Elvis and The Dearly Departed by Peggy Webb

Author:Peggy Webb
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2008-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

You’d never believe this, but some of my most relaxing times are spent with the deceased at Uncle Charlie’s funeral home. Maybe it’s because my uncle has turned this old house into a place that provides just what the name says—Eternal Rest.

There’s something warm and inviting about the room where I work. Uncle Charlie painted it soft pink and added wall sconces with shell-shaped plastic shades, a French-style makeup table, an end table with a lamp to match the sconces, and a comfortable sofa covered in mushroom-colored velvet. As a finishing touch, I brought throw cushions in gold, hot pink, and red.

Sometimes I get the feeling the deceased are looking down at this homey setting and nodding their heads with approval. I hope they’re also pleased that we treat them with respect.

Propping a picture of Gertrude’s idol on the makeup table, I say, “Don’t you worry, Gertrude. Uncle Charlie and I are going to take good care of you.”

I’m putting the finishing coat of pancake on her face when the door creaks open. I jerk around and my makeup base rolls onto the floor.

“Sorry, dear heart. Did I scare you?”

“Thank goodness, it’s you. I’m just a little jumpy, that’s all.”

“I have to oil those hinges.”

Uncle Charlie sits on the sofa and opens a slim book titled Native American Wisdom.

“Don’t mind me.” He puts on his reading glasses and starts to read.

Though he usually comes down to keep me company when I’m working, there’s a different purpose about him now, a firm set of his jaw that gives off dangerous signals. I’d hate to be the one to cross him.

I don’t know if it’s my intense love for him or my newly frayed nerves, but I’m unusually observant today. Suddenly I’m struck by how handsome he is. And how alone.

As far as I know, he’s never looked at another woman since Aunt Minrose died. I wonder if that’s partially my fault. And Mama’s. We were both so needy after Daddy died, he couldn’t have had much time for himself.

“You should find somebody, Uncle Charlie.”

“I have my family, dear heart.”

“I mean somebody to marry. Or at least a companion.”

He puts the slim book down, then stands up. “I have to go upstairs and check on Leonard.”

The door hinges squeak again, and I get the feeling I’ve stepped into forbidden territory with my uncle Charlie. Who am I to give advice on love?

Instead of telling him to find a companion, I should have asked him what made his love for Aunt Minrose so strong. What made their marriage endure beyond the grave? Maybe I could have learned a thing or two that would help me figure out how Jack and I ended up with a train wreck instead of a future.

Suddenly I glimpse movement outside the window. Pulling the lacy curtain back, I strain my eyes into the growing dusk, but all I see are the two giant magnolia trees on the other side of the parking lot.

Going back to the table, I set to work creating the deep red bow-shaped lips and almond-shaped eyes of the 1920s movie diva.

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