Page 102
“Thrilled,” she says, beaming up at me.
My girlfriend jogs toward us and throws her arms around Darlene. “What an entrance,” she exclaims. Robin obviously knew what we were going to do, but I think none of us were prepared for actually seeing it happen. “Do you want to make the announcement now?”
Darlene nods, and Robin waves at the tech guy to bring over the microphone for her.
Darlene’s speech is short. She thanks us for planning the event. She expresses her gratitude to everyone who showed up to celebrate her. Then she announces that there’s a writing station inside the gazebo where people can write little notes and put them in the empty casket.
“I want you to write down the one big thing you’d regret if you never had the chance to do it before you die. Maybe it will inspire some of you.”
The crowd cheers and claps, and everyone disperses, a few people already heading toward the writing station.
“Time to have fun,” Darlene says, handing the mic back to the tech guy wordlessly before she strides to a group of friends.
Robin and I exchange amused glances.
“That went well.” She wraps her arms around my neck.
“Someone great planned this whole thing,” I say, leaning down to kiss her.
“Two great people did,” she breathes, her forehead against mine. “Do you want to write something to leave in the casket?”
“Later,” I say, kissing her again. “I have to think of something first.”
“You gonna share what you write?”
“Maybe. But first, do you want cake?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
I laugh and take her hand in mine as we make our way to the food tent.
When we enter, I notice a small banner hanging over the table that says, “I’m dead set on sweets,” and underneath it sits a gorgeous four-layer strawberry cake with “We are berry sorry for your loss” written on the top. On a tray next to it are beautifully decorated cookies in the shape of urns and coffins.
“This is amazing.” I grab two plates and hand one to Robin.
“It’s one thing to tell them your ideas, but seeing it”––she shakes her head in disbelief––“is absolutely incredible.”
We get a small slice of cake and a cookie each before heading to the table where we sit with her boss and her coworkers.
“Proud of you,” Tom says, giving Robin a side hug. “It’s a massive turnout.”
“Thanks. Darlene is popular.” She takes a bite of her cake before she addresses me. “Do you think something is going to go wrong?”
“What do you mean?” I swallow a huge piece of cake.
“This event has gone too smoothly. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“Don’t jinx it.”
“Don’t tell me you’re superstitious.”
“Aren’t you?” I raise my eyebrow at her.
“You’re right.” She sets down her fork. “I’ll go grab a water. Anyone else want one?”
Tom and I nod, and Robin heads to the drink tent.
“Planning this funeral made her very happy,” her boss says, smiling at me.
