Given Time by E.D. Parr

Author:E.D. Parr [Parr, E.D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

As they walked, Angel talked and Matt fell into step alongside him, feeling as if he’d always known Angel and they were long-term lovers. It made a smile hover on his lips as he listened.

They’d traveled along the street a few paces when Angel spoke, “When we’ve fueled up on caffeine, I want to take a swift trip to the funeral home next to the flower shop. I’ve decided to take charge and arrange a cremation. Rory and I used to walk by the river every day, rain or shine, when I lived here. I’m scattering his ashes in it. Do you mind coming with me? I know it’s a lot to ask.”

Matt answered without hesitation. “I’ll come with you.”

“Thank you. Then we’ll call into Rory’s gallery office. It’s at the bottom of the Main Street. Nothing is far away in this town. We don’t even need the car to go to the house. This afternoon, a police detective is driving me to the morgue to see Rory…” He stopped talking and walking.

Matt gazed at Rory’s suddenly pale face. “I’m sorry. That will be upsetting.”

Angel shook his head and waved at the building behind him. “I asked for it, but I’m not looking forward to it. Here’s the café.”

Matt registered the smoked-glass window. Tables and chairs were just visible beyond.

Angel pushed open the faux old-fashioned door and went in.

Matt followed him to the counter where a young woman greeted them both.

“Good morning. What can I get you?”

Angel glanced at Matt.

Matt took the hint. “Black coffee for me, thank you.”

“Make that two. We’ll find a table.”

The young woman smiled her answer. “And we’ll find you, sir.”

Matt had spied a table in the corner. He led Angel there.

Angel scraped the chrome-legged chair out to sit.

Matt took a seat opposite.

Angel fiddled with the menu in its Plexiglas stand. “You know if you want to do the art project, I’ll book a place in the art complex for you. You came all this way, Matt.” He flicked his gaze to Matt’s face.

Matt read the tenderness in the gaze. “Thank you for offering, but I think I’ll give it a miss. I took the photographs and maybe I’ll do some paintings from them later this year.” He gave Angel a grateful smile, wanting him to know he appreciated the refused offer.

Their coffee order arrived and Angel turned his cup a few times. It clattered in the saucer. He glanced up. “Will you show me your photographs? I feel bad about Rory bringing you here, when nothing’s been arranged.”

Matt reached his hand across the table and steadied Angel’s hand on the saucer. “He’d arranged enough to get me here, and I met you. That’s made me happy.”

Angel murmured, “He couldn’t have known we’d meet.”

His wistful smile gave Matt goosebumps.

Matt couldn’t tell Angel about his strange premonition. The fact he’d seen a man hunched over in pain had to pertain to Rory. Matt traced his fingertips over Angel’s knuckles, and then withdrew. He drank some of his coffee.

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