Happily ever hookup. (Book #2)

30 "Special VIPs only from nine"

The service was beautiful, everything my dad would have wanted it to be. The humanist ceremony describing the fun, exciting and relatively short  life of my dad had us all in tears of laughter and sadness. They talked about how he met my mom, how they went on to have me and told some of his most cringe worthy jokes.

It was perfect.

The wake is just as uneventful and peaceful, just with a little more tension present.

Hunters mom Christine is here, his dad Ken is here and Claire, my dads nurse is here, making it awkward as hell. I can tell Christine is uncomfortable being in such close proximity but she keeps the peace, and luckily Claire seems to keep her distance, showing her respect for my dad before getting ready to leave.

Hunter and Devon never leave my side through all of it. Devon had grown to be a big part of my dads life over the last couple of years, always visiting when I couldn't.

He's became like the adopted child nobody ever planned to have but now wouldn't change for the world. He's been really strong these last few days, helping me plan my dads funeral service and supporting me when Hunter couldn't.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Emily." Claire says as she gets ready to say her goodbyes. I feel Hunters hand tense in mine as my eyes travel down to her growing bump, she must be at least five months along.

I haven't seen Claire have any interaction at all with Hunters dad so I'm assuming they're not going to be playing happy families any time soon.

"Thank you" I say curteously before she walks away.

I look around at my childhood home, it's filled to the brim with people wishing to pay their final respects and say goodbye to my dad, the thought makes me smile, he was so loved by everyone who ever met him.

"That bitch" I hear Tara mumble and it makes me chuckle. I know how hard it's been for Tara to keep her mouth shut but appreciate that she managed to.

Devon kisses her on the side of the head and places an arm around her shoulder as she rests her head onto his chest.

"That slut" Christines voice startles me and I look over to see her eyes following the blonde nurse.

I full on laugh because Tara is exactly like her mom.

"Where's dad?" Hunter asks his mom and she glances around but he's nowhere to be seen.

"Probably off inpreganating some other cheap tart" Tara comments earning a glare from Hunter. I just giggle, I love that even through times like this I can count on my friends to lift my spirits.

"I'm leaving now sweetie, is there anything I can do for you before I do?" Christine asks and I shake my head.

"No, thank you though. For everything." I smile and hug the older woman, she squeezes me back, kissing the top of my head as she does.

She rubs my arm soothingly as she steps away. "Call me if you need anything, okay? Anything at all."

I'm so appreciative of everything Christine has ever done for me but her words just make me realise how much my mother failed me.

I get her reasoning somehow, I understand that my mom felt like she had no other option but to leave, mental health is a fucking killer and sometimes you have to do what you feel is right for you, not others.

What hurts me the most is she didn't even give me a chance to help, or even a goodbye. She just left, I didn't know if she was dead or alive, I didn't know where she was or if she was safe, and I spent many a night wondering why? Was it something I did? What could I have done to change it?

"You okay squirt?" I hear Hunter whispering in my ear pulling me from my reverie.

I nod and sigh heavily, squeezing his hand gently. I love that Hunter still calls me that after all these years.

My eyes are stinging from crying pretty much all week and zi would bet I look a mess.

"So, who's coming to my club opening on Friday?" Candice suddenly questions earning a whack on the arm from Tara. "What?"

Turns out the night of Taras dinner, when Candice rushed out for a ten at night job interview, it was for a new club that's opening in town. She got the job on the spot, something I'm assuming is down to her looks, no offence intended but she's never worked in a bar in her life, let alone manage one.

"You can't talk about shit like that at a wake" Tara scolds her looking thoroughly offended.

"Why not?" Candy asks completely perplexed. "Emily will be glad for the distraction, right Em?"

I am actually. I nod.

"What time?"

"Special VIPs only from nine" Candice fills us in.

"Ooh, so we're VIPs?" Hunter asks faking enthusiasm.

It makes me laugh.

"How have I ever put up with you for so long?" Candy pouts throwing her long dark hair over her shoulder with sass.

"Because you love me" Hunter smiles cheekily and she grabs his cheeks squeezing them tight in between her for finger and thumb.

"Unfortunately, I have no choice in that." She rolls her eyes making us all laugh.

I love the relationship the two of them have. I remember back when I first got involved with Hunter and I was so intimidated by Candice. I remember her words, which at the time, I didn't quite believe but looking back now, I shouldn't have been threatened at all.

"I'm not trying to step on any toes here, I get that you two are together and I respect that"

Within a few months, we were close friends too and I couldn't imagine not having her in our lives. She definitely brightens everything up, Devons dad is right, she is a very colourful girl.

Hunter swats her hand away and I can tell he wishes Dean was here, somehow Candice is always more reserved when he's around.

The pair decided to call it quits on their relationship, if you can even call it that.

"We'll be there" I tell her with a smile. Hunter and I haven't had a date night for so long, it'll be good to get out and let loose.

Candice smiles brightly "you won't believ-"

"Emily, can I have a word with you please?" My mom interrupts Candice's excitable rant and I nod.

Hunter looks at me, asking if I'm sure, he knows things are still rocky between us but I send him a reassuring smile and he nudges his head to the rest of our group, silently telling them to dissipate and leave me alone with my mom.

I knew I would have to speak with her again. It was only a matter if time, I just wish it wasn't this soon. There's still so much I need to tell Hunter and Tara, like the fact I have a little sister I never knew existed.

"Im sorry for what's happened Emily, truly I am. I can't apologise enough for my actions" She licks her lips nervously before continuing. "I think with everything that's went on recently, we should get our priorities in order, I know it's not as easy as snapping your fingers and everything is forgiven but whether you like it or not I am back"

I almost laugh, she's talking to me about priorities. The woman's got nerve.

"And I think it's about time you met Eden"

"Eden? That's her name?" I ask. I have to admit, it is pretty.

"Yes." My mom replies taking a sip of her drink, I can smell the vodka and wonder briefly how many drinks she had to prepare herself for this conversation.

"Okay, I'll meet her, tomorrow." I agree. "But first" I pause debating if I really want to do this or not. "First, you and I are going to sit down and talk" I tell her "everything, lay it all out on the table, you want to move forward?" I question and she nods instantly. "Okay then, I think we need to have a proper conversation."