Little Ricky brings the SUV to a stop, and I notice how all the other black vehicles park in front and behind us. The men get out, checking the area before Little Ricky exits the SUV.
While he opens Adriano’s door, Marco opens mine. When I walk around the back of the vehicle, I brush my palms over the brand-new black dress I’m wearing.
Adriano buttons his jacket, then holds out his hand to me, and as I take it, he leads me into the church.
Walking up the aisle, some of our guards spread out and find seats.
“Laurie!” I hear a woman call, and glancing to the right, I see her walking toward me. “I’m Hilde, Elise’s mother.”
“Oh!” Not thinking whether she shares the same touch aversion as her daughter, I step forward and give her a quick hug. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Elise was an amazing person.”
When I pull back, Hilde’s face crumbles, and she presses a crumpled tissue to her nose. “She spoke so much of you, it feels like I know you. It’s nice to meet you in person, I just wish it was under better circumstances. Elise was so looking forward to visiting you.”
“Me too.” Again I reach for her, rubbing my hand up and down her arm.
She gives Adriano a harsh look, then asks, “Is this the boyfriend? I thought you broke up with him.”
“Oh no!” I squeeze his hand, hoping to all that’s holy he’s not offended. “This is my husband. Adriano Rizzo.”
Hilde’s eyes go wide as saucers. “Elise didn’t say anything about you getting married.”
“I didn’t get to tell her.”
A man takes hold of Hilde’s shoulder and whispers something in her ear, then she gives me a quick smile. “The service is about to start. We’ll talk more over coffee.”
When she follows the man to the front, Adriano leads me to an open seat. Sitting down, his side presses against mine.
“Sorry about that,” I whisper.
He shakes his head. “Don’t worry,mia piccola farfalla.”
As the service gets underway, beautiful things are said about Elise, and as I struggle to keep the tears back, Adriano pulls a small pack of tissues from his pocket. He takes one out and hands it to me before placing his arm around my shoulders.
I stare at the tissues he thought to bring for me.
Such a simple act, but God, it hits unbelievably hard.
When the men in Elise’s family pick up her coffin and carry it up the aisle, I lose the fight and cling to Adriano while I stare at the polished wood.
Everybody gets up, and I wait for most of the people to leave before I climb to my feet and walk to the front where a large photo of Elise stands among pretty flower arrangements.
I stare into her eyes, and everytime my sight blurs, I blink so I can keep looking at her.
You were such a huge part of my life, Elise. God, this is so unfair.
Lifting my hand, I brush my fingers over her cheek.
Thank you for being my best friend and for caring so much about me.
I love you.
I blow out a trembling breath as I try to rein in the tears, and when I turn around, Adriano is right behind me.
He steps forward and pulls me to his chest.
“They’re going to leave for the cemetery soon,” Little Ricky murmurs.
“Do you still want to go?” Adriano asks.