Chapter 55

I was at the cemetery, the fact that something good had happened that day as well, something wonderful and worth celebrating, the furthest thing from my mind, until I was reminded of it.

“I’m sorry, too.” I laid my head against Archie’s, once more at my shoulder. I wished I could forget that day but doubted I ever would. Right then, it was as clear to me as if it had happened ten minutes ago, not ten years.

* * * *

“Hey, Dougie.”

When I went to sit, I actually fell. Luckily, I didn’t drop my booze, just the rose I carried with it.

“Oops. I celebrated our pretend wedding anniversary today by getting drunk off my ass.”

I was as dizzy sitting as I had been standing up, so I tried going flat on my belly.

“There was no one else there to toast us,” I said once comfortable, “and no us to toast to, either, so I had to drink to myself over and over again.”