Page 1 of Cupid
ONE
JUDE
I clenched my hands together behind my back, just waiting for someone to speak up.
Anyone.
Anyone but me.
The small oceanfront cemetery was a beautiful backdrop for the rather somber event. Doris Oden didn’t have a big group of friends. In fact, I wasn’t sure any of the people surrounding the gravesite would call themselves her friend. Most were merely acquaintances and neighbors who felt an obligation to pay their respects.
The pastor performing the service cleared his throat. “Again, if anybody would like to speak on Ms. Oden‘s behalf, now is the time.”
Fuck. I knew I had to be the one to do it. “Um…” I coughed out some of my nerves and shook out my hands so they hung at my sides. “I’m, um, Jude Smith. I’ve been living with Doris for the past year and probably knew her better than most.” Which was why it was hard for me to come up with nice things to say about her. “She was a strong and independent woman who did things on her own terms and lived with no regrets.”
There, that was a diplomatic way of being truthful about the old biddy.
There were a few people who nodded and hummed their agreement, and a few snickers also filled the silence. I guess I needed to give more than one sentence. “And…although she’s no longer with us in the physical sense, I hope she is now in a place that brings her happiness and peace.” Since she certainly never seemed to have any here…
“Here, here.” Whew, I survived one of the most awkward moments of my life, and the other guests seemed to agree. Good enough.
It wasn’t nice to say out loud, but Doris really was terrible. And not just the kind of grumpy old lady that developed as people aged. She seemed to have an evil streak that ran through her. But I didn’t believe in speaking ill of the dead, and my biggest concern now was where I was going to live.
When I took the job as live-in companion for Doris, it was meant to be temporary. I just needed to get away from the city, and living in a small beach house on the ocean seemed like paradise.
Cooking, cleaning, and enduring the wrath of Doris wasn’t always an impossible price to pay. At first, she was just cranky.
But the last few months had been rough. That was when she truly got mean. But enough about that. Now I just needed to focus on moving on.
“Thank you, Mr. Smith.” The pastor turned to the small group of guests and offered some additional words to wrap up the ceremony.
I mostly zoned out, once again focused on how long it was okay for me to stay in the cabin before I had to move my stuff. And when I did that, who did I even give the keys to? Doris didn’t have any living family, so I wasn’t sure where to start.
As people began to say their final goodbyes, I waited on the side until it was just me and one other man in a suit before approaching the casket. Laying a single rose on top of the others, I smiled. “I truly hope you find happiness and peace now, Doris. I know you didn’t have it here, but I wish it for you now.” I turned and walked away, surprised when the suited stranger held up his hand to stop me.
“Mr. Smith, may I have a word?”
“Sure.” I looked around and noticed we were alone other than the facilities person who would lower the casket.
“I’m Jonathan Delta, Ms. Oden’s attorney.” He reached for my hand to shake it.
“Nice to meet you.” I didn’t even know Doris had an attorney. Maybe she was more organized than she let on.
“Several months ago, she changed her will and left everything to you.”
My jaw dropped and my knees almost gave out. “What?”
“Yes, I was surprised as well, but she assured me you were a good person and would take care of the home she loved so much.”
“Oh.” Okay, I didn’t quite know what that meant, but it felt like good news, so I tried to focus on his words. “What does that mean?”
“Well, the house is paid for, and that’s now yours. She also had a small savings. It’s a modest amount, but should be enough to help you with any renovations needed while you figure out your new employment situation.” He smiled, waiting patiently as the shock wore off.
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” I cleared my throat and composed myself. “Thank you. So…what do I need to do?”
The attorney pulled an envelope out of his breast pocket and held it up. “For now, just send me an email with your contact information and we’ll get all the electronic documents sent to you. I’ll file the deed after you sign it, and that part will be done. Your check is enclosed here.” He passed the sealed envelope to me. “I’ve withheld a contingency fund for the final proceedings, and if there’s anything left over from that, you’ll receive it in the next few months.”
I was speechless, so I just nodded. Was this really happening? Did Doris actually like me? I never would have guessed.
