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At the tavern, he liked to pick her up and put her places. She got the impression he’d rather carry her up the slight hill to the grave site, but she appreciated him letting her get there herself.
It was bad enough Andrew that already thought they were more intimate than they were. He hadn’t said anything about it when they’d discussed the details of the burial the previous day. His kindness in making sure she had everything she needed had returned that rock to her stomach.
“Jami,” Andrew greeted her. He moved closer, his hands careful on her shoulders as he gave her a brief hug. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Jami nodded. He knew better than anyone that it wasn’t a loss for her.
“Fuck that. It’s about time Dad was put out of his misery.”
Jami almost fell when she whirled toward the voice. “Skylar?”
Her sister strode to her, shoving Andrew so he stumbled back. She wrapped Jami up in a tight squeeze. “Hey, Jame.” Her short hair wasn’t in spikes like the last time Jami had seen it, and it pressed softly against Jami’s cheek.
She hadn’t been able to talk to Skylar in the past week, so she’d resorted to leaving a message after all. “You’re here.” She blinked at the girl she’d helped to raise. All she saw was the rock star Skylar had become. Pale blonde hair, tight leather pants, and a leather jacket with spikes and chains that poked her before her sister pulled away. The crop top under it didn’t cover much skin, but at least she wasn’t flashing her nipples.
“I can’t stay,” Skylar said, a scowl forming even as she forced a shrug. “I’ve got a gig in London tomorrow night.”
“Weren’t you performing in New York last night?” Skylar’s manager had always been kind enough to send up-to-date calendars. Jami had managed to leave the message with her, since saying their father died in a voicemail had been impossible. “That’s too much travel, and in the wrong direction. You shouldn’t have come, Skylar.”
Skylar’s lips rose in a half smile. “Stop worrying, Jame. I needed to see you for myself.” The smile fell as her sister stared at her. “You’re free now. About fucking time.”
“Please, Skylar,” Andrew spoke up. “Show some respect.” Behind him, the priest he’d brought looked away.
“Fuck you, Drew,” Skylar said. She folded her arms as she glared at the coffin. “Still no dirt on him? Let’s get that fucker into the ground.”
“Skylar,” Jami said softly.
Her sister glanced at her. Her face looked carved out of stone, but she let out a breath. “I get it, Jame, but you and I both know he really died with Mom.” She looked back toward the coffin. “Now he’s going to rest beside her. It’s a good thing.”
She reached for her sister’s hand. “I’m picturing them together too.”
The priest took his cue. He spoke words that had likely been spoken over more graves than she’d ever know. Hearing her father was at peace felt true.
When asked if she wanted to drop the first handful of dirt, Jami hesitated but then shook her head. Trying to bend would make her feel ridiculous.
Malcolm moved forward, crouching to take up a handful. He rose, turning her hand and placing the dirt in her palm.
She met his eyes. “Thanks,” she murmured, and he nodded, wiping his hand against his dark dress pants as he stepped back. He’d surprised her by wearing an outfit other than jeans.
There was something final about the soft thud of the dirt hitting the coffin.
Skylar didn’t do the same. She waved her hand. “All right, everyone scram. Let my sister and I have a minute with this death shit.” She eyed Malcolm, a smile forming as she did. “Even you, Muscles.”
The priest was only too happy to leave.
Malcolm glanced at Jami, but at her nod, he headed toward the truck.
Andrew hesitated at her side. “I was hoping we could talk.”
She nodded, even though her stomach twisted in anticipation of what he might say. “Wait for me. Skylar probably has a plane to catch.”
Skylar glared at Andrew’s back as he walked down the hill. “What a creep,” she muttered. “I’m glad to see you with Muscles over there. He’s yummy. I was worried you’d be fucking Dad’s old boss by now.”
Jami couldn’t control her wince, so she was glad that Skylar continued to glare at Andrew and missed it. She’d never admitted to her sister what she’d allowed to happen. “Thanks for coming.”
Skylar shook her head. “Shit, I suck at all of this. Sorry I didn’t answer. You know how I get when I’m touring.”
“Your new album is amazing, Skylar. I’m so proud of you.” Jami had never been jealous of her sister. It’d be like being jealous of the sun. Of course it shined the brightest. Life was best when you enjoyed the warmth whenever you could. She just wished she could enjoy it more.
