Chapter 2

2 Caleb patted Lydia's hand and stepped toward me again.

He gave me a deep, dramatic bow. "Ben, I'm truly sorry. If this makes you uncomfortable, I'll go inside and tell everyone the truth right now."

"Even if my mother can't rest in peace, I won't betray our friendship!"

The words sounded noble, but I didn't see a shred of real guilt in his eyes.

"Fine. Go ahead," I said.

Empty promises are easy to make.

I wanted to see if he actually had the guts to tell his entire family he was a liar.

Caleb's face stiffened. He hadn't expected me to call his bluff.

"Ben, I... I mean..."

He stammered, unable to finish. Just then, Caleb's Aunt Martha walked over.

"Caleb, Lydia, what are you doing out here? Who is this young man?"

The yard went quiet. Everyone was watching us.

Lydia spoke up before I could. "Just a friend, Auntie. He came to pay his respects to the family."

A friend?

I wanted to laugh.

Lydia really had wiped me out of her life entirely.

Aunt Martha nodded, believing every word. She even invited me to stay for the funeral lunch.

I didn't say a word. Lydia was the one who jumped in to decline for me.

"He's a very busy man. He has a big meeting at the office. I don't think he can stay."

I went along with it and nodded.

"She's right. I'm very busy. But I can always make time for important things. Like your wedding, for instance. Make sure to send me an invite so I can bring a big gift."

Lydia's face turned pale.

She looked like she wanted to scream at me, but she couldn't with her relatives standing there.

Aunt Martha just smiled warmly, completely oblivious.

"Caleb and Lydia really are a match made in heaven. We're all so happy for them. It's just a shame about the mourning period. Caleb should really wait a while before the wedding."

I didn't stick around for the rest of her speech. I turned and walked to my car.

As I pulled away, I saw Lydia start to follow me, but Caleb caught her arm.

"Lydia, come back and help me light the incense for Mom. She'd want you there."

In my rearview mirror, I saw her stop. She didn't hesitate for long before she followed him back into the funeral home.