The church was packed for Clifford's funeral. Family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers gathered to say a final farewell to a man who had been an important part of the community.
Lawrence arrived just as the services were about to start. As he stood in the doorway looking for a place to sit, he noticed Hector waving at him as he scooted away from the aisle. There didn't seem to be any other empty seats in the church so Lawrence went over to him and sat down next to him.
After Pastor Felix said a few words about Clifford, he turned the podium over to Arthur Townsend.
"I met Clifford 30 years ago when he was an intern at a company we were both working at. As we worked together those first years I was impressed by what a skilled employee he was. He was smart, resourceful, and innovative, and he had a most important quality that is seen all too rarely in the business world, he was honest and had a strong sense of integrity.
"We worked together at that company for 10 years before leaving to start our own company. We went through some tough times in those early years and sometimes we were worried that we had made the biggest mistake of our lives, but we pulled through and built the company that is still growing strong today. I know he was just as proud of it as I am.
"But there was more to Clifford that his business side. He was a good man, not only in business, but in his personal life as well. And I'm honored to have called him my friend as well as my business partner.
"We shared some good times together, Clifford and I. When I think back on some of the happiest times of my life, I can't help thinking about Clifford. We often vacationed together with our wives and children. Our daughters grew up together.
"Men like Clifford Stuart are one in a million. I feel fortunate to have known him and I know he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."
After the services were over, the people rose from their pews and moved around the church to socialize. Lawrence had kept a wandering eye on Eileen since he first sat down and noticed her sitting in the front row of the church between Lucy and Mr. Townsend.
He didn't dare approach her, but luckily he didn't have to. As soon as she saw him, she smiled, excused herself from her group, and started in his direction.
"Hello," she greeted him. "It's Lawrence, right?"
"Right," he replied, trying not to sound nervous.
"It was a lovely service," she said.
"Yes, it was," he nodded. "But I was surprised to see you here."
"Why wouldn't I be?" she asked with a slight laugh, before her demeanor grew sober. "Clifford was like an uncle to me."
"Of course," Lawrence said, suddenly feeling stupid. "You're his daughter's friend."
"Yes and he was my father's business partner."
Lawrence looked confused. "Mr. Townsend is your father?"
Eileen nodded. "Didn't I mention that?"
"No," Lawrence answered, certain that he would have remembered something that important.
"I should have. I just assumed you knew, since I've heard so many good things about you from Daddy and Hector."
"Hector?" Lawrence questioned and as if on cue, the man in question walked over.
"I thought my ears were burning," Hector said as he drew his arms around Eileen's shoulders and Lawrence turned pale. "I hope it's all good."
"Of course," Eileen smiled. "I was just telling Lawrence about all the nice things you've said about him."
"You're embarrassing me," he teased. "Now, that Laurie's had his ego boost, maybe he won't mind so much that I've come over to steal you away for a minute."
Eileen turned to Lawrence with a warm smile as she said goodbye. "I hope we get a chance to talk again soon," she said sincerely.
Lawrence only nodded silently as she and Hector walked away.
Once the mourners had filtered outside, Lucy was left alone with the casket to say her final goodbyes privately.
She stood, staring at the coffin, keeping her thoughts silent as she quietly sobbed into her handkerchief. First her mother had left her, when she was only a child. Now as a young adult she had lost her father.
"I'm all alone now," she finally muttered.
"No you're not," a voice replied reassuringly. Lucy turned to see Craig walking into the church through the door behind her. "Don't even think that, Lucy. You're not alone."
At the gravesite, the mourners watched solemnly as Clifford's body was laid to rest. Lawrence watched respectfully from the back of the group. He stayed just long enough to see Eileen being comforted by Hector.
Lawrence was aware of how jealous he was. At that moment he resented Hector, for the easy life he'd had, his education, his job, and most of all his gorgeous girlfriend. He found himself wishing he could take Hector's place, no matter what it would take to do it.
But at the same time he knew the idea was crazy. How could he be so attached to a woman he'd only spoken to twice, outside of his dreams. It was ludicrous. He knew the best thing to do would be to walk away.
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