Page 5 of The Plunge

My attention is so focused on finding a free spot at the window that I don't even notice I'm standing next to the person who allegedly appreciates my presence at this event more than his behavior would lead me to believe. My uncle turns around to me, an indignant expression turning to a gasp in surprise when he realizes that I was the one bumping into him.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Clyde," I say in the most polite tone I can muster. "Just wanted to make sure I get a good view of the city."

My uncle nods, looking more annoyed than happy to see me.

"Sure," he says. "Smart to get up here before they make the announcement."

"That's what I thought."

"Should be any moment now." He demonstratively checks the time on his Rolex, appearing uneasy.

I know why that is. I know why he hurries to turn his gaze away from me, looking for my aunt to join us and provide a much-needed buffer between two people who haven't been alone in the same room for years.

Because of what happened back then. None of us could ever forget about it or act as if it never occurred even though I know my aunt would love to pretend just that.

She appears just before the announcement roars through the room, drowning out the music to let people know that the lights are about to be turned off for the highlight of the evening.

"Just in time," my uncle remarks as my aunt squeezes herself between us, moving toward the window so that I'm forced to make room for her even though it means my view will be partially blocked.

I get pushed aside, still footing away from the window as the lights go out.

It's a benign motion. Something that happens quickly and in a nonchalant manner.

But it's this little disarrangement between us that will change my life forever.

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