Page 9 of The Facilitator: Part 3
“Is that Scott?” Elaine asked, watching his retreating back.
“Yes, I didn’t invite him,” Lauren said. “In fact, how did he know?”
“There was a notice in the local newspaper, maybe he saw that?” I offered. I had no idea how he’d come to know.
“I put a message on his Facebook thingy, well, Reenie did, I don’t know how to use it,” Elaine said.
“That’s probably how,” Lauren said, taking her mom’s hand and squeezing.
“I didn’t think he’d come, though,” she said, and she started to look distressed.
“It’s okay, Elaine. If you’d like him to leave, just let me know,” I said.
“I don’t want to upset you two,” she said.
“We’re not, he’s old news,” I replied.
Her attention was then taken on meeting friends outside and looking at flowers. By that time, Scott was nowhere to be seen.
The old folks of Elaine’s village loved a good wake, so some told me. What was wonderful, however, was they all spoke of Sebastian and how they’d wave or chat if he was in the front garden. Sometimes, Elaine would wheel him out if the weather was good, so passing folk could wave to him. He was well liked within the village and that support would keep Elaine going, I believed.
The following morning Elaine told us she would prefer to stay put and urged us to head off home. I thought it a little too soon and the brave face she was putting on was for our benefit only.
“We are happy to stay,” I said.
“Mackenzie, you have been wonderful, honestly. Reenie is staying for a week and if I feel like I need company, I’ll call,” she said.
Reenie had been sleeping on the sofa, despite my insistence that I could and Lauren could share with Elaine, giving Reenie a bed, but she wouldn’t hear any of that.
We packed up the car and made the journey home.
“What did the salesman say about this car?” Lauren asked. I’d kept it on an extended trial.
“He’s happy with the commission he’s likely to get when I pay for the two on order.”
She sat back in her seat and closed her eyes. I didn’t speak again, hoping the drive might lull her to sleep. I had to shake her awake when we arrived home.
“Did I sleep the whole way?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, and snored,” I said, giving her a smile.
“I feel utterly exhausted,” she replied.
I opened her door for her. “And that’s why you are going straight for a bath and then bed for a few hours.”
“That sounds nice,” she said, stretching.
I carried the bags upstairs while she gathered the mail. I ran the bath and called for her. When she stepped into the bedroom and kicked off her shoes, I walked toward her.
“Stand still,” I said quietly.
I lifted her shirt over her head and unclipped her bra. I undid her jeans and slid them down her legs, she stepped out of them. I then did the same with her panties. Before I rose completely, I kissed her stomach. She murmured.
“Later,” I said, breathing against her skin.
I stepped back and pulled my shirt over my head.
“I’m not sure it’s a bath I need,” she whispered.
