Page 42 of Pretty Thing

“Hello?”

“Hi there, is this Eden?”

“Yes.”

“It’s Eloise from the Pembroke Funeral Home. I just wanted you to know that we were able to secure the sunflowers you requested.”

Sunflowers?

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you mean.”

“For your parents’ funeral on Saturday. I wasn’t sure if we could get them this time of year, but we can, and everything will be perfect. Also, I received the passage for the chaplain to read. You chose a very beautiful piece. I’ll make sure he gets it.”

I sit in silence, staring straight ahead, confused. One minute my parents are people. The next, they are flower arrangements, paperwork, and dates carved into stone.

“My condolences for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

“See you Saturday, Eden.”

“Goodbye.”

The call ends, and I just sit there.

“Eden? What’s going on,” Kyle asks, reaching out and grabbing my hand.

“I…I think Felix made all the arrangements for my parents’ funeral.” I look at Kyle. “It’s this Saturday.”

“What? But he didn’t even know them.” His forehead creases, and his brows draw together. “That’s really fucking rude. Who the fuck does he think he is?”

Kyle’s face remains dark as he looks back to the road.

Tears sting my eyes. I’m torn between being angry that Felix did this incredibly personal thing without talking to me and relieved that I don’t have to think about it. I don’t have to make choices that leave me feeling hollow.

“He’s just trying to help,” I say softly.

“Yeah, I get that, but this is your parents’ funeral, not ordering dinner. Who decides to make funeral arrangements and then not even tell you? What was he going to do, hand you an outfit Saturday morning and tell you to get up and get ready?” He shakes his head. “Over-fucking-stepping.”

My back bristles.

“Kyle, Felix has been nothing but nice and has been there for me since the accident. He literally pulled me out of the twisted metal, and despite the loss of his brother, he’s been there every step of the way for me. I know it seems fast, but I genuinely feel like helping me makes his loss not so painful.”

Kyle hits me with a glare.

“I know, Eden, but I…I just get this weird feeling about the guy. Last night he was off with me. He kept glaring at me and took my spot on the couch.”

“You were glaring back just as much,” I say with a smile.

“Only because he was glaring at me,” he says with a huff.

“Are you jealous?”

“What? No. Of course not. We decided to be friends.” He looks at me. “Right?”

“Uh huh, but you’re still a guy. You’re all weird like that,” I say, poking at him.

“Not fair picking on men in general. Besides, I’m serious. I’m looking out for you as a friend.”