by Kenna White
“Dana, it has nothing to do with Shannon.”
“Why then?”
There was another moment of silence. Dana waited.
“I just don’t do funerals.” Jamie’s voice was soft.
“I understand.”
Jamie cut the conversation short before Dana could ask if she was all right. She was tempted to call her back but she didn’t have time. She had a cartoon to finish, then shower and dress before Shannon came by to pick her up.
The smaller closets on the houseboat meant Dana had to be selective about what she brought onboard. Her off-season clothes were packed away in Steve’s garage. She pulled a box of sweaters from the back of the closet and rummaged through it looking for the pink sweater. Gray slacks, she thought. Or white ones with white sandals. She shook out the sweater and hung it on a hanger to reshape while she took a shower.
Dana stood in front of the mirror, applying lipstick and deciding if she wanted to wear her hair down and full or back out of the way. She hadn’t cut her hair since Shannon insisted cutting it would be a sin against humanity. She would always laugh when she said it, but gave Dana a suspicious glare if she even mentioned her hair getting too long and unruly.
Dana left it down, repeatedly having to pull a lock behind her ear on either side as she finished dressing. The pink sweater was still snug. In fact, a little too snug for a funeral visitation. She pulled at the hem and sides, coaxing a looser fit. She hung tiny silver loops from her ears, the earrings Shannon had given her for her birthday.
It was five thirty. Dana had fifteen minutes and she wanted to be waiting outside the security gate. She gave a last look in the mirror, reached for the door, and hesitated. She looked down at what she was wearing and groaned. This wasn’t what she wanted to wear. She pulled the sweater over her head and tossed it on the chair. She put on her bright red silk blouse and the white jacket that matched her slacks. She changed her earrings for a pair of dangly gold ones that Eva had always admired. She tucked the blouse in her slacks, popped the collar outside the jacket lapels, and headed for the gangplank to wait. She scanned the marina for signs Jamie was in the bay collecting her water samples but didn’t see her. Perhaps she changed her mind. Somewhere in the back of Dana’s mind she hoped Jamie wouldn’t return her sunglasses. If she forgot, Dana would have an excuse to drive out and pick them up herself.
“Dana,” Shannon called, striding across the parking lot. “I told you I’d come down to the houseboat to get you. I didn’t want you to have to wait. And I thought you were going to wear the pink sweater.”
Dana could have predicted that.
“I know but I changed my mind.”
“The pink sweater looks so good on you, babe.”
“Yes, but it fits like a driving glove.”
“So?”
“So that wasn’t the look I wanted for a wake. Are you ready to go?”
Shannon looked her up and down, scrutinizing her earrings, hair and blouse.
“I suppose.” She took Dana’s arm and led her toward her SUV. As always, she opened the passenger door and waited for Dana to get situated before closing it.
“I feel so bad for Maggie,” Dana said as Shannon pulled out of the parking lot. “She and her mom had such a special relationship.”
“Uh-huh.” Shannon seemed preoccupied with other things. Dana didn’t pursue it.
It was a quick drive to the funeral home. Maggie and Eva may have had many friends and co-workers but the parking lot had only four cars in it.
“It’s early,” Shannon said, as if justifying her suggestion that Dana not drive herself.
“I wonder if Maggie is here yet. She’s the only one of her family I’ll know.”
“Yes, she’s here. I dropped her off on my way in to pick you up. She didn’t want to ride in the funeral limo, and she wasn’t up to driving herself so I gave her a ride.”
“How is she doing?” Dana asked.
“She cried most of the way.”
Shannon pulled into the first space next to the sidewalk. The funeral home was a large Victorian home converted into several offices, a chapel and a visitation room. A silver-haired man in a dark suit greeted them, invited them to sign the guest book then escorted them into the paneled room where wingback chairs and leather sofas lined the walls. A framed photograph of Eva Everett sat on a round table in the center of the room, along with a vase of lavender roses. Soft music played in the background, just loud enough to drown out the hum of the air conditioner.
Dana had been to four funerals in her life, and she didn’t like going to any of them. It was one of those obligatory chores she couldn’t avoid. As soon as she stepped into the room and saw Maggie’s tearstained face and the dark circles under her eyes she knew Jamie had the right idea. Like a knife turning in her gut, Dana wished she didn’t have to do this. She always ended up crying more than the person she came to console.
“Dana,” Maggie said, rushing up to her and wrapping her in a hug.
“Maggie, I’m so very sorry.”
“I’m going to miss her so bad.”
“I know,sweetheart.I know.She was such a wonderful woman. We’ll all miss her.” Dana held her and swayed, both of them sobbing. It took several minutes before Maggie had regained her composure enough to speak.
“Thank you for coming. And thank you for the flowers, Shannon. You too, Dana,” she said, dabbing her nose with a tissue.
“I remember you liked pink lilies,” Shannon said, giving Maggie’s hand a squeeze.
“Yes. They’re gorgeous. And the African violet is spectacular. Mother loved African violets. How did you know?”
“I wasn’t sure, but I thought she mentioned growing them.” Dana noticed a small basket containing an abundantly blooming purple plant.
“She had one in every color, I think.” Maggie looked over at the plant. It brought a smile to her face. “She said they were the only houseplant she could grow. She would love it. But the lilies are very nice, too.” Maggie said in Shannon’s direction.
“You’re welcome,” Shannon said, smiling proudly at the large crystal vase holding a dozen lush pink blooms.
“I love that red blouse, Dana. Isn’t that the one mom liked?”
“I think so. I thought she’d like it if I wore it.” Dana wiped a tear from Maggie’s cheek.
“She absolutely would.” Maggie touched Dana’s collar and winked. “Oh, gosh.” Her eyes drifted past Dana to an elderly woman coming through the door. “There’s mom’s neighbor, Mrs. Hypochondriac,” she whispered. “I better go give her a hug and let her tell me how bad her gall bladder surgery was, for the tenth time.” Maggie gave Dana and Shannon a hug and a kiss then moved on to greet other well-wishers. Shannon and Dana mingled for a few minutes before inching their way toward the door. The crowd had grown large enough that they could slip out and not be missed.
“You ready to go?” Shannon said.
“I think so. Maggie seems to have her hands full.”
“She won’t miss us.” Shannon hooked her hand through Dana’s arm and escorted her to the parking lot. She waited for Dana to get in then slammed the door. They rode in silence back to the marina. Dana stared out the window, remembering Eva and their times together. Shannon parked but, for once, made no effort to get out to open Dana’s car door. Instead, she glared over at her.
“Did you order flowers? I told you I already took care of it,” Shannon said.
“I wanted to send something from me.”
“But I told you I had it covered. I put both our names on the lilies. Did you put my name on the African violets?”
“No.” Dana knew Shannon had looked at the card.
“Why the hell not?”
“Because you didn’t send them, that’s why.” Dana reached for the door handle, but Shannon stopped her.
“Is this supposed to be Make Shannon Look Stupid Day?”
“Of course not. I just wanted to send flowers myself.”
“And the
red blouse? I told Maggie you were going to wear your pink sweater, the one I like!”
“If you like that sweater so much, you wear it.”
“It’s not my size. It’s way too small for me.”
“It’s way too small for me, too. That’s why I didn’t wear it.” Dana touched Shannon’s arm. “It had nothing to do with you, honey. Let’s not argue.”
“You’re right.” Shannon took a deep cleansing breath and turned in her seat. “We shouldn’t argue about stupid little things. I guess I’m just stressed, babe.”
“Stressed about what? Work? Is the agency doing okay?”
“About us, Dana,” Shannon said softly, touching a lock of Dana’s hair. “This waiting for you to clear the cobwebs and come home is killing me.”
Dana looked away. She didn’t want to argue about that either.
“I have an idea, babe,” Shannon said, lifting Dana’s chin. “I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I think the best way for you to come to grips with whatever is bothering you is to move back in with me.” Dana opened her mouth to reply, but Shannon placed a finger on her lips. “Let me finish. I love you, Dana. You know that. We are a couple and your problems are my problems. If you are hurting, so am I. But I can’t help you if you are living ten miles away on a fucking houseboat. How can I be supportive and take care of you, if we aren’t together? I feel like I’m failing you, Dana. I’m not there when you need me most.”
“Shannon,” Dana started but before she could finish,Shannon leaned over and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss, one as tender as their first year together, when glances were soft and embraces were passionate. It was a kiss Dana craved. It was from a time she craved as well, when she felt loved and in love. The subtleness of it crept over her and made her shiver. She couldn’t remember the last time Shannon had been so gentle. Dana leaned into the kiss, desperate to return to that time when their love was carefree and reassuring. Where had it gone? Where were those moments when she couldn’t wait for Shannon to take her in her arms and make love to her?
“Dana, Dana, Dana,” Shannon whispered, holding Dana’s face in her hands, her thumbs wiping away the tears that filled Dana’s eyes. “It’ll be all right, babe. I promise.” She reached across Dana’s lap and opened her door, her hand lingering on Dana’s thigh. “Let’s go down to the houseboat and talk.”
“Shannon, I’m not in the mood to talk.” Dana didn’t want to talk about the present while she was still languishing in the sweet memories of the past.
“I thought we could reminisce about Eva and the fun times we all had together.”
For that, Dana would agree. She was still in shock over Eva’s death and talking about it might help.
“Okay.”
Shannon took Dana’s hand as they crossed the parking lot and headed toward the security gate.
“Come on. Let’s get drunk and laugh about all the stupid stuff we did with Maggie and her mom,” she said, kissing Dana’s forehead.
“Like skinny-dipping in the bay?” Dana chuckled.
“When the minister and his wife were fishing on the dock?” Shannon threw her head back and laughed, pulling Dana closer. “Maggie was so embarrassed.”
“So was I. You said no one would see us,” Dana said, bumping her.
“Eva wasn’t embarrassed at all. She said God gave her that body and if anyone in the world should appreciate that it should be a minister.”
“We all about froze our nipples off.”
“It wasn’t that cold,” Shannon insisted.
“My lips were blue.”
“Which ones?” Shannon grinned.
“Shannon!” Dana blushed and giggled.
“Seems like I remember seeing which lips for myself that night.” Shannon put her hand on Dana’s rear and squeezed.
“Hello, Dana.” Jamie said, standing near the security gate. She was holding a bucket in one hand and a red plastic toolbox in the other. She was wearing knee-high rubber boots, a tattered gray sweatshirt, and paint-stained jeans. She was splattered with mud and slime from head to toe. The one thing the mud couldn’t hide was her cold, cutting stare.
Chapter 18
“Jamie?” Dana said, still giggling from Shannon’s remark. She knew Jamie was close enough to hear what they had said. Jamie’s expression told her so.
“Hello, Dr. Hughes,” Shannon said, keeping a firm hold on Dana. She gave Jamie’s attire a disparaging glance.
“I forgot your sunglasses,” Jamie said, her eyes tracing Shannon’s arm around Dana’s shoulder.
“That’s okay. I don’t need them this evening.” Dana realized that sounded like she and Shannon had indoor plans together, plans that did not require sunglasses.
“How was the visitation?” Jamie asked, her eyes still on Shannon’s control over Dana.
“Crowded,” Shannon said before Dana could reply.
“As good as those things can be, I guess,” Dana said, feeling Shannon’s arm tighten around her shoulders.
“Did you know Eva?” Shannon asked.
“Yes.” Jamie didn’t elaborate.
“You should’ve gone. Everyone she worked with was there.”
“I’ve been working.” Jamie held up the bucket containing several baggies of brackish water.
“Did you get all your samples?” Dana asked.
“Half of them.”
“Have fun,” Shannon said, pulling Dana toward the gate.
“I’ll call you about picking up my sunglasses,” Dana said, unable to free herself from Shannon’s firm grip.
“Anytime.” Jamie headed for the parking lot.
“Can you believe that?” Shannon said, keying in the code. “Work is more important to her than a friend’s funeral.”
“Some people don’t do funerals.”
“That’s no excuse.” Shannon held the gate.
“Jamie has her reasons.” She looked back across the parking lot.
“I’m just saying it sounds like Dr. Hughes is more involved with stinky water and slimy urchins than humans. You’ve got to get your priorities in line. Maggie is a friend. I can’t imagine not going to show her support.” She followed Dana down the gangplank. “Where’s your keys?” she asked, holding out her hand as they approached the houseboat.
“I’ve got it.”Dana said,digging in her purse.Shannon snapped her fingers, winked and took the keys from Dana’s hand.
“Have you got any booze?” she asked, following Dana inside. “I could use a stiff drink.”
Dana pulled out a bottle of wine from the back of the refrigerator.
“Just this.” She wasn’t going to offer Morgan’s brandy.
Shannon examined the label, opened it, and poured them each a glass.
“It’ll have to do.” She held the glass up to the light as if examining its worth. “By the way, are you the one who told Jamie about Eva?”
“Yes. She called right after you did. When I mentioned who it was, she said she knew her from where she worked.”
“What’s this about your sunglasses?”
“I left them in her car. And before you ask, she gave me a ride home when it was raining. She came by once before to deliver them but forgot to leave them. She was busy helping with Juliana.”
“What did she do for Juliana?”
“Can you believe it? Juliana is now a woman.” Dana smiled proudly.
“What the hell does that mean? Is she screwing some pimple-faced kid?”
“NO! Don’t be silly.” Dana scowled at her. “Juliana started her period. She didn’t really know what to expect and she was upset.”
“Her period? Is that all?” Shannon laughed.
“Juliana was scared. Jamie was very sweet to talk to her.”
“I bet she gave her some deep scientific explanation about reproduction and genetics. The poor kid probably was more confused than before.”
“She did not. Juliana said she was very kind.”
Shannon finished her glass of wine and refill
ed her glass.
“So the kid is growing up?”
“Yes, and I don’t know where all the years have gone. One minute she was a toddler eating Cheerios and the next she is picking out her first training bra.”
“Drink up.” Shannon held the bottle up, waiting for Dana to take another sip.
“I’m fine. I don’t want anymore.”
“Sure you do.Remember we’re drinking to Eva.”She splashed a bit more wine in Dana’s glass.
“I don’t need to get drunk to have fond memories about her.”
“I know.” Shannon downed her glass in one gulp. “By the way, babe.” She gave Dana a long serious look. “You were right. You look damn good in that red shirt.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Dana took off her jacket and hung it on the back of the stool. “And I like your pants. They look good on you. Are they new?”
“Yep. I got them a couple weeks ago in Portland when I was there for the convention.” She turned to show them off. “Half price. Fifty-six bucks.”
“Fifty-six dollars? And that was half price?” Dana had never paid that much for a pair of slacks in her life.
“Like you said. They look good on me. Do you want a pair? I’ll get you a pair just like them. You’d look great in navy blue ones. I’ll order you a pair online. Size eight, right?”
“No, Shannon. Don’t. I don’t need them.”
“I know you don’t but I want to. If they don’t have navy, I’ll pick something else. Don’t worry. You’ll love them. Your cute little ass will look great in any color.”
“Shannon, please don’t. I don’t want fifty-six dollar slacks. But thank you for offering.”
“What can I buy you then?” Shannon asked, stroking a lock of Dana’s hair. “Tell me something I can get you? Earrings? I saw a pair of gold loops with tiny amethyst stones that would look so good on you, especially when you wear your hair long like this. I knew the first time I saw them they’d be perfect on you.”
“Shannon, I don’t need anything.”
“I know you don’t need anything,but surely there is something you want. How about dinner at Hartley’s? Just the two of us.”