Page 41 of The Last One to Let You Down

“You!” Aaron gasped. “That’s what it is, isn’t it? You and Cypress?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tom replied innocently.

“You guys going out, huh?” Aaron grinned. “I’ve never seen you watch the clock like you have today. That’s totally what it is. You guys have a date.”

“Maybe,” Tom said, unable to resist the faint blush rising in his cheeks. “Maybe not.”

“Ah, young love.” Aaron batted his eyes. “Where are you crazy kids going?”

“I actually don’t know,” Tom confessed. “He’s been keeping it all sort of hush-hush? It’s gonna be some sort of big surprise.”

“What about Mister Doodles?”

“Cypress is picking me up from my place, so I’ll have time to take Mister Doodles out, shower, and get ready.”

“Make sure you wear your new cologne.”

“Oh, definitely.”

The door beeped, and they paused their conversation as Junior walked in.

Tom unconsciously tightened his grip on the mop handle.

Junior had a piece of paper in his hand, snapping shortly, “Embalming permission for Mr. Lopez.”

Tom’s heart sank.

“Pffft, are you serious?” Aaron scoffed. “It’s ten ‘til five.”

“This is the funeral business, remember?” Junior drawled. “Shift doesn’t end at five. It ends when the work is done.”

“Junior, I have plans—” Tom began.

“Really? How sweet. I don’t give a shit.” Junior rolled his eyes. “They wanna see him first thing tomorrow morning. Ten o’clock. I have to rush order the casket to make sure it’ll be here on time and finish this obituary in the next fuckin’ hour to make the deadline for tomorrow’s paper, so I don’t wanna hear your whining.”

Tom wanted to hit him with the mop.

“You’re such a dick,” Aaron grumbled.

“Whatever,” Junior snorted, thrusting the permission at Tom. “Here. Have fun.”

Tom flinched when Junior slammed the door behind him, sighing miserably. He had no idea how he was going to explain this to Cypress.

“Sorry, man,” Aaron said. “If I was licensed to embalm, I would totally cover for you.”

“It’s okay,” Tom replied, forcing a smile. “It’s no big deal. I’m sure I can reschedule with Cypress or something.”

“Yeah, totally. I hope you guys still have some fun tonight.” Aaron patted his shoulder. “Shelby is taking us to a stir fry cooking class, so know I’ll be suffering with you.”

Tom laughed weakly. “Thanks, man.”

“I’ll say a prayer to the embalming gods for an easy prep. Have a good night, Tom.”

“Later.” Tom put the mop aside since there was no point in finishing now. He took out his phone to send Cypress a text.

Last minute embalming. I’m so sorry, but I’m gonna be late.

How late?