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Before I could even start telling him, Crystal snapped. “Please tell me we are not talking about funerals over dinner. Just because you attend them daily, doesn’t mean the rest of us want to think about death and dying.”
It hurt. Not because she cut me off before I could tell my story, but because no one seemed to understand the value I bring to a wake. It might not be for everyone, but this worked for me. I was…happy. Or at least I thought I was.
Without saying a word, I walked into the kitchen and started unpacking the food. I called out, “Dinner is ready. Get it while it’s hot.” I tried to keep the hurt out of my voice. I wasn’t sure if they bought it, or just didn’t want to address it. Either way, it was fine with me. I’m used to it.
As we sat at the table, no one touched the topic of my work again. Not even Clark. I couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same as the others and had just been humoring me. Too bad, it was a funny-ass story.
Joey, on the other hand, spent most of the night talking to Clark. Each time he tried asking a personal question that should be off limits, Clark held his own and didn’t answer it. I was impressed, because Joey was persistent. And Clark doesn’t back down.
That’s just what I needed. Another thing I liked about Clark. But there was something different about him tonight. I could see it in his eyes. What happened while I was at work? What made the light start to go out?
“PJ, are you even listening anymore?” Crystal asked.
I looked at her and said, “It’s been a long day and I’ve eaten so much that it’s made me…sleepy.”
Please get the hint and go home.
Joey stood up and said, “I believe your friend wants to be alone with Clark.”
Clark looked at me and smiled. I’m trying.
Crystal said, “I should stay and help her clean up.”
“I’ll do it,” Clark said.
Crystal laughed. “I don’t think it’s dishes you want to help her with.”
I rolled my eyes. Yes, I wanted Clark, but I knew sex wasn’t going to answer my questions. What’s bothering him?
It wasn’t long before the others left and it was just Clark and me sitting on the couch. “Thank you again for bringing dinner.”
“I think we should’ve gone out.”
“That’s what I was thinking, too. Probably not for the same reason. I thought they never would leave, and we wouldn’t get any alone time,” I said.
“Me too. And I wanted to talk to you.”
Oh, no. The talk. Here it comes.
“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” The words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them.
He nodded. “I have to be back at work in the morning. I’m taking a late flight tonight.”
There was more I could say, to ask, but talking wasn’t how I wanted to spend our last night together. I got up and sat on his lap. “Then maybe we should make the most of the time we have.”
“I thought we were going to talk,” he said.
Pulling him close, I replied, “We can do that over the phone. But we can’t do this.” I kissed him teasingly, tracing his lips with my tongue.
Clark moaned and said, “Fine, but we talk before I leave.”
Running my hand up his dress shirt and slipping my fingers inside I said, “Let me show you what I want to say.”
He scooped me into his arms and stood up. “I think this conversation should be done in the bedroom.”
Smiling, I suggested, “Or the shower.”
A low growl rumbled through him as he carried me to the bed.
We’ll talk later, but I want to keep my fairytale going as long as possible.
