“You know, one reason I didn’t want a church service for Scott today was because he wasn’t a great believer, but me? I believed in something. I never imagined some giant father figure sitting on a throne in the clouds or anything like that,but I believed there was… a presence or plan. Now? Well, now I just think life is life and death is inevitable. Do you know what I mean?”
It's a good way of looking at it. “Yeah. I get that.”
She pauses for a second before asking, “Do you believe, Tommy?”
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “My parents are into it, and if it helps, then okay. Whatever gets you through.”
She nods again. “I think I’ve come to the conclusion that we are not in control of our own destiny.” She sighs.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while until Angie says, “If it’s okay with you, I just need five more minutes with Scott.”
“You take as much time as you need,” I reassure her. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No,” she says quickly. “I don’t want to feel any more alone than I already am.”
I steeple my fingers and lean forward. “Okay. I’ll wait here. Take your time.”
“Thank you.”
She gets up and makes her way to the front of the chapel, but this time, instead of taking a seat, she steps towards the coffin and lays her hand across it.
“I’ll always love you, Knoxy. In fact, I will walk this Earth loving you until the day we can be together again.” She kisses her hand, then presses it against the top of her husband’s coffin. Her tears come thick and fast, splashing against the wood. I don’t know what to do for the best, but I’m sure if she needs me to steady her, she will ask for help. It’s better to keep my distance and let her say goodbye in her own way.
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 swingsaround 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.
