The wedding was elegant in its simplicity. The parlor which once saw Ms. Dead America laid out in her full splendor was again awash in candlelight. I stood next to my father as I watched Russell - himself dressed to the aces - escort Diane down the short hallway from her bedroom to the parlor. "This ole nigger never look so good," Russell chortled as we celebrated Diane and Joseph's marriage, the New Year, another decade, the turn of the century and a new millennium.
"Too new beginnings," Diane toasted at midnight.
"Too new beginnings," the small party replied amidst the chime of crystal.
***
New beginnings couldn't start soon enough. With Diane and Dad already departed for their honeymoon, I had to endure another full day of Beyford. I managed with the help of Russell. The two of us drank away New Year's Day in JD's tavern. When we finally closed JD's, I walked Russell home. Still dressed in his tux, the old man invited me to his apartment. "Come on up boy, lets light one up for old time's sake."
"I'd love to old man but I got an early flight," I lied.
"Ah come on. I got some good shit."
"I can't. I don't want to miss my flight."
"I see says this blind man," Russell chuckled. "Well you take care of yourself boy, you hear?"
"You too old man." I hugged him. I watched him climb the stairs. He didn't look back. "I love you, you old shit," I whispered as Russell disappeared.
***
"Jesus H. Christ!" Steve Lucas cried. "Morrison how many times do I have to remind you about the first rule of working in a funeral home? Never! Ever! Never sneak up on the living, you never know who has a skull saw or an embalming needle in their hand.
"I don't work here anymore," I reminded my ex-employer.
"Shit, that's right. I never noticed you were gone," Steve smiled placing an embalming needle on the table before shaking my hand.
"Well, I'm out of here. Just wanted to say see ya and remind you that my offer still stands."
"I'd love to come and visit you and your slack-jaw yokel friends. Maybe I could spike their moonshine with a little formaldehyde. It's the only way I'll ever be the life of a party."
"Who says I have any friends?"
"What was I thinking?"
"If I did they'd hate your guts. Either way, come on out, I wouldn't mind showing you around."