Page 50 (1/2)

I tense up, because I know things are about to get even

Joanna’s a beautiful woth dark bob and blue eyes like Beau’s Those eyes are so lifeless right now Her face is haunted So are the faces of her parents

In her sirand piano on the other side of the stage I ondering about the piano, and now I have my answer Joanna Maxas aa job on Broadway right after graduation Hannah says she’s an incredible singer

I wince as h the stadium

"Sorry," Joanna murmurs, then adjusts the mic and leans closer "I don’t think ood singer He wouldn’t dare to sing in public, though He had his bad boy reputation to h the bleachers It’s eerie co over us

"Anyway, Beau was a big music buff When ere little, ould sneak into our dad’s den and lances at her father "Sorry you’re just finding that out now, Daddy But I se didn’t break into the liquor cabinet" She pauses "At least not until ere older"

Mr Maxwell shakes his head ruefully Another wave of laughter washes through the stands

"We loved listening to the Beatles" She adjusts the ers over the ivory keys "This was Beau’s favorite song, so--" Her voice cracks "--I thought I would sing it for him today"

My heart aches as the first strains of "Let It Be" fill the stadiuers are like ice I squeeze the to warm her up, but I know , there isn’t a dry eye in the bleachers I’ive up and let the theracefully rises from the piano bench and rejoins her parents Then come the speeches, and the tears only fall harder Coach Deluca gets behind the podium and talks about what a talented player Beau was, his dedication, his strength of character A few of his teaain with stories about Beau’s shenanigans in the locker roo her son, for loving hied when the memorial finally reaches its conclusion

Sorrow thickens the air as people shuffle out of their seats and make their way down the aisles Sabrina releases my hand and walks ahead of me Hope and Carin sandwich her between the an arm around her shoulders as the trio descends the steps

On the landing, I come up behind her and lean in to ht?"

She gives a slight shake of her head, and disappointment and frustration flood my stomach She must see it in my eyes, because she bites her lip and whispers, "We’ll talk soon, okay?"

"Okay," I whisper back

With my heart in my throat, I watch her walk away

"What was that about?" Garrett appears besidemy condolences," I lie "That’s Sabrina James--she used to date Beau"