Chapter 9
Our driver is in place outside the chapel. Bernie thought it was best, because, unbelievably, there are fans waiting at the gates of the funeral home. We have the best fans in the world, but sometimes, there are a few who don’t think when it comes to sensitive situations like this one.
Luckily, the blacked-out windows protect us as we speed past. This is one time I don’t feel guilty about rushing away.
When we arrive at Ash and Calla’s home, most people have left the wake. Only the guests staying overnight remain, along with a few locals.
Bernie, Brett, and Max welcome us into the house, and Mrs C arrives with a blanket, wrapping up a cold-looking Angie as she recovers from the worst day of her life. Comfort in any form is exactly what she needs right now.
As they usher in Angie, I ask Max, “Where’s Ash?”
“He’s upstairs with Calla. She was pretty upset when they got back.”
Running my hands through my hair, I blow out a breath. “Yeah, of course she was. It’s been a tough day.”
“How is she?” Max asks, nodding towards Angie.
“Better, but not great. She just wanted to say goodbye in her own time, you know?”
“I get that,” Max replies.
“I’m gonna get going,” Brett says to me and Max, which is typical. He can’t handle emotional situations. “Laters, Mrs C,” he calls.
It’s pretty fucking inconsiderate, and I’m not going to deny I’m annoyed. Why didn’t he ask if Angie was okay? Sometimes he doesn’t think. I lift my chin in his direction. I don’t want to cause a scene, so I bite my tongue.
Brett is just about to head out the door when he swings around to face me. “Oh, I almost forgot. Your crazy-arsed ex-girlfriend called.”
What the fuck? “Chelsea called you?” That’s so weird.
“Yeah, she was wild. Said you hadn’t called her in weeks.”
“So, how did she get your number?”
“Fuck if I know.”
I let it go. “Whatever, I wish she’d leave me alone.
My phone’s been ringing off the hook, but we’re over, man.
I’ve got no ties to her anymore. Unless she wants to apologise for the damage she caused at my place, I don’t wanna know.
” I’m not calling her back. Dealing with her shit isn’t my priority.
A little later, we’re sitting in the lounge on the huge corner sofa when Calla and Zoe make an appearance. Ash isn’t far behind, hopping down the stairs.
“Hello, you,” Calla says as Zoe runs to Angie.
“Auntie!” she shouts, jumping into her lap.
Angie laughs a little. “Hello, my beautiful girl. Where have you been?”
“Me, Mummy, and Daddy had a big sleep.”
“Well, I bet you’re full of beans now.”
“Yes! Will you come on the trambopaline with me?”
I just love this kid. She always knows how to lift a sober mood.
Calla cuts in, “Sweetie, remember, we said you have to look after Auntie Angie today. She needs lots of love and huggles. It’s also dark and cold outside, so not really trampoline time.
” Calla turns her attention back to our group.
“All of us passed out as soon as we lay on the bed, although, I’m regretting it slightly.
I bet madam here won’t go to sleep at all now. ”
“That doesn’t matter, does it, Zo?” Angie says. “We can sit up all night talking.”
“Yay!”
“Don’t encourage her.” Calla giggles before changing the subject. “Anyone need a drink?”
“You got a beer or something?” Max asks.
“I can get you a beer. Anyone else?”
“I think it’s beers all round, baby,” Ash calls.
“Tommy, can you give me a hand?” Calla’s eyes widen as she asks.
“Sure.” I do as I’m told, guessing Calla wants a word in private, and as soon as we turn the corner, she pounces.
“What happened at the chapel? Was Angie okay?”
“Yeah. She cried some more. Spent a lot of time talking to Scott.”
Calla looks down. “It’s to be expected.”
Then a voice from behind me says, “Thanks again for today, Tommy. I appreciate all you did for me.”
I look over my shoulder to find Angie standing in the doorway.
“Hey, where did you spring from?” Calla smiles.
“I had a feeling you’d be grilling Tommy, so I wanted to step in before you really got your teeth into him. I know what you’re like, Cal.”
Her lips purse, trying not to laugh. “I’m just happy to see you looking a bit more…”
“Human?” Angie continues.
“No—”
“It’s okay. I know I haven’t exactly been with it lately and I haven’t been as supportive of you as I should. I’m so sorry if I’ve made life difficult today. Watching his coffin… it just became too much.”
“I understand. We all handle things differently. We were worried about you, that’s all.” Calla steps forward, taking Angie into her arms briefly for a hug before Angie turns to me.
“You were amazing today, Tommy. Those last hours with Scott were so precious.” Her glassy eyes blink repeatedly.
“I’m glad I could help.” And I thank God I came through for her.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, or if the family would be happy about it.
I took a chance and it paid off. The only thing that matters—no—the only person that matters, is Angie. She got what she needed from today.
“It was like you instantly knew what to do.” She takes my hand. “Thank you.”
“No probs.” A lump forms in my throat and I try to clear it. “Shall I grab those beers now?”
“Yeah, why not,” Calla says as Ash enters the kitchen.
“Guys, I need a word. The funeral home just called.” He stops abruptly, chewing his bottom lip.
“What? Just say it.” Angie seems just a little stronger. I hope this is the beginning of her healing.
“They wanted to know if the cremation could take place tomorrow morning. I told them yes. It’s better if this happens sooner rather than later. I hope that’s okay.”
“Yes.” Angie looks down. “I know you’re right.”
“Do you want to be there?” Ash asks.
She closes her eyes briefly. “I can’t let him go alone.”
“We can all go,” Ash says, looking at his wife.
“Yeah, we should all be there,” Calla adds. She’s finding it just as hard to say goodbye to Scott. Fuck, I feel for her.
“I’m sorry that you have to go through it twice, Cal. That was selfish of me,” Angie sobs.
Jesus, my heart can’t take much more.
“Hey, don’t do that to yourself. I understand. He’s your husband and you know what? I’m so grateful he had you by his side every day.” She hugs Angie once more, just as my phone buzzes in my pocket.
It’s no surprise to see Chelsea calling.
What does she want now? In order to speak privately and not disturb their family moment, I head into the sitting room where Max has Zoe on his back, playing horses.
I smile at their game, knowing once I take this call, I won’t be smiling for a while.
I thought I made it clear to Chelsea that we’re better apart, but she doesn’t want to listen.
“Yeah?” I answer.
“Where the bloody hell have you been? I’m going out of my mind here. Why haven’t you answered my calls?”
A deep sigh leaves my mouth as I answer in a low tone. “Do you ever stop to think of anyone but yourself? It was Scott’s funeral today, Chelsea. Some respect might not go amiss.”
“I’m sorry, I forgot. What with the time difference and everything.”
Now there’s a crock of shit. It’s the afternoon there. “And you shouldn’t be stalking Brett, either.”
“What do you mean by that?” she barks down the phone.
“You found his number somewhere.”
“I got it from a friend he hooked up with once, but that’s not the point. I’ve been going crazy, Tommy. You know you wouldn’t have this hassle if you could only see how good we are together—”
“Don’t, Chelsea.”
A few seconds of silence pass before she asks, “How did it go?” There’s guilt in her tone.
“As good as these things can, I guess.” There’s no need to tell her more.
“That’s good.”
There’s silence again, making me question exactly what I have left to give this girl.
“When are you coming home?”
“Chelsea, please don’t do this to yourself. We’re over.”
“Please. I need to talk to you. It’s important.”
Now isn’t the time to ram this down her throat. Today has been heavy, and I’m done in, but I also don’t want her waiting for me when I’m certain I won’t change my mind. “Look, there’s no point in you hanging around at my place. You might as well go back to yours.”
“But why? You said I could stay here as long as I wanted.”
“That was before you smashed the place up.” Even so, I thought she might stay a day or two, not this long.
“I had every reason to. It’s obvious you’re in love with someone else.”
Now she’s putting words into my mouth. Jesus. “I don’t know where you got that idea, but you’re wrong. There’s no one else.”
As soon as I say it, I regret every word. Maybe if she thought I’d moved on, she would hate me a little and get on with her life.
“Are you sure?” she says with sarcasm in her tone. “Because I have something to tell you that could change the way you feel about me.”
Now what the hell does that mean?
ANGIE
It’s been three days since the funeral. Ash and Calla have been amazing, but I can’t go on relying on them.
There’s a lot to sort out at home, what with Scott’s business, and eventually, I need to find a new house.
Our rental is coming to an end after we gave our notice to the landlord some time ago.
I have no choice but to look for somewhere new before the baby is born.
It was always our dream to buy something nearer the beach, and I’m going to stick with that. Scott loved the water.
I’m sitting in Calla’s home office going through paperwork, but my mind keeps drifting off and thinking of other things.
It’s an odd feeling, knowing you’re on your own with a baby on the way.
Sometimes it’s a positive frame of mind that gets me through the day, such as making lists of things I have to do before the baby arrives.
At other times, I could crumble. In fact, I often do, but I hide it away from the family.
They need to see me making progress, not stepping backwards.
I hear footsteps behind me, and when I turn around, Calla is standing by the door. “Can I come in?”