THE REUNION

Chapter One

Goldie Jones

Diana woke from a deep sleep to the clanging of her Big Ben alarm clock. She reached out to shut it off, knocking a lamp off her bedside table in the process. Then she remembered she had put the clock on the dresser so she'd have to get out of bed to turn it off. She did not want to oversleep today of all days. Grumbling, she stumbled over to the dresser and turned off the annoying alarm. She resisted the temptation of jumping back into bed, and took a shower instead.

Diana had been away on a long assignment, and hadn't seen Vincent in six months. She was sent to Los Angeles to do some research on criminal activity in that city, and had just returned from the distant shore a few days ago.

Through a helper, she had received from Father an invitation to attend a Winterfest celebration in the Tunnels. She had eagerly accepted but began to have second thoughts, since Vincent's behavior had been a bit strange, even before she left New York. She wondered what his reaction might be now, having been separated from her for such a long time. Did he miss her? Did he even care whether he ever saw her again or not? Was he ever interested in the first place? Vincent was long on poetry reading, but short on libido. Most of their time was spent either in her loft or in his chamber, but everything was platonic, even five years after Catherine's untimely death. Was he still in mourning? Or was there no attraction on his part?

Diana carefully studied her reflection in the mirror. She still had a smooth, unlined face, and a slim figure. Her reddish-gold hair was still her crowning glory. What was it then, not to like about her? Well, maybe he was attracted, but hesitant to show it. Vincent was a puzzle Diana could never solve, even though she could read his thoughts and experience his feelings. That was part of the problem. He never revealed his true self, as though he knew she might be zeroing in on his mind. Of all the people in the world, why did she have to pick Vincent? That was an easy one to answer, and also a difficult one.

The ringing of her cell phone interrupted Diana's reverie. It was her sister, Susan, calling for the umpteenth time these past few days after Diana's arrival home. Diana sighed, putting the phone to her ear.

"Hi, Suze, what's happening?"

"Not much. Just called to see what's on your agenda today.

"Oh, going to find an outfit to wear tonight, and get my hair done. If I have time, I might even get a leg wax. Why do you ask?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to do lunch?"

"Maybe. If I have time."

"I honestly don't know why you're going to so much trouble for him. He acts like he scarcely notices you're alive anyway."

Susan was the only one Diana had confided in, and she introduced her sister to Vincent some time ago, making her swear to secrecy. That didn't deter Susan from making snide comments about Diana's romance, or lack thereof, however. Nor did it stop her from making jokes about what happened before Diana left on her assignment.

"Maybe it's better that way," Susan continued. "At least he is oblivious to so many things, including your question on TV to the world-renowned sex therapist."

"Do you have to keep bringing that up?" Diana said, exasperation making her want to end this conversation. "I was pretty desperate at the time, and wanting to do anything to spark some romance in Vincent. Besides, everything was conducted anonymously. No one knew it was I, asking about Vincent. As far as Dr. Von Schtuppenweld was concerned, I was just a woman asking about her lover."

"Yeah," Susan laughed, "Dr. Schtuppenweld, the under-the-covers agent. But his advice didn't work so well, did it? I mean the part about you increasing your pulchi--, um, what was that word?"

"Pulchritude. In other words, sex-appeal. That's why I want to find a sexy outfit for tonight. Now if you'll excuse me, I hear my teakettle whistling, and I really have to go."

"Okay. What about lunch?"

"I'll think about it and call you back. Okay?"

Diana really had no desire to rehash her whole relationship. She and Susan had discussed it numerous times, not coming to any conclusion. Lunch would only prove to be the same monotonous ifs, ands and buts. I'll make some excuse, she thought. Besides, if I don't get a move on, I'm gonna be late for my hair appointment.

Several hours later, Diana returned with a new hairdo and a large package. She had tried on several outfits, and finally decided on a slinky black halter dress, to be accessorized with a pair of seldom-worn black sling-back heels with a silver buckle. Most of Diana’s wardrobe consisted of jeans and sweats. She seldom dressed up glamorously, and perhaps that was her problem. Catherine was always impeccably garbed in the latest fashion; whereas Diana preferred a more casual mode of dress. But tonight would be different. She would capture Vincent’s attention, if it was the last thing she’d ever do, and it very well might be.

After close attention to every detail, Diana was finally ready to go to the Winterfest celebration. She had the leg wax earlier, her hair done in a classic updo, and had to admit to herself that she looked positively ravishing in the new dress. She had even put on eye shadow and mascara, something she never used, and getting used to the feel of these unfamiliar cosmetics was foreign to her.

After a final inspection in the mirror, she took a taxi to Central Park, and walked the short distance to the Tunnels. "It’s now or never," she said aloud, her heart pounding in anticipation as she approached the Tunnel entrance.

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