Page 57 of Falling for Grace

“This is weird.” He looks around at all the familiar faces. I nod in agreement. “Why is it you only see friends and families at funerals and weddings?”

A tall blonde with the body of a catwalk model walks confidently over to where Brandon is standing. She places her hands on his cheeks, talking to him quietly and then kissing him on the lips. He clearly reciprocates and they embrace, his hands gripping her tightly.

I immediately turn away, unwilling to watch the public display of affection. I hate that I’m feeling jealous on a day like today. There should be no space for jealousy, but here I am cowering behind Harry.

“Gracie,” Ted says. “He’ll be here in five— Sue and I want you with us at the front.”

I excuse myself to Harry, falling into step with Ted.

“I’ll see you after, right?” Harry calls after me.

“Sure,” I reply politely.

Ted walks next to me and sees me as I glance at Brandon and the blonde woman, who—now that I’m closer—is breathtakingly beautiful. Flawless complexion, naturally tanned, and bright blue eyes that look too big for her face.

I hate her.

“His girlfriend,” Ted says, with an expression of distaste. “She wasn’t invited, but I guess she is here to support him.”

I nod, not vocalising the question that I really want to ask, like why she wasn’t invited.

“This is Grace.” Ted introduces me to the priest who I shake hands with, mine cold and clammy engulfed in the warmth.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” He turns back to Ted and Sue and adds, “Danny will be carried in and then do you want to follow straight away or come in last?”

“Straight away,” Sue says her voice shaking. “I don’t want all those eyes on me.”

The Priest bows in understanding.

“The guests will find the order of service already on their chairs.”

Sue isn’t really listening, Brandon and the blonde choosing that moment to appear on my right.

“Your eulogy will happen just before the first song,” he explains, pointing to the part in the book after a reading from the bible.

“Did Brandon tell you about the CD?” I ask Ted.

“I did,” Brandon responds still hidden behind his sunglasses, holding the blonde's hand, or was she holding his? I really try not to let my expression show my feelings, but I think my nose turned up like I had smelled shit.

This was Ava from the phone call, that makes Brandon say things like“it could be her fault.”

“It will play directly after you’ve finished” the priest adds, I gulp down the nervousness hearing that song maybe my undoing.

“Will it be the five of you at the front?”

Sue glances at the blonde.

“No, just the four of us,” Brandon says in response, a look of apology passes between the blonde—Ava—and him. She smiles politely. I hate that she isn’t a bitch about it, and I also hate when she addresses Brandon in front of us all. Even though she hasn’t done anything wrong, not really. Just supporting her boyfriend, but these feelings are so strong and overwhelming.

“I’m going to go and stand with Blake. I’ll see you after.” She doesn’t kiss him again, just squeezes his hand and walks away, ergh.

Why couldn’t she have been all dick about it?

Why did she have to give him the space that his family has requested?

“She’s not welcome here,” Sue spits. “I haven’t even met the woman and she’s here on today of all days.”

Brandon looks sideways at me and I pretend to look at anything other than the exchange in front of me.

---