Family Reunion

By Thomas Kelly

Jack's on his way to a Family Reunion. He only has to make a quick stop, then he can join his family for a nice relaxing weekend. Jack stops at a small gas station near his uncle’s cabin, where the reunion is to take place. While he is in the store he meets a pretty girl who turns out to be in need of some help. Jack is stuck with a decision to make... Help the pretty girl or leave her and drive to his uncle’s cabin.

Bobby is a young man who has big plans for his near future. Bobby is ready for anything that may come up. Although, when a small problem does appear, Bobby panics and he loses sight of his goal. His dream shattered, Bobby leaves the bank and tries to figure out a way to pick up the pieces. Just when Bobby thinks his life can’t get any worse an Angel knocks on his door... What could possibly go wrong?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Kelly
• Release date: May 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781450752237

Thomas Kelly

Thomas Kelly (b. 1960) is the author of three novels set in New York City. Born in New York, Kelly spent ten years as a construction worker and sandhog—working in the subway tunnels beneath the city—before attending Fordham University and Harvard University, where he received a master’s degree in public administration. Kelly parlayed his experience in union politics into a job as an advance man for the campaign of New York City mayor David Dinkins, an experience which would form the basis for some of his fiction. Kelly began writing in the mid-1990s, and published his debut, Payback, in 1997. A gritty look at the overlap between construction and the Mafia, it was critically acclaimed and adapted to film by David Mamet. Kelly’s other works are The Rackets (2001), which was inspired by Kelly’s experience working for City Hall, and Empire Rising (2005), a historical novel about the construction of the Empire State Building.

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Family Reunion

Thomas Kelly

Published by Thomas Kelly at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 Thomas Kelly

This story is dedicated to my two wonderful daughters, Alivia and Emma. My girls will always be the most important people in my life. I love you Alivia and Emma.

Family Reunion

Jack’s Story

Jack drove his old mustang slowly down an old county road. He had been on gravel for the last five miles. The pretty young lady at the last gas station had told him that he was on the right path. He had struck up a nice little conversation with her, she was probably about twenty-three years old. Short brown hair or at least it looked short. The young woman had it pulled back into a very tight bun. Jack had remembered that one of his exes had worn her hair like that. Her hair was just long enough for a bun. It was also just enough to grab onto gently in the heat of the moment. The smile that it had brought to his face is actually what started the conversation.

Ironically enough her name was Diane, and she asked him what he was so happy about? Jack tried to avoid telling her the real reason he was smiling. Part of what he said was the truth that he was going to his Great Uncle’s cabin on the lake. He had never been there but this year the whole family was supposed to show up and have a nice big reunion. Even if that big reunion was only going to be eleven or twelve people, including his sisters kids. It had been years since they were all together, not since their grandfather had passed away.

Jack had found himself running at the mouth. He was telling Diane things that he could remember about his long lost family. Things she probably did not want to hear but was friendly enough to feign interest. When Jack realized that he was rambling, he quickly stopped and asked about her.

So, what is a pretty girl like you doing working here? Jack said. As soon as he said it, he could hear a little voice in his head. "Doh, you idiot!" He closed his eyes and put his head down in shame. How could I have just said that to her? God that’s got to be the worst line ever. To his surprise, she started talking.

Well, this is a very small town. Once you’re here you’re kind of stuck. Ya know, my parents own this station. They grew up here, so did their parents. Just about everyone in this town has lived here their whole lives, no one ever leaves. Diane stopped talking for a minute. Looking out the window at a passing car, she looked as if she could see herself behind the wheel. Driving off into the sun, going anywhere but here.

Jack had looked out at the car as well. Thinking he should get back on the road also. Turning back around to look at Diane to say good bye, he could see the tears starting to well up in her pretty blue eyes. The uncomfortable silence that followed her statement coupled with the tears was to say the least, awkward.

Uh… Diane, are you alright? Jack asked as he fumbled with his keys. I think I’d better just grab some stuff and get back on the road.

Jack was starting to worry that she was about to completely lose it. She was still staring out the window. Big crocodile tears slowly rolling down her perfect check bones. Thinking he had hit a nerve he wasn’t quite sure what to do next. Get out Jacky, get out now. Turn around and just walk out. He knew just how right that voice in his head was, but how could he listen to it this time? He had just about made this poor girl cry like a baby.

By now Jack had lost track of what Diane was doing. Talking to himself, he had started walking away. Instead of walking to the front door he moved towards the back of the