The Sibling by Diane Moody

Author:Diane Moody
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: OBT Bookz
Published: 2019-08-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

In the oversized open tent set up on the side grounds of Braxton House, the same string quartet performed a playlist of lovely classical music as the funeral guests gathered for the reception following the service. The caterers had laid out “quite a spread,” according to Earl Simpson, who tucked his utensils in his suit coat pocket and piled his plate high with the various entrees. His wife Sugar, much too excited to eat, floated from group to group, trying to keep up with the kerfuffle surrounding the surprise appearance of the young woman claiming to be Harley’s wife.

Aubrey kept her lips pressed together, thinking it impolite to laugh. Observing Sugar’s antics and those of other townsfolk, she imagined herself at the filming of a Robert Altman movie. A comedy set at a funeral. As she and her mother visited with the others, they all wondered about the mysterious Mrs. Creech and where she went after the awkward and abrupt end of the service. She kept up with the conversation, though she didn’t know many of the others who offered their opinions.

“Poor Peyton,” Sarah Denton said. “I’ve never seen him so flustered. But what was he supposed to do?”

“Where’d she go? Has anyone seen her?” Sugar asked, hustling her way into their midst. Oprah’s hat bobbed up and down and all around as she scoped the crowd for the surprise guest.

“Someone said she followed Kathleen into the house when the service ended.”

“Poor Kathleen. What a shock, and so soon after losing Harley.”

“Yes, but she obviously knew who the girl was, since she called her by name.”

“Did you see how short her skirt was?”

“Forget the skirt,” Sugar said. “That neckline! Why, I had to cover Earl’s eyes when she leaned over to hug Kathleen.”

“I knew Harley had been married several times, but that little tart—”

“Charlene,” Sarah corrected. “Her name is Charlene.”

“Whatever. She’s young enough to be his daughter. Wonder where he found her?”

“We’re presuming she actually is his wife.”

“Oh now, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt.”

They all turned to stare at Georgia Schwimmer, who by then had stabbed a Swedish meatball and popped it in her mouth.

“I think you’re right, Georgia,” Susannah Parker said. “We’re all judging her book by its cover, and that’s not fair.”

“Honey, if that child can read, I’m a monkey’s uncle,” Earl added, after chasing a barbecue slider with a gulp of sweet tea.

Aubrey’s eyes connected with those of Gevin’s wife, Emily. She too appeared to be struggling to keep her composure. They turned simultaneously and stepped away before their laughter erupted.

“Do you believe this conversation?” Emily wheezed then snorted as they distanced themselves.

“I thought it was just me,” Aubrey whispered. “I’m an outsider, but it made me wonder. Is it always like this?”

“Oh, it’s usually much, much worse,” she answered, still giggling. “Can you imagine reading the transcript of all these comments? It would read like the most ridiculous novel.”

“I know. I was just thinking how it feels like we’re all on a movie set.

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