Working with Jenks, I got everything set up for the life
insurance policy, transferring ownership of the house and getting the money
from Jared’s accounts. Little did I know that Jared was quite well-off, thanks
to his time with Volterra Technologies. From the life insurance policy, the
expenses of the house were paid for and the accounts in the bank were for me
and my needs. I wanted to use the money to pay for college, but Bella was
insistent that she pay for my college education, but I still didn’t know what I
wanted to do.
I just couldn’t look past this trial. Once Esme was gone for
good, then I could focus on my future and what I wanted to do with my life.
Though, that didn’t stop Bella from researching colleges and sending me texts
about college life.
Jared’s memorial service was beautiful and intimate, just as
he requested. Meeting a nearby funeral home, we listened to a short service by
the priest in Jared’s neighborhood. Marcus was with his wife, who was tall and
elegant, and a former client. Her eyes widened when she saw me, but didn’t say
anything. I was just her date to a charity dinner since Marcus was out of town,
but she wanted more and I almost obliged her because Esme was in a particularly
bad mood that aday. Thankfully, I didn’t because that would have been very, very awkward between me and Marcus.
Not that it wasn’t in the first place. He totally flirted
with my girlfriend and I didn’t like it. I wanted to ram my fist into his
dimpled jaw and break his perfect nose. He was more subdued at the memorial,
but he still looked at Bella like she was something to eat and I had to give
him a few nasty glares.
Down the road from Jared’s home on a cloudy, blistery day,
we met at a nearby marina to spread Jared’s ashes before going to Canlis for a
late lunch to celebrate Jared’s life. I held the urn, standing at the end of
the pier. Marcus, Bella and Carlisle were with me while the rest of our group
was heading to the restaurant. Opening it up, I took out the bag and wrinkled
my nose. Such a small bag for some a big man. I handed the urn to Bella and
quietly read the poem he wrote in his letter to me. Together, Marcus and I poured
the ashes into the sound and said our quiet prayers.
“Can I get a few moments?” I asked.
“Do you want me to stay?” Bella asked.
I shook my head, kissing her cold lips. She latched onto
Carlisle’s arm and the three of them walked back up the pier. I shivered in my
coat, wrapping my scarf around my neck. “Jared, I know that you are still out
there and I appreciate all you did for me. It was too much, old man,” I
snorted. “What the fuck am I going to do with a house?” I blew out a breath,
smiling. “I know, live in it. That’s my plan, but I need to get past this trial
with Esme. I pray that she gets the maximum sentence, Jared. Hopefully, you’ve
got some pull with the big guy upstairs and he can make things happen.” The
clouds parted, a ray of sunshine shining down on me and I looked up, smiling.
“Thank you, Jared. I love you and I’ll miss you. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
The sun ducked behind the heavy cloud cover and I walked to the waiting limo.
