Class Reunion Read Online Free Page B

blue eyes turned to hers. “Ha,” came the small voice, and Jennifer felt triumphant.
    They all spent the next several hours settling in, catching up, and getting reacquainted. After several attempts to warm up to Allison, Jennifer decided to let well enough alone and not push it.
    They shared an early dinner while going over the plans for the next few days. Several events had been planned for the reunion throughout the weekend. That evening was a casual gathering at Greendale Country club. Saturday afternoon a family picnic was scheduled, followed by a formal dinner in the eveŹning. Another picnic was planned for Sunday afternoon for anyone still around.
    As they went over the schedule, Jen thought ruefully that she hadn’t planned for spending much time with her sister’s family, and she told them as much.
    “I could skip tonight’s party, if you like. So we can spend some time together,” she suggested hopefully.
    Sally slapped her leg. “Don’t even think about it.”
    “Why don’t you two go? I’ll stay home with the kids,” Jim suggested.
    Jen’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. Sally? Please come. I’m liable to drive around for hours trying to get my courage up if you don’t go.” She didn’t have to twist her sister’s arm, and within twenty minutes, they were in the car and on their way to the reunion.

Chapter 3
    They arrived at the country club ten minutes later. Jen reluctantly stepped from the car and began to make her way down the path toward the clubŹhouse and botanical gardens.
    “Oh god,” Jennifer said. “Do we have to do this?”
    Sally placed both hands on her younger sister’s back and gave her a playful shove. “You can do it, kiddo. I can’t believe you’re this nervous.”
    “I can’t either,” Jen admitted. “In fact, I don’t remember the last time I was this nervous.”
    “It’s not like you.”
    “I know.”
    “You’re always so confident.”
    Jen turned toward her sister. “You think so, huh?”
    “Of course. I’ve always wanted to be more like you in that way.”
    Astonished, Jen glanced sideways to see if her sister was teasing. But Sally’s face was earnest.
    “I never knew that,” she mused.
    “Of course you didn’t. It’s not something one likes to admit to her little sister.” They stopped walking as the clubhouse door loomed before them. A huge banner was draped above it. WELCOME GEORGE WASHINGTON — CLASS OF ‘77.
    Jennifer groaned aloud. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
    Sally rolled her eyes and tucked an arm through Jen’s. “Come on. We’ll have fun.” She pushed the door open and the two of them stepped inside.
    They found themselves in a long narrow hallway that led to a larger room, where picnic tables had been placed strategically along the perimeter. Dozens of people, indistinguishable to Jennifer’s eyes, milled about, casually drinking and chatting in little groups.
    “Hi!” A loud, singsongy voice greeted them. “And just who would you be?”
    Jennifer’s eyes fell to the perky, brown-haired woman who stood behind a picnic table immediately to their right.
    “Hi.” Jen found her voice.
    “You know,” the woman said in a puzzled voice, her eyes darting back and forth between the sisters. “I don’t think I recognize either one of you. I’m Tina
    Simms.” She pointed to the round button pinned to her lapel. On the button was a black and white photograph, clearly from their high-school yearbook. Jennifer didn’t think she’d ever seen this woman in her life. 1 m —
    “Don’t tell me,” the woman shrieked abruptly, clearly excited about the role she was playing. “Show me!” She waved the two of them closer. “Find your button.” Dramatically, her arm swept out to indicate the table before her. Nearly fifty of the round buttons were scattered across the table, each decorated with the yearbook photograph of a different graduate. Beneath each photo, someone had carefully lettered the graduate’s