Chapter 9
“Vince, I really don’t think we should do this. I’m not saying I don’t like you, I just really don’t want to risk anything. I love your family and your sister. If things end badly I risk losing them all” I said pressing my forehead to his. He had slouched over so his face was at my height. He looked down at my lips and then back up to my eyes.
“You know I wouldn’t let it end. I will look after you” he said quietly.
“I know Vinny” I pushed him back a little with my hands. He didn’t resist and let me push him away. I was gonna be late if I didn’t leave now.
“Hey, maybe if you’re a good boy, we could work out a temporary deal that would benefit us both” I winked at him and his jaws dropped. I walked out and behind me I had him sigh loudly and curse.
I quickly made my way to the outside garage and opened the garage Taylor’s car was in. I knew how to drive just didn’t do it often. Only when I had to come to Greenwoods. Mr Callum was the one that taught me. Taylor and I learnt together. Vince helped us too. I started the car and pulled out of the driveway. It was a 20min drive to my destination on the other side of town. I pulled over at a coffee shop and got a coffee and a sandwich. I had way too many butterflies in my belly to wanna eat but I knew I needed to.
So many thoughts went through my head as I drove. Why was I doing this? Why did I keep torturing myself with this? I knew I didn’t have too but I still did!
I finally reached my destination and parked outside the building. I got out and stood near the car looking at the building. It hadn’t changed at all. The ruined walls and broken windows still had mould in some places and rust in others. It was run down and home to way too many diseases and creepy
crawlers. I took a deep breath in and walked towards the building.
We all stood in the front row of the funeral home. There was a sea of black behind us. Grace was a loved member of the community and lots of people had turned up for her funeral. As we watched her casket get carried away, the Callum family all stood together. Mr and Mrs Callum hugging each
other. Mr Callum supporting his wife as she cried. Taylor clung to Rocky. Not my girlfriend my ass I thought to myself.
3
Somehow Vince had ended up next to me and had his arms wrapped around my waist. He was putting on a brave face but I knew he was upset. Grace raised him first. He was her favourite even though he didn’t want to admit it. I didn’t mind him holding me. Right now it wasn’t sexually, I was just helping him hold himself together. If he found comfort in holding me then so be it. We did get a few looks from people but who cares. They could think what they wanted. Once her casket was gone, people made their way to the back where refreshments were served.
Vince didn’t move so I stayed still. Taylor turned and signalled for me to follow them. I shrugged my shoulders and she just nodded. We seem to have this signal conversation that for whatever reason we just understood. I looked up at Vince. He had black shades on and just looked straight. I could tell he was looking at Grace’s photo. I looked around us and the area had cleared out and we were the only ones left.
“Vince?..” I said slowly.
He looked down at me. He was very tall and I looked like a midget in front of him. I turned around to face him and he took his glasses off. His eyes were red. I knew he’d been crying but he looked so sad. He bends his head and hid it in the crook of my neck. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him.
