Page 109 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
She shrugs and shoves her hands in the pockets of her shorts. “This entire event is what brought us together, and it’s over in less than three hours.”
I palm the side of her car, leaning in close. “Seems like a lot of buildup for such a short amount of time.”
She laughs. “It’s a big show for the airline.”
“Clearly.” I smile. “They had that high-tech app and everything.”
“Human resources use it for promoting a healthy lifestyle as well,” she adds.
“Economical.”
Lina stares at her shuffling feet. “So, this is it? No more using running or workouts as excuses to spend time with each other?”
If she thinks we’re done after this one event that was barely enough time to cover half a morning, then she is mistaken. This 5k has always been an excuse for us to be together.
“Not a fucking chance,” I state, gripping the back of her head and pulling her lips into mine.
Suddenly, the vibration of my phone in my back pocket interrupts our embrace. I slide it out to see it’s my grandmother’s doctor.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Carter
My grandmother was too weak to make it down for games last Sunday, so I spent the afternoon in her room streaming “I Love Lucy” episodes. I sensed something was off, but I never expected her to pass later that evening. She left this earth during sleep, as peaceful as she could be. It was difficult to receive that news, but I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with her. She was the most important person in my life, and there will forever be a hole in my heart.
Lina slept at my place that night. We made dinner together and then snuggled on my couch while I told her stories from my childhood. It was hard when she had to fly out the next morning, but knowing she was coming back home to me made it bearable.
I’ve spent the entire week organizing a celebration of life services. The formal service will take place on the memorial property in the morning, and then the wake a building over. My beloved grandmother will be laid to rest in a plot on top of the hill, underneath an oak tree, and, more importantly, next to my grandfather.
Lina and I have spoken on the phone every night since she’s been gone. Her constant presence has comforted me duringthis time. Each night from her hotel room, we discussed flower arrangements and food for the guests, among the little things that have come up during the planning process. And the most meaningful of all, she talked me through the eulogy.
With her traveling all week, last night was the first time I’d seen her since early last Monday morning when she left my place. Waking up to her on this somber Saturday morning, I have many mixed emotions. Growing closer to one person while losing another is an emotion I struggle to put into words.
It’s the day of the services, and I’ve done everything I can to make sure it’s as perfect as she was. Her favorite flowers were white roses—the same as Lina’s—so I bought as many as I could to fill the chapel.
While buckling my belt, I catch Lina stepping out of my bedroom wearing a tight, long-sleeved black dress and a set of small pearls around her neck.
“A fan of pearl necklaces, are you?” I smile, trying to lighten my mood.
She scrunches her nose in my direction. “Always got jokes, don’t you?”
“You didn’t have to buy that. I could have given you one for free.”
“I’m sure you already have,” she quips.
I let out a light laugh.
“How are you holding up?” Her tone softens. She bends to slip on one of her high heels.
“The world feels emptier now. I hope I did everything right for her.” It’s been a rough week, but I’m relieved she’s finally at peace.
“I’m sure you did.” Lina’s heels click on the hardwood floors as she walks toward me. Sliding her arms around my neck, she smiles warmly. “Iris was lucky to have you.”
I press a light kiss on her forehead. “Thank you for being here and for everything you’ve helped me with this week.”
“No need to thank me, Carter.” Lina meets my eyes. “I wanted to be here for you.”
I wish I could tell her how much she truly means to me—that I’m falling in love with her, but it’s not the right time now. I fear the timing will never be. As of today, she is mine—and I am hers.How long can this last?
