The wake

        After the funeral proceedings, Neil and Jenna got into his car and followed everyone back to Melanie's house for the Wake. It was only five miles away, but there were a ton of people going. When he parked the car he couldn't believe how many people's lives had been influenced by his former co worker. He had to park half way up the block and there were more people arriving. Inside the ranch style home it was jam packed with mourners that had known Dale. The house was much larger inside than it appeared from the look of it on the outside. It was beautiful. Hardwood floors with a large fireplace along the back wall. It had been remodeled with different shades of beige browns and reds. Pictures of Dale were along the far wall, memories of the man who had once lived here.  He waved to the widow, who then went to the middle of the room.

"There's plenty to eat and drink, everything is set up in the kitchen. Even though we are all saddened by the loss of my husband, please have whatever you like. Dale would want all of you to get to know each other and talk. I want to thank all of you for coming here today." Melanie smiled as best she could before sitting back down. 

Neil grabbed Jenna's hand and took her over to meet the hostess.

"Melanie, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Jenna." 

"Is she the one that owns that bookstore?" 

"Yes, that's me." Jenna spoke up.

"It's nice to meet you. My husband always spoke highly of your store. I used to send him there to get home decor' magazines and books for our children." She told her.

"Where are the kids?" Neil asked her.

"They are still too upset, they're spending a few days with my mother." Melanie explained.

"That's probably a good thing." Neil commented giving her a soft smile.

"Thank you I'm glad you both made it here." 

"Sure, I thought he was a really good guy." Neil told her.

"That's so nice of you to say. It means a lot to me, I want you to know that." Melanie told him.

"You bet." 

"Did either of you get something to eat yet?" She asked them.

"No but we will. I just wanted to make sure you got to meet Jenna." He explained to her.

"It's really good to meet you. I'll stop in the bookstore sometime when things calm down around here." Melanie offered.

"I would really like that." Jenna told her.

"Why don't we go get something to eat?" Neil suggested.

"That sounds good." Jenna replied.

They excused themselves from Melanie, and headed to the kitchen together. It looked as though the wake had been catered by the local deli, all kinds of sandwiches and different finger foods.  They looked over at the refreshment table. There was everything a person could ask for, Melanie had it stocked with a variety of canned soda, bottled water, beer, wine coolers and even several bottles of white wine. 

"Wow, there's something for everyone here." Jenna exclaimed to him.

"Melanie really knows how to stock up for a gathering." Neil told her.

"Did you know her well?" She asked.

"Once in a while Dale would invite me over for dinner, I accepted a handful of times. She's really a nice person too." Neil explained to her as they grabbed a few of the little sandwiches and a beer each.  They headed back to the family room where the rest of Dales friends and family had gathered around, eating asking each other how they knew the deceased and telling stories about his life.