Lo and behold! Another update! It's been a long time coming, and once again its very short. But as soon as I post this I'm off to write the next chapter which will be longer, and full of drama. Thanks for all the reviews guys - keep them coming, and I'll keep the chapters coming.
We all sat and looked at each other. It was strange to think that years ago we would have been talking over the top of each other, cutting in and interrupting, and now we couldn't think of anything to say. I guess that's what happens after so long. Finally, I realised that no one else was going to say anything, so I cleared my throat and ventured –
"How was your flight Shannon?"
I knew she'd actually flown in a few days ago, but it seemed as good a conversation starter as any.
"Fine." Shannon replied. "I keep thinking I'm used to all the traveling I do, but every time I have to travel back to America I'm surprised at how long the flight is. I guess I've just gotten used to traveling around Europe."
"I got the impression from your mom that you didn't come back here very often though?" Kristy interrupted.
Shannon glanced at her hands, then looked back up and said, "America's a big country. I can't get home every time I come here."
My husband David jumped in here and asked Kristy where her bathroom was. By the time she had returned from showing him, Shannon and Jessi were discussing a ballet Shannon had seen in France, and I was chatting with Abby. Abby seemed oddly distracted, but I put it down to the tenseness around us. The door bell rang again, announcing the arrival of Mallory and William. Mrs Pike was looking after the kids since we didn't know what time we'd be heading to our respective accommodation. Kristy's words, not mine. The afternoon passed quickly, discussing random topics as they came up. Kristy's husband came home just before Logan arrived.
James was full of charming apologies over his lateness, but I could tell Kristy was still annoyed about it. Logan arrived before anything could be said, and there was a slight awkward silence as he came through the door. Kristy and Claudia had passed on the news of Logan's career and boyfriend to all of us, and I think we were wondering what exactly to expect. However, all the conversation with Logan centered around his acting. At last, at about seven, the doorbell signaled the last of our arrivals. James went to let Claudia and Stacey in, while Kristy headed out to the kitchen to put the final touches on the meal.