Good.
This was for our town today. Not an outsider.
I received more condolences, hugged more members of the community, and accepted more gifts.
Bradley stayed through most everyone leaving and through the funeral director letting me know the next steps.
Then, we stepped out into the sunshine together.
I thought fatigue would set in, that I would want to go home and curl up with a glass of wine, but outside stood Bastian in a navy suit. His Ray-Bans covered those dark eyes that always pierced my soul. He had one ankle crossed over the other and his hands in his pockets as he leaned against his Rolls Royce.
The sun shined down on him like not a thing had gone wrong today. The birds still chirped, cars still drove by, the wind still blew, and in the distance I could still hear the waves rolling in and out.
In and out.
Was I breathing the same way? Or was it faster, more furious than before?
I knew my heart was beating more rapidly too, because the thudding was deep, hard and mournful.
I fisted my hands and Bradley asked beside me, “You okay?”
I nodded, not looking at him. “Yes. I need to handle something. I’ll call you later.”
His lips pursed but he kissed me on the forehead and told me to call if I needed him. Then he left me as I walked toward Bastian. “What are you doing here? Why didn’t you leave?”
“I came to say I'm sorry for your loss.” He didn't attempt to come any closer. He didn't even take his hands from his pockets like he wanted to give me a hug and share his sympathies.
We weren't friends. We didn't know each other. My grandmother had wanted us to meet again after she passed away–she’d given me that information at least. Bastian said he would be in touch. But this was not the time or the place. “I appreciate that. but the wake is only for family and friends.”
“I understand. We will be meeting about her final will tomorrow. It seems we’re both on it. I thought I would stop by to let you know that it’s scheduled for ten.”
Final will? Both of us? None of these words made any sense. “Isn't that a little soon?”
“I requested that we get business taken care of as quickly as possible so I can get out of your hair and everyone else's. I just want to confirm partnerships with the ports would stay the same and that she honored her side of the will.” He shrugged like his callousness was completely warranted.
“My grandmother just died,” I practically hissed as I glared at him, the crack in my voice a surprise to even me.
He jerked back at the fury and pain that laced my words.
“My condolences, Morina,” he said softly. His hand lifted a little like he was about to pat my arm but then it dropped just as suddenly. “She will be missed.”
“Not by you,” I threw back. “You’re here to circle like the shark you are. I’m not in the mood to be accommodating to that.”
“Morina, come on now.” The gentle coaxing from him wasn’t going to work.
“Come on?” My hands went to those beads on my wrist that I could pull energy from. Courage, poise.
Strength.
Maybe the black held fury too.
“You need to leave,” I almost shouted.
“Don’t do that. Don’t make a scene with me.” He said it quietly, like he had the audacity to try to calm me with a smooth command.
“Or what?” My eyes widened at my own boldness.
“Or you’ll learn who owns this little town and the whole state very quickly. Don’t disrespect me, especially in public, unless you want the punishment to be served in public just the same,piccola ragazza.” The name flew from his mouth like a menacing laser, not at all a sweet term of endearment anymore.