, loving the way the three of them smiled at each other with so much love and care in their eyes.
I wondered if the three of them knew how lucky they were to have each other, but I guessed they did.
After the burial, Sage, Zuri, Ashlyn, and I walked with the rest of the crowd to Elle’s Place.
I took pictures of the people in town as they walked the streets.
Young and old alike were there to celebrate the same man.
It showed me what community looked like in Amethyst Bay.
Everyone together to honor a person who touched all their lives.
I was sad to have never met the man, but I was honored to witness the love he left behind. He would be missed, but he would never be forgotten, I knew that for sure.