Page 94 of Raised On It

“Okay, Bennett, we need to call George at the funeral home and tell him I have everything covered. No cutting corners. Whatever Margie and the family want. Then we need to call Mrs. Thoms and order every flower she’s got. If there’s any debt on the shop, I’ll clear it. It’s not like Mel had a 401k for Margie to cash in. We need to be sure she’s taken care of.”

“Got it, Boss. I’m on it.”

“Everything!” I yell behind him. “I have it all covered. The family will not spend a dime, got it!”

“Understood!” he yells from down the hall.

Dave and I sit in silence again.

Still letting it sink in.

What is Eastlyn without Mel?

He’s an institution.

My cell phone vibrates on my desk, and when I stand to check it, I see a text from Mason.

City Mouse

Hey baby. Wanted to check on you. Did you hear the news about Mel?

Me

Just found out.

In an instant,her face is lighting up my screen.

“Hey, baby.”

“Oh, Miles. I am so sorry. Are you okay? I know how much he meant to you.”

“I’m okay, baby. Thanks for checking on me.”

“What can I do?”

She’s just like me. Her first instinct is to help.

“Mase, I have everything covered, but I do think I’m going to have to postpone book club if that’s okay?”

I feel awful because I know her book is a big deal, but I want to give her the attention she deserves, and after this devastating news, I’m not sure I’ll be up for it.

“Miles, of course. Don’t give it another thought. I understand if you can’t get together tonight. I’m sure you want to be with your friends and family. Just let me know what I can do and I’m there. “

“Babe, no. I want to be with you. Let me rephrase that… I need to be with you tonight, but I’m just not sure I’ll be in the right frame of mind to discuss your amazing work, and I want to give you my full attention when we do.”

How could she have possibly thought I wouldn’t want to have her in my arms on a night like this? She says that she understands how deep I’m in with her, but sometimes, I wonder if she really does.

“Okay, I’m yours, you know that. Whatever you need.”

“You. I need you right now. In fact, fuck the office. It will be here tomorrow. I’m gonna wrap things up and head to you right now. Care if we stay at my place tonight?”

“Not at all. In fact, how about I meet you at your place? I’ll let Lou out, and we’ll be waiting for you when you get there.”

“Thank you.”

“No thanks needed. I love you, Miles.”

“Fuck, Mason. I love you too.”

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