“Months? Like when?”
“Right after I broke up with Kevin.”
“For real? I cannot believe you never told me!” Marj said, popping another white chocolate and raspberry mini cheesecake.
“Honestly, it was really hard not to. But I didn’t know he was the boss’s son when we got together and then I insisted on keeping it a secret so it didn’t look like—”
“Did you think everyone would believe you screwed your way into that employment opportunity? You’ve worked there for four years. Fitzsimmons just took over. How could that possibly reflect badly on you?”
“It seemed unprofessional.”
“As in if the boss hadn’t died you would still be banging Jack in secret?”
“That is an extremely tacky thing to say.”
“It is extremely immature to go around behind everyone’s back with the boss’s son!”
“Okay, maybe it’s immature but I kind of expected you to react this way, like it’s salacious gossip instead of, you know, my life,” Britt shot back.
“Whatever. I’m just bitter that I didn’t manage to sniff it out before you told me. He’s hot. Is he as hot as I think he is?”
“Much hotter.”
“Details?”
“Never.”
“Gosh, I hate when you’re discreet. You’re such a good girl sometimes.”
“A good girl who got involved with the boss’s son, though,” Britt reminded her. “He was just supposed to be a fling but I—”
“Enjoyed flinging him too much?”
“Exactly right.”
“See, isn’t it better when we can talk about these things openly, Britt?”
“Yeah, at his dad’s funeral. So appropriate.”
“It’s kind of his wake now. We’re supposed to be happy and eating cheesecake merrily with an open bar.”
Charlie and Jack approached.
“Sorry about your dad,” Marj said.
“It’s great that you came. Thank you,” Jack said diffidently.
Britt struggled to swallow her mini cheesecake whole and then nodded too enthusiastically.
“Yes, it’s great,” Marj said. “I mean, not great. Because your father died. But great to be here. To pay our respects. Gosh, I’m sorry. I’m so bad at this. Sit down and let me get you a drink.”
“We’re fine. Thanks,” Charlie said. “Listen, Jakie, sit down with the ladies for a few minutes. I’ll make the rounds. No booze.” Charlie addressed the last directive to Britt who nodded.
Jack sank into a chair beside Britt and she looped her arm through his. He turned to her and kissed her on the mouth almost helplessly. Her heart went out to him and she held him for a moment before releasing him. He dropped his head onto her shoulder.
“I can’t do it. This is too miserable. Nothing has any meaning, Britt. This is hell. Hell is walking around in a fucking suit listening to people tell me how much they’re going to miss my dad. My dad,” he said brokenly.
“They don’t know what to say. They’re trying to be nice.”