Page 80 of A Secret Cornish Wish
As the two coffins are lined up at the front of the church side by side, I notice they both have matching wreaths of white flowers on top. One spells outMummyand the otherDaddy, and my heart breaks once more. Of course, Hetty and David had a young son.
The rest of the service is equally as moving. In between the hymns and the vicar giving his eulogy, there are emotional tributes from both family and friends to the departed couple, and the tissues are passed frequently up and down our row as people who clearly thought they wouldn’t need any are moved to tears, and those of us who knew we would need some use up far more paper hankies than we came prepared for.
When finally it’s all over, and the close family have left to attend the internment at the nearby cemetery up on one of the hills in St Felix, we all step outside into the fresh air once more.
‘That was pretty emotional,’ Rob says, lighting up a cigarette as we stand outside the church.
I glance at him.When did he start smoking?
‘Yes,’ Suzy agrees. ‘I think that’s the most I’ve ever cried at a funeral. And we buried my grandad last year.’
‘Anyone else?’ Rob holds his cigarette packet out. ‘Don’t worry, I only smoke when I’m feeling stressed.’
We all shake our heads.
‘Good job,’ he says, grinning. ‘Nasty habit to get into.’
‘I thought superheroes were always fit and healthy, not full of nicotine,’ I can’t help saying.
Rob glances at me. ‘They also have to look the part and, as we all know, these guys speed up your metabolism.’ He holds up his lit cigarette. ‘No good having the muscles if they’re hidden under three layers of fat, is there?’
‘I’m sure there’s a better way than smoking,’ I begin.
‘Don’t you think I’ve tried?’ Rob snaps. ‘Let me tell you there’s a lot worse things you can use to shed the weight in LA. Eh, Mack?’
‘Don’t bring me into this,’ Mack says lightly. ‘You’re the movie star. I’m just the guy lining up another abusive substance for people to become addicted too – alcohol,’ he adds in case we don’t understand. ‘I don’t mean I deal drugs in my bar.’
I smile at him.
‘Where’s the wake being held?’ Suzy asks. ‘I’m sure someone told me, but I’ve forgotten.’
‘The café by Morvoren Cove,’ Eddie says.
‘Really?’ Suzy asks. ‘That’s an odd place for a wake, isn’t it?’
‘Apparently they do events and stuff now.’
‘They’ve been doing events for some time now,’ Claire says without emotion. ‘Mandy’s mum knows the owner. I think they’re doing them a deal.’
‘Shall we make our way over there, then?’ Suzy says. ‘I’m sure by the time we get there, Mandy and her family will already be on their way.’
‘Seems like a plan,’ Rob says. ‘You coming, Claire?’
Claire looks around at us, all nervously awaiting her reply.
‘Yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?’
‘Frankie?’
‘Yes, I’m coming. I’m just going to catch up with someone first. I’ll see you there, all right?’
I’ve just spotted my old boss, Rose, from the flower shop, talking to one of the other mourners. I take a deep breath and go over to her.
‘Frankie!’ she says as I walk up to them. ‘How lovely to see you again.’
‘I’m sorry to interrupt,’ I say to Rose and her companion. ‘But I just wanted to say hello.’
‘I’ll see you later, Rose,’ the lady Rose has been talking to says. ‘Beautiful flowers as always.’
