Old Enough to Know Better by Olive Spencer

Author:Olive Spencer [Spencer, Olive]
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER EIGHT

Gabriel

At two o'clock, the church bells ring and the chapel doors open. Nate's family, friends, and half the town of Waterford file out into the churchyard. I follow his widow into the yard, my hand on Brianne's shoulder as she wipes tears from her eyes. Nate's kids run around the open grass, playing tag while the adults gather and reminisce over Nate's short life.

There's a lump in my throat. My suit feels too heavy, my tie is too tight, and my feet don't fit in these leather shoes. The sun beats down on a parking lot full of pickup trucks, sedans, and one lone Prius that has to belong to an out-of-towner. I chuckle to myself, remembering that I, too, am a fish out of water in Waterford.

Brianne makes her rounds, thanking each of the mourners individually, spending a moment talking about their memories of Nate. I keep a close eye on her as I walk to the rental truck, dropping my jacket on the front seat and loosening my tie.

I check my phone, reading texts from the friends that couldn't be here. I fire responses back, assuring them I'll give her their well-wishes, letting them know that the service was short, sweet, and full of laughter.

I tuck my phone into my pocket as Brianne approaches. She wraps her arms around my shoulders and cries into my shirt for a moment, her tears staining the white button-down. She pulls away, wipes her eyes, and looks at me with a half-convincing smile.

"Thank you for being here, Gabriel. I know how much you meant to Nate."

"He was my best friend, Bri. I wouldn't have missed his service for the world."

"I know you wouldn't. I just meant, thank you for being here. In Waterford. I know it's not like the big towns you're used to—"

"No, it's not. It's just like where I grew up, though," I say, offering her a smile. Brianne cracks a halfhearted laugh and puts her hand on my shoulder.

"No, it's not, Gabe. We all know you're a city boy at heart."

"City mouse, country mouse—it's all the same, Bri."

"Thank you, Gabe. A couple of us are getting together at the house to tell stories about Nate and have some snacks. You coming?" She looks hopeful, and I hate to break her heart.

"Sure, Bri, sure. I'll come for a little bit, but I have something I gotta take care of first."

"What's that?" She looks at me quizzically, her eyes narrowing as she cocks her head.

"I gotta get out of this monkey suit, Bri. I'm suffocating."

She laughs, smiling with teeth for the first time in weeks. It's the first time I've seen her laugh in a long time, and it's like staring into the sun.

"You sound just like him, you know that? He called it a penguin suit."

"Where do you think I learned it?" I crack a smile and wrap my arm around Brianne's shoulder, pulling her in for a side hug. "I'll be by in a little bit, Bri. Take the boys home and give them a hug from me.

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