Invisible Me

I clear my throat. The confidence Randy shared was very private. So I'm not the one to tell you about that. He needs to do that. As for the hugging . . ." I feel a lump in my throat remembering Zach. "Randy hugged me because I'd just learned that someone I cared about had died."

I realize I'm grieving. This hits me so fast, tears well up in my eyes. I bite my lip. It seems ridiculous to cry over the death of someone I hardly knew. Yet, here I am stifling tears over a dead acquaintance.

Denise's look softens. "I'm really sorry. Was he a relative?"

"No. He was just, an old guy . . ." My throat constricts, so the last words come out with a squeak.

I feel so stupid. Like a baby. I don't want to cry and embarrass myself even more. This whole day has been one disaster after another.

"He must have been really nice," she says.

I nod, because I can't speak. "Let's ask Randy to come in," I whimper. I'm on the verge of tears and pinch my arm under the table. The pain distracts me and keeps me from breaking down further.

Denise gets up, leaving me a basket case, trying to hold it together.

"I'll be back in a minute," she says.

"Okay." I say the word, clear and strong, surprised at my ability to speak.

.I hear the front door open. "Hey, Randy? Can you come in for a minute?"

I hear Mindy and Tara's voices. They want to know what's going on.

"Okay, guys. Hold it." Denise shuts the door.

The front door opens again, then closes. Two sets of footsteps approach. 

****

The ending is coming soon. So keep reading! I'll post the rest next week! :)