Page 158 of Heartless

Bianca was curled against Silas, who now had both his arms around her and was murmuring in her hair while Jodie was swiping gentle fingers on Camila’s cheek.I was thirsty, so I stood up and, as discreetly as possible, started to move through the small assembly.

I pivoted toward the buffet table as someone said, “Sorry for your loss, Jake.Your father was never the same after losing Joan and the baby—”

Oh no.I wound my way through bodies with an apologetic smile and a few ‘excuse me’s.’When I reached Jake’s side, I twined my fingers through his.Our eyes locked for a long moment, then he returned his attention to the mourners.

I stayed beside him and nodded at strangers until people had dispersed into small groups getting reacquainted.When Jake, Silas, and Bianca started talking to a couple, I paced toward the buffet table.

As I reached for a bottle of water, someone spoke behind me.“Good morning, pretty girl.”

Twisting toward a dapper-looking Willie, dressed in his dark grey suit and olive tie, I grinned.“Hello, handsome.”I pointed at the table.“Can I get you something?”

His white brows wiggled.“Some food with cholesterol and salt with a whisky sour sure would hit the spot, but I’ll settle for a beer and the frilly food.”

After pulling a beer from the metal vat filled with ice, I piled a plate with hors d’oeuvres.“Can we sit?Those heels are killing me.”

He winked at me.“But they do wonders for those shapely gams of yours.”

I followed him to the side of the room where four plush upholstered chairs had been set against the wall.I sat on the chair at the end of the row, and Willie locked his wheelchair beside me.I handed him his beer he placed in a cupholder of his chair before he took his plate from me.

Scooting to the edge of my chair, I clamped my fingers around my water bottle.“Did you know James?”

“Yes and no.His room had the best view.When I wanted to escape the old people, I used to sneak into his room and share my war stories.”He grinned.“He was a good listener, and he never complained about me imposing.”

His lighthearted tone didn’t quite hide the loneliness of his words, and I touched his arm.“I would love to listen to your stories.”

****

Jake

Zook clapped my back.“Edo sends his regards.How are you?”

“I’m good.”

His chin jerked.“Whatever you need, son.”

I shook his hand.“Thanks, Zook.”

After kissing Bianc’s head and Cam’s cheek, he turned to Sile.“Silas, walk with me.”

While Sile fell in step beside him, Bianc touched my arm.“That was a beautiful eulogy.I don’t think there was a single dry eye in the room.”

Jo and Cam came from the side, each holding a drink.

Where was Sienna?

When Pa’s old friend had mentioned my mother and unborn sister, pain had hit.Then, she’d been there, and her presence had carried me through.

I clocked her on the other side of the room, in deep conversation with Leslie Nuys and Willie Devereaux.

Sile came back alone.“Why is Sienna talking to James’s doctor?”

Spreading her goodness, no doubt.I kept my voice low.“Everything good with Zook?”

His eyes tracked Bianc who was talking with Jo.“Yup.”He slapped my shoulder.“Could murder a steak.”

After tagging the urn and the framed picture of my father, I made my way to Sienna.

****