School's Out for Murder (Schooled in Murder Book 2) by Tracy D. Comstock Page A

temporary speechlessness that had settled over the group on the large deck.
    "Trent Winters! Man, long time no see. How the heck are ya?" Tad stepped forward to shake the newcomer's hand, grasping his elbow as he did so in that manly way men had that always made Emily wonder if that was their version of women's hugs and air kisses.
    "Fine, fine. And yourself, Tad?" Trent's rich baritone sounded warm and sincere, revealing no trace of awkwardness at this surprise reunion. Emily didn't bother to listen to Tad's response, instead focusing on Gabby. Her best friend's face was pale, her large brown eyes slightly glazed with shock. She still held a box of matches in one hand, a single match in the other, prepared to light the citronella candle on the ledge of the deck next to where she stood, unmoving, just as she had been ever since leading the new couple back out onto the deck. Emily saw that Greg was watching Gabby's reaction, a look of confusion marring his even features. Emily moved quickly to Gabby's side, giving her a slight nudge to the ribs with her elbow.
    Gabby gave a jolt, like someone startled out of a nightmare, then she stepped forward, ready to make her guests feel welcome. "Amelia, Trent, I'm so glad you guys could make it."
    Amelia placed a hand lightly on Gabby's arm. "Isn't it a wonderful surprise? When I moved back to Ellington, I had no idea that Trent was in the area. But then we ran into each other at Walmart, of all places, started reminiscing about the good 'ole days, and well, one thing led to another, and here we are."
    "Yes, here we are," Gabby smiled as she turned to introduce everyone to Greg. "You see," she explained to her still-puzzled husband, "Trent and Amelia went to school with Emily and me. They were a grade ahead of us."
    "It's nice to meet you," Greg replied, and Emily wondered if he was picking up on the slight air of tension still pervading the group. Since Greg had grown up in Chicago, he didn't know most of the people his wife had grown up with. Emily was sure he had no idea that his wife had once harbored a major crush for the man now standing on his new deck.
    Emily decided it was time to join in this slightly surreal conversation. "It's nice to see you again, Trent. Didn't I hear you were coaching in the area now?" Emily ignored the warning glace Tad shot her way. She'd meant her comment as a slight dig. Back in high school, Trent's ego had been legendary. Although he had been a truly talented basketball player, his constant bragging about playing college ball and then joining the pros had not endeared him to many of his classmates. In fact, Amelia, a talented player in her own right, had been one of his few true friends. The rest of his group seemed to be more hangers-on, awed by Trent's supposed celebrity status. Emily had always secretly wondered if Amelia was only such a good friend to Trent because she had a crush on him. But the then-tomboy Amelia had never breathed a word of feeling anything more than friendship toward Trent, which had been good for her friendship with Gabby, who had a not-so-silent crush on the basketball superstar. But Trent never even gave Gabby a second glance, which was odd since every boy in their own grade was half-in-love with gorgeous, dark-haired, sweet-natured Gabby Moretti. Gabby had suffered over two years of unrequited love for Trent, until their senior year when she finally decided that since Trent had graduated and left for college, she should finally move on. As far as Emily knew, Gabby hadn't seen Trent since the day he left Ellington.
    Emily watched Trent closely to see how he would respond because the Trent she knew from high school would have some excuse as to why he hadn't made it to the pros. But he wrapped his arm around Amelia and smiled at Emily, saying, "That's right, Emily. When I decided to move back last year, there weren't any openings at Ellington, but I was able to secure a varsity coaching position at Brentville. It's not home,