Free Deadly Reunion by Elisabeth Crabtree Page A

for Hope so we can announce the results of Reunion Queen.”
    “ I'm here,” Hope said, walking onto the stage. “I'm sorry I'm late.”
    “Fina lly,” Grace whispered to Kyle. “I wonder where she's been.”
    “Ok ay! Now that we finally have all of our nominees with us,” Melodie said, pointedly looking at Hope, “we can get started.”
    Melodie opened up the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper. “This one was very close. After careful counting our Reunion Queen is . . .” Melodie turned and smiled at Crystal. “Hope Holliday!”
    The crowd cheered. Grace let out a little yell, happy for her sister.
    “Congratulations, Hope!” Melodie said, placing the crown on Hope's head and kissing her cheek. The crowd started chanting “Speech! Speech!” Hope caught Grace's eye and winked. After the crown was sufficiently secured, Melodie turned to Tom and motioned for him to stand next to her. Grace caught the look that passed between Tom and Crystal. Neither one was happy.
    Melodie , tiring of waiting for Tom, reached out and grabbed his hand, dragging him to his place next to Hope, while Steve moved up to the stage to take their picture. “Well, this looks familiar,” Melodie said to the crowd. “Let's congratulate our Reunion King and Queen.”
    The crowd cheered. “Ok ay, they’re going to start us off on a dance, and then we are going to get this party started.”
    Smiling, Hope walked down the steps to stand on the dance floor. When Hope reached the center of the floor, under the disco ball, she turned around, her arms outstretched as the band played My Heart Will Go On . Her smile faltered, when she realized Tom was still standing on the stairs.
    “What's he waiting for?” Kyle asked. “He can't leave her standing there.”
    Grace agreed, but was afraid that's exactly what Thomas Lake would do. She wouldn't blame Tom for walking out. Why is the band playing that song of all songs? Grace watched as Tom looked back at his wife who was standing on the stage, her arms crossed. Some silent communication must have passed between them, because Tom suddenly turned around, walked up to Hope, took her in his arms, and began to slowly sway to the music. Grace let out a relieved breath.
    “Are you going to tell me what all that is about?” Kyle asked.
    “Tom is my sister's ex-fiancé. He left her after graduation for Crystal. That was their song. Titanic had a major impact on their lives. Her engagement ring was a blue sapphire heart. They were supposed to dance to that song at their wedding. They even booked an Atlantic cruise for their honeymoon.”
    “Did they happen to notice how that movie ended?”
    “I doubt it. While Melodie and I were sobbing our little hearts out, Hope and Tom were making out in the seat next to us. To this day, I become nauseous whenever I see the ocean.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
    G race surveyed the buffet table. She hadn't had anything to eat today except for the salted pretzels provided by the airline. Well, that, and the chocolate-covered strawberries she shared with Kyle an hour ago. Darn it. Everything had been picked through.
    “This is all pretty exciting! I've never been to a reunion before,” Kyle said , picking up a plate at the buffet table. “Mine's not for another couple of years.”
    “Great . Just great.” Grace disliked being reminded that he was not only younger, but a world apart from her. How can he possibly be having a good time? He doesn't even know these people. She couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, though. Kyle was always happy which was one of the things she liked best about him. Never worried or stressed. Just pleasantly happy with life. Weird.
    “W ho were your friends in school? I think we can count out Crystal and Tom.” Kyle examined the garlic potatoes, trying to decide whether to add it to his growing plate of food.
    “No, they were friends of mine in school. Tom was one of my best friends. Well,