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Hoe it used to be, but always the place I belong

CHAPTER 29

GREER

The gyer picture the space as it was only yesterday A co crew sterilized it froymnasiuic, turning an athletic space into a corner of heaven

Staying busy keeps my mind off the rescue I delayed Off the proht now

I’m proud of our work Round tables covered hite linens are set up in the center, evenly spaced toone wall of bleachers, now disguised by drapes in a soft golden yellow covering from the floor to the clerestory s at the top, is a buffet table with crystal punch bowls, real cha the opposite, siuised wall is a raised dais and the table where the principal, the heads of the alumnae association, and the tea co the tea

Every place at every table is set to perfection Beautiful gold-and-violet china, gilded flatware, crystal goblets

It’s all beautiful, but the ceiling … The ceiling is ray tiles, long swathes of dark-lavender silk hang in swooping swags Behind the swags, bright white fairy lights twinkle through, giving the i in the s only enhances the effect With the scent of peonies in the air, from the white-and-pink centerpieces on each table and the flickering candles adding to the aro sun casting a violet hue on the world, the persistent stars twinkling through the haze

The only thing that ruins the i up in the hallway off the other end of the gym

"Oh well," I say out loud to the e down at my seat, on the end of the dais I could claim the center asthat an eency is inevitable at any event, I want to be in a position to act quickly

I go aboutthe nu on the caterers Everything is in place by the tied into their tea attire I broughtMostly--I’o hoo over the schedule onewhen Who’s responsible for seating which prestigious alu

We arewhen the dizziness hits me Harder than before--my knees literally buckle beneath me Luckily, I’m next to the dais If I’d coainst the platforlass everywhere

"Greer," Annalise asks, "are you okay?"