More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Jay Bell
Read between
August 13 - August 17, 2023
“Nothing lasts forever, Tim. I know that’s an unpleasant thought, and it feels nicer to cling to an impossible ideal, but one way or another, everything has its time and comes to an end. That’s nothing to grieve. It simply makes way for new beginnings.”
“Winters must be different too.” “Those I don’t miss,” Jace said, “although I didn’t mind so much as a kid. Sledding was fun, and so was building snowmen with Dad. He always insisted on dressing them up so they wouldn’t get cold. I was in my early teens before I stopped thinking that made sense. I always felt bad for the snowmen other people built because they were naked.”
We were starting to worry Jace would marry that cat of his.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Jace retorted. “Samson is a confirmed bachelor. That’s the lifestyle he has chosen for himself. Besides, who said anything about marriage?”
My parents are fine, but you might want to hold off on saying nice things about the town.” “What’s so bad about it?” Jace shut off the water and turned to lean against the counter. “There’s never anything to do, so chronic boredom is an issue, but what really bothered me was—” He struggled to find the exact reason, his smile subtle when he spoke again. “You weren’t here. That’s why I had to leave. I was looking for you.”
“Communication is crucial. Relationships can survive a lot. Infidelity, doubt, lies, ebbing passion—that all comes with the territory. But if there’s one thing I’ve seen destroy relationship after relationship, it’s communication shutting down. That’s a death sentence right there.”
“Don’t tell me, you’ve finally decided to accept my offer. You’ll move home and run the store?” “Afraid not,” Jace said. “My work is in the sky, and my home—” He turned and nodded at Ben. “—is with this guy.”
Emma sighed. “I know how to say uncle.” Ben’s jaw dropped. “Then why don’t you?” “Because it’s cute. Everyone makes a big deal when I say it all dumb like that.” “So you’ve been playing us this whole time?” Emma returned to signing random pieces of paper. “People like it when I’m cute.”
Sure enough, a ouija board was available as an app. He allowed himself to consider the possibility, then laughed. If communicating with the dead was that easy, the world would be a different place.
Ben didn’t associate the feeling of home with Tim. That honor belonged to another man.
“Jesus!” Tim said. “Did you see that?” “Barely,” Ben said. “What a right hook!” Ben laughed. He couldn’t help it. “He gets that from his dad.” Tim rubbed his jaw. “Don’t remind me. What a beast.” “Jace or the cat?” Ben asked, still laughing. “Either way, they only attack when provoked.”
“Want a tour of the house?” Ben asked “I’d be delighted,” Marcello replied. “We can begin with the kitchen. The refrigerator, to be precise. I believe you’ll find a chilled bottle there.” “The champagne?” Ben asked. “I thought Tim bought it for a special occasion. I keep waiting to be surprised.” Marcello spread his hands wide, as if presenting himself.
“You can’t communicate with people directly, or control them, but you can sort of whisper in their ear and hope they take the hint.” “Okay. What sort of stuff have you done?” Jace squinted while searching for a good example. “One time there was this guy who went to buy donuts in the morning. On his way home, I made sure he drove fast. Really fast. He did the rest.”
Jace grew solemn. “I’m more okay with the situation than you might imagine. Ben was on his own for years after I died. I watched him and took no satisfaction in his loneliness. I kept whispering in his ear, urging him to go out and find someone. I worried he would spend the rest of his life alone, just to honor my memory. I hated the idea. I tried my best to get him to move on, but he’d get that stubborn look on his face, like he knew better. If it wasn’t for Allison, his best friend… And if it wasn’t for Tim, he might still be alone, but luckily that love was already there. The roots had
...more
He leaned close to Ben’s ear. “Good news, kiddo. Jace says there’s enough room in Heaven for you and Tim. Try to picture that for a moment.” Ben stopped murmuring his lines and glanced out the kitchen window. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Then he shook his head and resumed rehearsing. Victor stood upright and found Jace still appearing concerned. “What did you say?” “Just told him to break a leg. You ever go to his performances?” Jace looked proud. “I haven’t missed one yet.”
“No! I’ll want to sleep with Ben every night, by which I only mean sleep, because I’m sure Tim will want to sleep with him too. I figure Ben can snuggle up between us. And uh, you could sleep on the other side of me. If you want.”
Jace searched his face. “All I’m saying, is that if you ever want a place to stay—” Victor grinned. “Like a sleepover?” Jace nodded. “Sure. Technically we don’t need to sleep, but it still feels good to dream.” Victor walked into the room. “You’ve got this all figured out, haven’t you?” “It was either this or add a few bedrooms to the house.” “You embroidered our names on the pillows.” Jace hurried forward to block his view. “Only to help me plan.” Victor stood on his tiptoes to see over his shoulder. “There’s me, you, Ben, and Tim. You sure you don’t want to add a few more places? What was
...more
Jace Holden Born: April 2nd, 1973 Height: 6'2" Build: Tall and lean, but Ben assures me he had enough meat on him for some serious cuddling.
Motto/quote: “Hold close those you love most, especially if they’re furry and grey or musical and gay.” (Ben informs me that Jace came up with this one morning and spent most of the day laughing while repeating it. A talented poet he was not!)
“We live in a world of give and take, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Give others your time and confidence, take away their concerns and loneliness when you can. Give them a piece of yourself when feeling brave, and take their love and cherish it when offered. Life is an exchange, an open market, so get out there and start living before the store closes permanently.”
Samson Born: October 2nd, 1995 Height: 9” Build: He always looked a little chunky to me, but it’s never a good idea to tell a pet owner that their animal is overweight. They’re blind to the facts and will respond as if you’re being cruel. Other physical traits: He was definitely cute. Grey fur and orange eyes. Hobbies and interests: He’s a cat. They just eat and sleep. Right? I’ve never had one, so I don’t know. Noteworthy relatives: Jace (father) Motto/Quote: “Meow! Purrr purrr purrr.” Geez. I can’t believe I just wrote that! Bio: (note: Ben felt the below poem would be most appropriate here.
...more
Ode to a Cat by Jace Holden Always claiming the best seat, a furry self-crowned king, Always sleeping until I need rest, then suddenly demanding. Playing hissing jumping, leaping clawing thumping. Then to the litter box, stinky smells and gleeful kicking. No need for restraint, father will do all the sweeping! Why do I put up with such abuse, you thoughtless creature with no use? That’s it, I’m finished, I’m through! There will be no more me and you! Then gentle feet pad across the floor, one brief hop into my lap for more. This time love, a tickle behind the ear. Oh how I love when you are
...more
Nathaniel: Wait! Can you put in Zero’s profile that he’s the best dog ever?
Allison: I’m a counselor. Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to. A neutral party. And even if you think it won’t help you, I’m pretty sure it will help Kelly. Nathaniel: Well, when you put it like that… Yeah. Okay. Just don’t forget—best dog ever. And while you’re at it, make sure to put that Kelly is the best boyfriend ever. Actually, when will this be published? Allison: Months and months from now. Nathaniel: In that case, you might as well make it fiancé. Or husband because if he says yes, I’m not waiting any longer than I have to. So yeah. Put that Kelly is the best husband ever.
...more
