When dinner was over, I decided that we could have gotten just as good a meal at Our House. I thought Tracy’s mom was an excellent chef. The only thing the Covered Bridge had that my restaurant didn’t was the view of the river. From everyone’s reaction, though, this particular outing had been a success.
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Chapter 25 – Homecoming Friday October 14
This year’s Homecoming theme was The Great Gatsby. Everything was done in black, white, and gold, with sparkling lights. I was impressed by the way they’d transformed our gym into a 1920s speakeasy.
They’d hired a photographer, and I got pictures with my dates and Brook. Then I had the photographer take one with all six of us. Dare got one with Brook, who was still being a good sport about everything. The only downer for the night was that even with my pain pills, there was no way I could dance. I shook my head when Dare also refused to dance. I sent a text to my brother and told him to dance with Brook for me. Once Phil broke the ice, other guys came over to ‘help’ me by dancing with my dates.
“I heard you’d tried to kill yourself.”
I turned around and found Jim Ball and Kim Sun were standing behind me. They were last year’s King and Queen. I was surprised Jim had come home from the University of Alabama for this. I pushed myself up and gave them both hugs.
“It’s good to see you both. I had no idea you’d both be here.”
“They decided to redshirt me, so I got permission to come back for tonight. I was instructed to make sure you knew that you were attending Alabama to play football,” Jim said.
“We’re going there next week. Are you going to be around?”
“I’m your chaperone for the weekend. They’re rolling out the red carpet for you three,” Jim shared.
Word must have gotten around about the two of them because Jim and Kim were suddenly dragged off to see their friends. Not long after, the band took a break. When they came back, it was time to announce the Homecoming King and Queen. Everyone gave me a funny look when I made my way onto the stage.
“The Homecoming Committee asked me to announce this year’s King and Queen. Before I do, I want to introduce last year’s winners, Jim Ball and Kim Sun.”
They both came out on stage with me. I smiled benignly when I saw that Kim had her crown firmly on her head. There might be a catfight to get it from her before it was over. Jim grabbed the mic from me.
“I just wanted to say a few words before David does his duty. Coming back tonight reminds me how much I miss you all. Some of my best memories are of playing ball here. I’m sure you’ll repeat and win state again,” he said.
That got a positive reaction. Jim gave the mic back to me. It was now time for the big announcement.
“Drum roll, please,” I said, and the band responded with the sound of the drum. “Lincoln High’s Homecoming Queen is … Brook Davis!”
I shook my head when Brook acted like she was surprised. It was fortuitous that Kim decided to give her crown up. Brook took center stage, and someone on the committee ran out and handed her a dozen roses.
“Okay, everyone. The moment we have been waiting for,” I said, and made a show of crossing my fingers and having trouble opening the envelope. “Our Homecoming King is …”
I debated whether I should play it straight, but the actor in me couldn’t pass up my moment. I blinked and looked around, then mouthed ‘Is this right?’ One of the Homecoming Committee members ran out and read it and nodded their head ‘yes.’ I let my shoulders droop, causing everyone to laugh. Then I put my best smile on.
“It couldn’t go to a better guy. Darius Rossetti!”
I’d made sure that Wolf and Tim were behind him so Dare couldn’t bolt. They ‘escorted’ him to the stage, where Jim shook his hand and put his crown on him. Brook whispered something in Dare’s ear, and he blushed. I was happy to see him smile and actually look up for the pictures.
Then it was time for the dance. Everyone chuckled when Brook had to all but drag Dare to the dance floor. Brook had to show him where to put his hands, and they began the high school sway as the band played
I made my way back to our table and found everyone was on the dance floor by the end of the song. They played three slow songs in a row for the lovebirds in the audience. I smiled when Kim came and sat next to me.
“Hello, Stranger, how have you been?” I asked.
“Good. I’m loving college, but I miss this too. We had some good times here.”
“We did. I’m trying to make the most of it before I leave,” I admitted.
“Once you graduate, I bet you never come back. I bet we’ll all be able to say we knew you when.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on me,” I said and frowned. “Do you see any of the old gang?”
“Not really. It’s like we all took off and started new lives. I mean, college does give you a chance to reinvent yourself.”
“Who have you become?” I asked.
Kim laughed.
