Room 14's Secret novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: The Garrick Medal

Zachary's POV

The ballroom held three hundred people and one enormous chandelier.

I sat at table one in a rented tuxedo that pulled across the shoulders.

My sister's wheelchair was on my left, and Melinda was on my right.

Melinda wore the navy dress.

She had put her hair up, and for once the gray eyes were sharp and awake and aimed at the room.

I had not seen her look like that since the courthouse steps.

I wanted very much to touch her, and I kept my hands in my lap.

Giselle arrived last, in white.

It was white, not cream or ivory, and it went to the floor, with her honey hair pinned low.

Every head in the room turned toward her.

"My loves," she said, and kissed the air beside Melinda's cheek. "You came. You look wonderful."

She kissed my sister on the forehead.

I felt Leanne's wheel brush my shoe.

She had told me in the car that if I moved I would ruin it.

She had waited five years, she said, and she could wait one more soup course.

I did not move.

The soup came.

Between the soup and the fish, a waiter set a silver pot at the head of the table.

Giselle took it up with both hands.

"The kitchen made chamomile for us," she said brightly. "Just the head table. It's my one indulgence."

She poured for the board members, and for Leanne, and for me.

I did not touch mine.

Then she poured Melinda's, last, in a white cup with a gold rim.

"For you, honey," she said, and set it down with a little click. "To steady your nerves."

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