Turning the Tide novel Chapter 12

"I'm sorry, everyone. I'm late."

Not long after we were all seated, a woman pushed open the door and walked in. "Sorry, there was traffic," she said, slightly out of breath.

Seeing the newcomer, Oskar's eyes lit up, and his earlier frustration vanished. He quickly stood to greet Grace. "Your timing couldn't be better. Dinner is just being served."

Grace smiled graciously and took a seat to the left of the main table.

"Grace is absolutely stunning."

"No wonder she was the school belle. She's the white whale for most guys."

"I heard she went abroad for further studies and is now a postgraduate."

"Yeah, just look at her. Her outfit alone must cost tens of thousands of dollars. We're just ordinary folks. We can't compete with that."

"I think Grace and Oskar will make a perfect couple."

Oskar overheard the whispers and, with a smug smile, introduced Grace. "This is no stranger to you all. Grace Dixon, the school babe. It's her first time attending a class reunion since graduation. Let's give her a warm welcome."

I shook my head and smiled. I should have realized sooner. She was out of my league from the start. My naivety had blinded me to that gap.

Oskar seemed pleased with Grace's reaction, his grin widening.

"Speaking of the past, I remember David..." Oskar began, still trying to make fun of me.

But he was interrupted by a soft voice from the doorway.