Free Homecoming Weekend by Curtis Bunn Page B

Michael in college.”
    â€œShit, you got cobwebs down there, girl,” Charlene said.
    Tranise laughed hard and loud. “No, let me explain,” she said. “About a year ago, I called him. He lives in Northern Virginia. We kept in touch a little bit and he came to Atlanta for work earlier this year. Let’s just say we had a good night.”
    â€œSo you let go the fact that he was running around with Felicia and you at the same time back in the day?” Charlene said.
    â€œI didn’t think I did—until I saw him,” she said. “I was going to bring it up, but after a while I didn’t see the point.”
    â€œGood for you—that’s growth,” Mary said.
    â€œ Excuse me,” Tranise said, feigning being insulted.
    â€œCome on, you know how you were in school?” Mary explained. “You would analyze everything up and down, round and round, in and out. You got hold of something and you wouldn’t let go, like the dog that grabs hold to your pants leg.”
    â€œWhatever,” Tranise said. “Excuse me for growing.”
    They laughed and talked and reminisced for another half-hour before Charlene suggested they go across Virginia Beach Boulevard to The Broadway for the day party. They spent several minutes dividing the bill before finally leaving for the party.
    They headed out looking for the Alpha who had sent themchampagne to thank him and finally find out who he was, but he had gone. “Well, he told us about the party, so he’s probably over there,” Charlene said.
    And sure enough, when they made the three-minute trek to The Broadway, there he was, standing among brothers of Omega Psi Phi, who hosted the event. They were clearly enjoying each other, laughing and recalling their college days.
    â€œNow how is it that I know those Ques he’s talking to, but not him,” Charlene said. “That’s Bootsy, Darryl Ferguson, and Conrad—they are old heads we met last year when Bootsy said something crazy to us. Remember that, Mary? But how do they know him, but we don’t? This is crazy.”
    The ladies made their way through the packed building, stopping to engage old friends along the way.
    â€œI can’t believe I have not been back before now,” Tranise said. “I forgot about most of these people. But it’s great to see these old faces. Folks are looking good—for the most part.”
    â€œYeah, for the most part,” Mary stressed. “Look over there, the girl in the jean jacket. That’s Diane Luckett.”
    â€œNo way,” Charlene said.
    â€œLook at her; look hard,” Mary said.
    Charlene and Tranise tried not to stare. But then it hit them at once: It was Diane Luckett, all right. Once petite with a body to envy, she had added so much weight that she was practically unrecognizable.
    â€œOMG,” they both said in unison, making all of them laugh.
    â€œWhat happened to her?” Tranise said. “I’m not judging, but damn .”
    â€œShe probably had a kid or two and it just got out of control,” Charlene surmised.
    â€œShe ain’t had no kids,” Mary said. “She married that guy shedated that went to Hampton. Remember him? He used to always be on our campus.”
    â€œI do remember him; so they got married? Good. If I remember correctly, he was a buffed guy, a workout freak,” Tranise said. “He can’t be happy about his wife looking like that .”
    As if she could hear them speaking about her over the loud music, Diane walked in their direction.
    â€œDiane, how are you?” Tranise said, as they embraced.
    â€œTranise, you look so good,” Diane said.
    Tranise wanted to say the same to her, but she could not bring herself to do so. Lying was something she was taught never to do as a kid, and it stuck with her.
    â€œI’m glad to see you,” she said instead. “I heard you got married. Where’s