Melinda extended her hand in a lukewarm, barely engaged, obligatory manner. Val and Gwen worked at the medical examiner’s office. They weren’t in the right income bracket and social circle. No acceptance to the clique here. They didn’t belong. Polite courtesy only. “Pleased to meet you.” It was obvious she wasn’t pleased at all.

“Mel was the third in our little trio that I told you about. God, we were inseparable back then, weren’t we? Time is an awful beast that really does come between people, doesn’t it?”

“It certainly does.” Melinda straightened her purse on her shoulder.

“God, how long has it been?” Bethany asked.

“Too long!” Melinda looked at Val, then Gwen again. “Beth, I don’t mean to be rude to your acquaintances here, but some of our high school friends have gathered in the foyer. I told them that I’ve come to retrieve you. They’re dying to hear what you’ve been up to. Plus, we’re planning a celebration to honor Gabi tonight. Should be like old times.” Melinda put her hand on Bethany’s arm. “Sean is here. So sad about his mother.” Melinda leaned in to whisper in Bethany’s ear.

Val couldn’t make out what Melinda said, but she watched Bethany’s reaction to Melinda. Bethany’s lips curled up slightly. The private conversation had such an air of familiarity, of knowing… of orchestration, that Val couldn’t help but feel this wasn’t the first time Bethany and Melinda had gotten together recently, nor did Sean really have anything sad happen with his mother. A reunion between these women happened before today. They knew how to act around one another. For one another.

Bethany turned and looked at Val in a way that you do when you’re ready to move on from a conversation.

Val spoke up quickly before they walked off. “I’m still hoping that we can meet at another time to discuss this further? Any information you can give me might help Gabrielle and Adam.” Val handed Bethany a card with her contact information and then locked eyes on Melinda. “I’d like to speak with both of you, if possible.”

“Of course,” Bethany said. Melinda’s hand was on her arm, coaxing her to walk away.

“I’d be happy to talk to you too,” Melinda said and quickly snatched her own card as Val handed her one. With that she grabbed Bethany’s arm tighter and pulled her away.