AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Nine
Jayand I walk into the memorial lunch together still discussing the case, oblivious to those around us. That is, until Summer steps in our path. My voice and feet both falter instantly.
The mere sight of my old life flashes before my eyes, memories flooding my brain. The first time I met Summer. I gave Sam a ride home after work and she invited me in. Summer was still awake, sitting at the kitchen table, laptop open, drinking a cup of coffee. It was after midnight, and I remember thinking I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep if I were to have caffeine this late at night.
She immediately closed her computer and gave us her full attention. There was a genuinely happy smile on her face. We ended up sitting around talking for hours. Summer wanted to know everything about me. Where I was from. What I was studying in school. If I liked working at Riley’s.
And when I left, she pulled me in for a hug that warmed my heart. It was the moment I realized I’d been invited as part of their family. She adopted me as her second child that night. Treated me as one of her own from then on. Would get on my case if she thought I was working too much and not enjoying life. I was invited to every family meal, every holiday, and there were presents for me under their tree at Christmas time.
For the first time in my life, I felt like I was part of a family. My parents gave me the material things I needed in life, but Summer and Sam provided my emotional needs. They showed me love in a way I didn’t realize I was missing.
“Summer,” Jay greets her warmly, pulling her in for a hug that she returns with enthusiasm.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Jay. How was your drive?”
Summer and Jay make small talk while I zone out. I take in my surroundings, the people standing in little groups conversing. All here to celebrate Sam. To remember her. To celebrate her life.
For me, it’s shining a bright light on what happened to her more than anything. Sure, there are things I’ve forgotten that are coming back to me. Moments we shared. Memories we made. However, I can’t help but focus on the real reason we’re all here.
She was killed.
Summer’s voice cuts through the haze, highlighting my very thoughts.
“Are you two helping with Sam’s case?” she asks.
Jay’s back stiffens. “Something like that,” he replies, not wanting to give her false hope.
We decided on the walk over that it would be best to keep everything to ourselves for now. Any conclusions we draw. Any details we piece together. We don’t want anyone to get excited, and we certainly don’t want the person responsible to get wind of our efforts and flee town.
The more we talked, the more certain I became that it’s someone from Great Falls. The fact both scares me senseless, because he’s still out there, and sad because we could have prevented it had we paid better attention to those around us. To the people in our own community.
“Care to enlighten me?” she continues when Jay offers nothing more, looking between the two of us.
“As soon as we know more, you’ll be the first person I call,” I promise her, pulling her into my side to avoid eye contact.
The three of us take our seats at a table in the corner. The university has gone all out decorating the lobby of the student center in remembrance of Sam. Bouquets of pink and teal balloons are spaced around the large area. Pink and white flowers in teal vases adorn each table covered in a white tablecloth. But the centerpiece of the event is the large buffet running along the front windows judging by the crowd of people lining up to dig in.
As soon as Spencer and Mia arrive, the five of us get in line to fill our plates. I try not to think about the fact that we’re basically at a memorial service. That the black outfits everyone is wearing symbolizes death. Or that we’re only gathered because of a tragedy.
It feels like we’re at her funeral all over again. Not that I remember that day. I have flashbacks from time to time of Mia forcing me in the shower, curling my hair, and helping me into my black dress. The service itself is a blur, and most of the luncheon after as well.
The one thing that stands out from that day is the way the four of us—me, Mia, Spence, and Jay—stood united. We sat together. Held hands. The guys carried Sam’s casket while Mia and I consoled a devastated Summer.
And here we are again. The four of us, along with Summer, gathering because of Sam. Because some asshole decided to take her life for a reason we have yet to figure out. Of all the emotions I’m feeling right now, anger is the most prevalent.
Still, I keep my head held high and force myself to smile and laugh at Spencer’s jokes. I put on my brave face and push away the sadness and loss that’s clutching my heart, making it hard to breathe, let alone eat. The same feeling that’s had a vice grip on me since setting foot back in this tiny town I once called home.
A microphone comes to life as I’m about to take a bite of my potato salad, the light puffs of a tapping sound bouncing off the high ceilings. It silences the voices around us to a low hush.
“Hello, hello,” the dean says. Spinning in my seat, I find him standing behind a podium on the far side of the room. “Thank you all for being here today. Sam was a bright light in our community, and although taken far too soon, made a lasting impact on many of us. One such person is here today to share with you his memories of Sam. If you would please join me in welcoming Jay Ross,” the Dean concludes, waving his hand in our direction.
My mouth drops open in shock as Jay stands from his seat next to me and makes his way to the podium while the small crowd claps. After shaking the dean’s hand, he takes the microphone from him and casually rests against the side of the podium.
Jesus. He looks absolutely stunning. The artwork on his left arm stands out against his shirt and draws my attention momentarily. My eyes travel north, landing on his eyes. I couldn’t help but notice how his shirt brought out the colors earlier, brightening the soft gray.
It’s a damn good thing he’s not giving a Ted talk right now. Not a single woman in this room would retain any information.
Jay Ross is sex on a stick.
