Della was no prude, but the first time I set eyes on her, I swear she reminded me of one of those beauty pageant queens: long blonde hair that was never out of place, perfect features that fit her face so well, warm, golden tan skin, and legs that went on for miles. She wasn’t stick thin, like she was sickly, and her curves were probably my favorite thing about her.
I had to stifle a groan when Mia shrieked out my name. I never hid my distaste for her. She was a bitch to Della, and I didn’t let her dish any of that shit out when I was around. So seeing her wasn’t exactly pleasant.
We caught up a bit, and I was surprised to hear that she was actually living with Della. I almost didn’t believe her at first. And then she informed me that Della and Nash were now a couple. I think the floor about fell out from underneath me. When I saw Della at Shorty’s, it looked like something was going on there, but it seemed somewhat one-sided, and Della had given me some hope. Well, Mia squashed it, rattling on and on about how perfect they were together.
What the fuck?
Somehow, I was able to peel Mia’s clingy body off me, but not before she added her number to my phone. I never expected to use it, but then I kind of saw her as an in, a way to get details on Della without actually contacting her. Even if that made me sound like a pussy, I didn’t care.
I knew getting friendly with Mia just to get information on Della made me an ass, but we ended up becoming sort of friends, I guess you could call it, even though Mia clearly wanted way more than I would ever give her.
A light punch to my shoulder brought me back to reality, and I looked up to see Ty smirking down at me. “Dude, I’m just messing with you, don’t go getting your panties in a wad. See you tomorrow?”
“Sure thing,” I responded distractedly as I heard my phone ringing from inside my locker.
If I had known that call was going to affect my life, I might have ignored it. It wouldn’t have changed the outcome, it couldn’t have, but it would’ve given me more time. More time to do what, I really don’t know, but I needed it, because the words that came out of my mom’s mouth as soon as I answered, were words that I never wanted to hear.
CALLIE GAVE ME a small smile in the mirror as I assessed what I was wearing: a formfitting, black, peplum dress paired with the lowest heels that I could find, and a cherry red cardigan to cover my arms, because of course, it was raining.
I saw the rain as a sign that the angels were crying because such a great man was joining them way too soon. His absence on this earth would be greatly missed by many, and I’m sure, leave an empty void that could never be filled. I had never been deeply religious, but when I moved here, my grandparents insisted that I begin attending church with them. I was glad I did, because I had done a whole lot of praying over the past few days.
I only knew Dan Parker for a short amount of time, but he’d made a tremendous impression on my life. The first time I met him, I expected a stern, no-nonsense demeanor, since he was a lieutenant and all, but was instead welcomed by a warm embrace and huge grin. I don’t think anyone could wipe that big smile off of his face. He loved his family, no matter how loud and rambunctious they were, and now, he would never get to meet any of his grandkids, whenever they were to come.
When Grams told me that Justin’s dad died, I expected it happened on the job during a botched robbery or a hostage situation, something that was a hazard of his dangerous job. I never expected it to be from some asshole running a red light while Dan was on his way to the store to pick something up for his wife.
So, there I was, getting ready for the visitation and funeral. I felt like I needed to go. Sure, I hadn’t known Dan for that long, but he treated me like a part of the family whenever I was around, and I needed to be there for Justin, even if we hadn’t spoken in such a long time. Just the thought of what he was going through made my eyes fill with tears, just waiting to spill out.
I sniffed loudly, dabbing at my eyes before zipping up my makeup bag.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Callie asked in a quiet voice, but I answered her with a shake of my head, straightening my shoulders like my mother had drilled into me over the years.
“No, I can do this by myself. I don’t need someone to hold my hand.” I gave her a weak smile before picking up my small handbag that only had enough room for my keys and lip-gloss. “Thanks for the offer, though. Are you and Zoey still coming into Shorty’s later?”
“Yup, your favorite customers will be there to cheer you up. Save us a good table?”