the scent of impending rain tipped me off twenty minutes ago. The Ames family is protected by the awning, but the rest of the town huddles together, sharing umbrellas with the people who came prepared. The school’s orchestra plays some sad classical piece as a couple of students pass out white candlesticks for everyone to hold.
I look up at Thayer, who manages to look both lethal and elegant in his peacoat with a dress shirt and tie underneath, then back down at my oversized tan Sherpa jacket, black leggings, and Adidas, feeling underdressed. I wish I would’ve worn something more appropriate for the occasion. Always a bit of a rebel, his hair is still disheveled, mussed in that perfectly imperfect way, and he kept his piercings in. His face is blank, void of emotion, but his sad eyes give him away.
As if he can hear my thoughts, his eyes scan the crowd, seeking me out. He holds my gaze and I attempt to give him a reassuring smile. I know he’s not looking forward to this. If there are two things Thayer hates, it’s being in the spotlight and emotions. Add in the reason for this gathering and it’s the perfect shit storm.
Valen’s outstretched arm appears in front of me, handing me a lit candle with a paper around the bottom to catch the wax, pulling my attention away from Thayer.
“Thanks.”
I turn around, searching for Grey once more, but deep down, I know he’s not coming. I do, however, spot my mom on the perimeter, and she holds up her hand, giving me a discrete wave of her fingers, still in her flight attendant getup. She had a quick flight today, but she leaves tomorrow morning for a long trip, so I doubt she’ll stick around long. It has to be uncomfortable for her to show her face around these people, but Danny was practically her stepson, and splitting from August doesn’t change that.
The music comes to an end as August’s voice fills the air. “Thank you to the Sawyer Point orchestra,” he says before clearing his throat. “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since my son was taken from me—from all of you—from this earth. Daniel was a light in this community. He loved his family and friends, he loved his school, he loved the game, and most of all, he loved his brothers.”
Thayer’s hands tighten into fists on top of his thighs.
“Our family aren’t the only ones who suffered a loss,” August continues. “The entire town mourned with us. Prayed with us. And ultimately, it was your love and support that got us through it.”
He’s really laying it on thick. Thayer must think so, too, if the way he rolls his eyes is anything to go by. I slide my gaze over to Holden to find a similar reaction. He bounces his knee, appearing antsy already and it’s only just started. Christian looks down at the ground, twisting his fingers.
“In his honor, we’ve started the Daniel Ames Memorial Scholarship Fund. Each year, two students will receive a twenty-thousand-dollar scholarship.”
Everyone applauds, but I fight an eyeroll. The people of Sawyer Point aren’t exactly in need of assistance. August holds up a hand, silencing.
“Daniel’s college experience was cut short. It is my hope that out of this tragedy can come something good. We’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of young people for years to come and keep Daniel’s memory alive.”
Another round of soft applause.
“I think Coach Shaw has something else he’d like to announce.”
The basketball coach joins them at the stop of the steps. He shakes August’s hand before August returns to the empty seat between Holden and William, then takes the podium.
“It’s starting to come down,” he starts, gesturing to the rain. “So, I’ll keep this short.
Danny, as we called him, was an exceptionally talented player, and an even better kid. I was lucky to have him on my team, and lucky to know him. As most of you know, last year a lot of you petitioned to have Danny’s number retired.”
Coach looks back at Christian and Holden, and they take that as their cue to stand. They walk behind the row of seats to retrieve something out of a large box, then make their way up to the podium, each of them holding a side. They prop it up on the stand, then remove the black fabric to reveal a large shadow box that holds Daniel’s jersey, with the number sixteen below