Page 91 of Pretty Black

“Tell me about it.” I offered him the joint.

He laughed and shook his head. “No, thank you. How old are you?”

“Twenty-two.”

“How old was he?”

“Sixteen.”

“A baby. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.” I pushed my hair out of my face.

“Wait…are you…”

I laughed, sure I looked a mess with tears running down my face. “I am.”

“My kid said you grew up around here.”

I nodded. “Just a couple of blocks from here.”

He offered his hand. “It’s nice to see one of our own successful.”

I took his hand and shook it. “Thank you.”

“Will you sign something for my son? Then I’ll pretend I didn’t see you. Careful when you come back though. Most cemeteries close at dusk.”

“Thank you.” I took the notebook he handed me. “You said your son? What’s his name?”

“John. I think he’s in love with you, but since it’s making him practice the guitar, I won’t hold it against you.”

My head snapped up, searching his face for any malice in the words, but there was none there. He started laughing.

“Sounds like a good kid. Next time we’re in town, send this number a text and tell him Iris said to give you two of the best seats in the house.” I put our publicist’s number there. “That should keep him practicing. He can’t come up and play with me if he doesn’t.”

“Thank you,” he said when I handed him back the notebook. He smiled when he read the note. “Are you okay?”

“Missing my brother tonight.”

The next thing I knew, this random cop had his arms around me. I didn’t try to stop it, and maybe I needed it. When he pulled back, I smiled, not sure what to say.

“My kid said you were going through stuff with your mental health, and you made him feel less alone. Are you okay? I don’t want to leave you here if you aren’t. He’d never forgive me if I did.”

“I promise I am. I’m taking care of it now.”

“It’s brave of you to be so public about it. I know it’s helping my kid and probably lots of others.” He patted my arm. “Don’t focus on the dead. Your brother wouldn’t want that. Go back to bed with the guy who loves you.”

“I will.”

He nodded and walked off.

“Did you send him?” I asked my brother.

I sat and pulled out my notebook.

I’ll spend forever missing you, wishing I could be with you.

I think they buried my heart in your grave.

---