AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Naomi nods against my chest. “Joey would prefer that.”
“Okay. I’ll put the call out. Then we’ll go and see the pastor.”
Lifting her head, Naomi blinks, another tear tracking down her cheek.
“You probably have other things to do. You don’t need to come with me.”
Offering a smile, I cup her cheek, wiping the tear with my thumb.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Peaches. I’ll be right here for you the whole time.”
“Thanks.”
Snuggling against my chest, Naomi sighs, sniffing again. Dropping a kiss into her hair, I settled back, stroking her hair. I have no idea how long she will mourn for. I’ve never mourned someone who hated me before. I don’t really know the protocol.
Chapter 23
NAOMI
The wind sweeps across the graveyard, lifting hair and veils, carrying the sobs of Joey’s groupie friends across the flower-covered casket.
Pastor Nick’s eyes find mine, and my fingers tighten on Viper’s, where he has my hand drawn into his lap. Beside me, Shelley holds my other hand tightly, frowning at the groupies as they throw disparaging looks in my direction.
I keep my eyes on the coffin, Pastor Nick, or the large, blown-up photo of Joey in all her smoldering glory. One of her friends – Nance, I think – provided it. I can’t look at the fresh tombstone on the other side of Joey’s, engraved and only five months old. Mama’s.
Viper is the only Wild Hawk who came, and Shelley is the only old lady. Lisa wanted to be here for me, but Palmer put his foot down. He said he wasn’t having her go to Joey’s funeral.
I don’t blame him. I’ve seen the scar on Lisa’s palm. She said Nance did it, but Shelley told me that Joey put Nance up to it. Knowing my sister, I believe that.
Swallowing, I have to stop myself from shaking my head. I shouldn’t think ill of the dead, especially at her funeral.
“Dearly beloved,” Pastor Nick begins, his rich baritone voice carrying over us on the July wind. Shit. I didn’t nod to him to begin. Viper must have done it. I offer him a small smile, getting one and a squeezed hand in return.
I swallow down another sob as fingers stroke through my hair. Vicky. No wonder the groupies are throwing angry looks this way. They probably see her standing with me as siding with the enemy. I hope she’s not making life harder for herself.
The groupies have all left, back to the clubhouse, where the Shaws agreed to have the wake. Shelley and Viper are standing to the side, talking to Pastor Nick – he won’t be coming to the clubhouse – and giving me a moment alone with Joey.
Sighing, I place my palm on the polished wood of her coffin, tears slipping from beneath my lashes as I whisper to her.
“Well, Joey. You finally got Mama all to yourself. You would have liked the funeral. The Hawks paid for everything. You’re being buried in mahogany. Don’t worry. I didn’t pick your dress or shoes. Nance did that, and Shanna did your hair and makeup.”
Biting my lip, I rub my palm on the wood. “I know you hated me, and that’s okay. But I want you to know that I never hated you. I’m sorry we weren’t close sisters, but I know you would have hated any siblings.”
Turning, my eyes meet Viper’s, and he smiles, holding his hand out to me. Patting the coffin, I step away with a whispered “goodbye” and place my hand in his.
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. I’ve said my goodbyes.”
Viper nods, tangling our fingers together as I turn to Pastor Nick.
“Thank you. Again.”
“I’m so sorry for your sorrow,” he replies simply, dropping a kiss on my cheek. “You know where I am if you need anything.”
“I do. Thank you.”
Viper shakes the pastor’s hand as he and Shelley guide me to Merch’s truck. Viper drives us to the clubhouse, and they both squeeze my hands as I take a deep breath, steeling myself and stepping inside.
