Subj: The Talented Mr. Ripley 2 chapter 5
Date: 11/19/00 6:40:18 PM Central Standard Time
From: Melissa

The Party and a face from the past

Tom walked down the stairs, Quentin was still upstairs. Izzy was pouring herself a drink; she looked up when Tom walked into the room.

"Well look at you," Izzy said, handing him the drink, "You look great. I was right you're just about Quentin's size."

"It's a little big, but thank you," Tom said.

"Don't thank me thank that gorgeous man in the doorway," Izzy said.

Tom turned to see Quentin in the doorway, "You look good," Quentin said, "Why don't you just keep it, I hardly ever wear that one anyway."

"Are you sure," Tom asked.

"Yeah, it looks better on you than me anyway," Quentin said putting his arms around Izzy's waist. "Isn't she the most beautiful woman in the world?"

"Stop it Quentin," Izzy giggled, "The guests will be arriving."

Quentin kissed the top of her head and walked into the dinning room. "It looks great," he said.

"Thank you, it's been ages since I did anything like this. I hope it will be good."

"I know it will," Quentin said.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tom watched as the guests began to arrive. His thought couldn't help but drift back to the tarot reading, was someone from his past going to show up tonight? And if so who was it? He had to be prepared for anything.

"Marge! I'm so glad you could make it," Izzy cried excitedly, "Look at you, you look wonderful."

"Thank you Izzy. You look beautiful, how's Quentin?"

"You know Quentin's Quentin, and I would never want to change a thing about him," Izzy said laughing. "How's Dickie? Did he come with you?"

"You don't know about Dickie?"

"No, what is it," Izzy asked.

"Dickie's dead. His father, and most everyone else thinks he killed himself, but I know. . . " Marge trailed off, her eyes fixed on a figure at the other end of the room.

"What is it Marge?" Izzy asked turning to see who Marge was staring at.

"It's nothing. I thought I saw someone I used to know that's all," Marge said smiling at Izzy.

"Come on Quentin will want to say hello, and there's someone you have to meet."

Izzy took Marge's hand and lead her into the drawing room where Quentin was.

"Quentin look who's here," Izzy said.

Quentin turned and smiled when he saw Marge.

"Hello Quentin, are you staying our of trouble?" Marge asked hugging him.

"Well I try," Quentin laughed.

"Quentin, Marge has some terrible news, Dickie's dead."

"Oh Marge I'm sorry to hear that," Quentin said.

"Thank you Quentin. I'm still in shock, I had to get out of Italy, there was nothing left for me there."

"I'm really sorry about Dickie, but we're so glad to have you home," Izzy said.

"Well I came here for fun, and I know you won't disappoint me Quentin. Where's this person that you want me to meet," she asked.

"Quentin have you seen Tom anywhere?" Izzy asked.

"Yes, I saw him by at the piano," Quentin said, "I'll go get him."

"No we'll go over there," Izzy said.

Marge followed Izzy to the piano, Quentin following close behind.

"Tom, I want you to meet a very good friend of mine," Izzy said.

Tom looked up from the piano and found himself looking at Marge.

"Tom this is Marge Sherwood, Marge this is Tom Ripley. He's going to be staying with us for a while. He just came home from Italy also."

"Hello Tom," Marge said rather coldly.

"Do you two know each other?" Izzy asked.

"We met in Italy," Tom said, "It's good to see you again Marge," Tom said smiling.

Marge turned away, and walked off quickly.

"I'll go see what's wrong," Izzy said leaving Tom and Quentin alone.

"Marge what's wrong?" Izzy asked.

"I got to tell you about Tom Ripley Izzy. You have to get him out of your house if you know what's good for you."

"What are you talking about?" Izzy asked confused.

"Let me put it this way, if Dickie and I never meet Tom, Dickie might be alive today."

To be continued. . .