“You can’t sit at a gravesite?” he challenged.
I threw my hands in the air. “I can’t ugly cry!”
He frowned. “Why would someone so pretty want to make themself ugly?”
“Are you seriously trying to hit on me at my father’s grave?”
“What? No… shit,” he stammered. “I… fuck. That’s not what I meant.”
I took several deep, calming breaths.
“Tango?”
He met my eyes. “Yeah?”
“Will you please go away?”
“No.”
I turned on my heel and stomped back up the little hill, flopping back on the bench in front of my dad’s grave. “Change of plans, Daddy. I have to go. I’m sorry. Remember how I was starting to tell you about Tango? Well, he just showed up and he won’t leave, so I can’t very well be all sobby and snotty in front of him, especially when I ultimately want to do the horizontal mambo with him.” I sighed. “Sorry, too much information, I know. Especially, considering he’s in love with someone else.” I bit back more tears. “And who can compete with a ghost?” I glanced up at Tango who was watching me intently. “Okay, I’m gonna go. I’ll see you soon.” I kissed my fingers and laid them on his tombstone. “I love you.”
Heading back down the hill, I gave Tango a salute. “You’re relieved, Private. Off you go.”
I climbed into my car and headed out of the cemetery, turning toward my home.
* * *