Kevin OBrien - The Next to Die

Fans and paparazzi gathered by the cemetery gates. They had been standing in the rain for two hours just to see Dayle Sutton and Avery Cooper among the mourners.

The showers had ceased, leaving a mist above the wet grass and shiny, dark headstones. The clouds still looked ominous, so people clung to their umbrellas as they assembled at the graveside. A priest recited prayers over the casket. All the surrounding flowers seemed so vivid and colorful under the gray skiesand amid the congregation in their traditionally dark attire.

Dayle spotted Avery Cooper in back of several people on the other side of the grave. He caught her eye, nodded and gave a her a shy smile.

Citing family obligations, Avery had bowed out of their film project, now slated to start principal photography in February. The producersalong with Daylehad begged him to reconsider. Theyd even offered to push back the films starting date, but Avery couldnt be swayed. Sniffing Oscar bait, a dozen big-name actors now vied for his role of the gay-bashed man on trial.

Everyone knew his wife was still in a mental hospital. The tabloids really cashed in on Averys Anguish . He looked lonely and uncomfortable, poised behind so many couples and families at the cemetery plot.

Dayle had already met most of Seans family during the wake. The in-laws, Doug and Anne, solemnly clung to each other by the graveside. In back of them stood a couple of Seans brothers with their wives. Dan Olsons favorite nurse, Julie, was there. Dry-eyed and looking rather lost were Seans two children, Danny and Phoebe. They stood on either side of their mother. Danny was too old to hold on to her hand in public, but Phoebe had no such qualms. Her little fist clutched at Seans black skirt. Dayle had loaned Sean the charcoal brocade jacket she wore.

Sean still looked a bit pale and thin from her hospital stay. Shed been released from Lewiston General the first week of December. Shed had only six days with Dan before his condition had taken a drastic turn. Hed died at home on December eleventh.

Danny and Phoebe Olson each placed a flower on their fathers casket, then were led to a waiting limo by their uncle and aunt. Sean hugged and shook hands with people as they started to wander back toward their cars. A few starstruck mourners approached Dayle to say hello or ask how she knew Dan Olson.

Finally, Sean came up to Dayle and embraced her. Thanks for use of the jacket, she said. And thanks for coming. It means so much to me that youre here. Were having a buffet back at the house. Can you come?

Dayle touched her arm. Oh, Sean, Im sorry. Id like to, but I have a publicity thing in an hour, a magazine cover story. I cant get out of it.

Sean smiled graciously. I understand.

Did Dennis call you about the meeting next week? We need our technical advisor there. After all, the movies about you.

I wouldnt miss it, Sean replied. She glanced down the rolling hill of the cemetery, where reporters and dozens of stargazers waited outside the gate. Dan really would have been pleased at this, she said, with a sad laugh. You didnt know my husband. He was such a film buff. And here its his funeral and there are reporters, fans, and two movie stars in attendance.

Dayle spotted Avery Cooper across the way. Have youtalked to Avery yet? she asked quietly.

Sean shook her head.

Maybe you should at least say hi. You know, back when he found out that youd gone to Opal, he went crazy. I was with him, and I could tell there was somethingspecial between you two. I Dayle saw the pained look on Seans face, and she sighed. Its none of my damn business. Im sorry.

Nothing ever happened, Sean explained. But the feelings were there just the same. She smiled. Im glad you said something, Dayle. I didnt like carrying around that secret all alone, especially today.

Dayle gave her hand a squeeze. Go talk to him.

Sean nodded, then turned and started down the hill toward Avery.

The other movie star at Dan Olsons burial was now retreating toward his car. Seans young nephew, Brendan, had stopped Avery to ask for an autograph. Avery scribbled his name on Brendans church program, then shook his hand. As the boy moved on, Avery glanced back and saw her.

Sean stepped toward him. The wind suddenly kicked up, and she swept back her hair. For a moment, she was once again on that ocean-view bluff, snuggled in his jacket, wanting so much to kiss him. She put aside those feelings nowjust as shed tried to ignore them back then. Crossing her arms to keep warm, Sean managed to smile at him. Thanks for coming, Avery.

He nodded. How areyou holding up?

She shrugged. Okay, I guess. I miss him. I miss the sound of his respirator. I

Sean? a woman interrupted, passing behind her. Well see you at the house. All right, dear?

She glanced over her shoulder and nodded. You bet, Lisa. Thanks. Sean waited until her friend moved on; then she turned to Avery again. Hows your wife? Hows Joanne?

Shes doing much better. In fact, Im on my way to see her now.

Thats nice, was all Sean could think to say. Um, since you quit the movie, I guess I wont be seeing you for a while. She took another step toward him. Avery, I dont mean to pry. But if Joannes showing signs of improvement, and theyre shooting most of the picture around here, why did you quit? All these actors are fighting for that part now. Why would you give that up?

He glanced down at the ground and sighed. You know why.

Because of me?

Wed be working togethersometimes very closely. I couldnt handle that, Sean. You know how I feel about you. But I still love my wife too. I cant leave herno more than you could have left Dan while he was sick. I wouldnt like myself very much if I did that. I dont think youd like me very much either.

Sean let out a tiny, grateful laugh. She took hold of his hand. Thank you, Avery Cooper.

He shook her hand and smiled. Take care, Sean.

She forced herself to turn away from him. Walking toward her car, Sean imagined him tonight in that placeat his wifes bedside.

From a couple of weeks ago, when shed been so sick and feverish in the intensive care unit, she remembered Avery in the room with her, a constant, comforting presence. He would be there for his wife tonightand for as long as she needed him.

Glancing over her shoulder, Sean saw him walking alone down a grassy slope toward his car. He was still hobbling a bit.

Sean figured it was all right to cry. She wouldnt have to explain her tears to anyone right now.

She turned and spotted Dayle, waiting for her. Dayle pulled a Kleenex from her purse and offered it to her. Sean blew her nose with the tissue. Thanks, she muttered, her voice a little raspy. Arent you going to be late for your publicity thing?