Reunion Quotes

“The elevator is unusually empty as we step inside. The Musak version of "Faith of the Heart" plays in the background, a stark contrast to the classical melodies that filled the car. As it ascends to the 33rd floor, I turn to Maddie, and without a word, we kiss—a passionate promise of the evening to come. The scent of her perfume, a subtle hint of vanilla and jasmine, fills the air, mingling with the warmth of her skin.

The kiss deepens, and for those few seconds, nothing else exists—no city below, no sky above, just Maddie and me and the promise of the night ahead. It's a kiss that speaks of new beginnings, of chapters yet to be written, and stories yet to be told.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“So, Jim, are you going to sing a solo at the Christmas concert?" Bruce Holtzman whispered to me as we sat in our usual seats in the back of the crescent-shaped dais, strategically placed between the basses and the tenors. “I know you’ve been saying you don’t want to, but you still have a few days to practice – if you change your mind, that is.”

“I don’t think so,” I muttered back as quietly and firmly as possible. Class was still in session, and even though Mrs. Quincy was easygoing and not as strict as some of the other teachers at South Miami High School, she still expected us to focus on learning our songs for the concert and behaving like mature young adults. Not like “a bunch of undisciplined hooligans,” as she once put it.

“But it’s an easy way to get extra credit,” Bruce persisted. “I don’t get it. You’ve been a Singing Cobra for what? Nearly a year now? And we only get a few chances to shine per semester, you know.”

“Bruce,” I said, trying to keep my voice low and calm so as not to draw attention. “I don’t mind singing in a group, as part of a larger unit. Singing a solo? That’s another story altogether.”

“Why? What’s the difference?”

“I don’t know,” I confessed. “Safety in numbers, maybe? I’m perfectly happy to sing the songs in the program and let others who want to sing a solo strut their stuff. I get nauseous at the thought of going on stage and singing all by myself in front of everyone in the auditorium.”

“Why, Jim,” Bruce exclaimed with a surprised, puzzled tone, “don’t tell me you still get stage fright!”

“Hey,” I snapped, “pipe down, man. Do you want us to get in trouble with Mrs. Quincy? I’m not doing a solo. End of story.”

“Okay, okay,” Bruce said in a placating tone. “But that extra credit sure will look good on your transcripts come next year. Especially if you want to get a scholarship.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Disclaimer:

This novel is a work of fiction, weaving together two timelines to tell its story. While it may reference historical events and prominent figures, the characters and situations presented are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental—unless you are one of those historical figures, in which case, thank you for your contribution to history!

Some events depicted in the 1980s storyline are inspired by the author’s own experiences at South Miami High, an actual place that serves as a setting in this novel. However, remember that memory is a tricky thing, and for the sake of drama (and a good story), many of these events have been creatively altered. So, if you think you recognize yourself, don’t worry—it’s all just a figment of imagination with a dash of artistic license.
Thank you for diving into this fictional world. Enjoy the ride through time!”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Disclaimer:

This novel is a work of fiction, weaving together two timelines to tell its story. While it may reference historical events and prominent figures, the characters and situations presented are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental—unless you are one of those historical figures, in which case, thank you for your contribution to history!

(Disclaimer)
Some events depicted in the 1980s storyline are inspired by the author’s own experiences at South Miami High, an actual place that serves as a setting in this novel. However, remember that memory is a tricky thing, and for the sake of drama (and a good story), many of these events have been creatively altered. So, if you think you recognize yourself, don’t worry—it’s all just a figment of imagination with a dash of artistic license.
Thank you for diving into this fictional world. Enjoy the ride through time!”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“She hesitated, biting her lip—a fleeting gesture that sent my heart into a full-on Immelmann turn. 'I would’ve been here sooner, but I ran into a couple of friends on my way down from sixth-period English,' she said apologetically, her tone tinged with sincerity.

'That’s okay,' I replied, perhaps too quickly. 'You don’t need to explain. I’m just… glad you’re here.' I tried to sound casual, as if my emotions weren’t a live wire humming just beneath the surface. 'We’re just gonna practice singing a song.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“It was a girl. She was tall but not gawky, clad in new “first day of the semester” jeans, a white blouse that peeked out from under a navy-blue jacket, and clean new Keds girls’ sneakers. Her chestnut-colored hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and her cheeks were rosy against her pale skin, partly because it was cold outside, partly because she thought she was interrupting the class.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“I can still see it in my mind, even after 20 years. South Miami High, that canary yellow bunker on the corner of Southwest 53rd Street and Southwest 68th Avenue. It was a short walk from the house where I lived with my mom, Sarah Garraty, ever since my dad died in the early years of America’s lost crusade in South Vietnam. I didn’t need a bike or a car to get there. It was close enough to smell the cafeteria food and hear the bell ring. "Cobra Country" was a warehouse for 2100 kids and 150 grown-ups, as one of the Cobras joked once. It was built in 1971, when the world was going crazy with wars and scandals and generational strife. It had three floors of classrooms, chemistry labs, a library, a student publications room, a Little Theater for the drama classes, an auditorium for the various choirs and modern dance groups, and walls lined with rows of lockers. It was a place full of secrets and surprises. It was where life happened, for better or worse.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Slowly, ever so slowly, the heavy door to the chorus room creaked open. We all looked to see who was entering the room.

It was a girl. She was of average height, clad in new 'first day of the semester' jeans, a white blouse that peeked out from under a navy-blue jacket, and clean new Keds girls’ sneakers. Her chestnut-colored hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and her cheeks were rosy against her pale skin, partly because it was cold outside, partly because she thought she was interrupting the class.

'Can I help you?' Mrs. Quincy asked.

The girl hesitated at the door, clutching her backpack tightly. She looked at Mrs. Quincy nervously and fumbled for a piece of paper in her pocket. She walked up to the teacher, holding out the class schedule change form with both hope and a bit of fear. She bit her lip and waited for Mrs. Quincy’s reaction, hoping she wouldn’t be turned away or scolded.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“The girl – I couldn’t get over how lovely she looked, even though she was still a bit nervous – straightened up and squared her shoulders back. Her left leg gave a little tremor, but she took a deep breath. Her face was blank for a moment – she was probably wondering which song she wanted to sing – and then, with more confidence, she said,
'Right. Here we go.'

She raised her head, and even though it wasn’t intentional, her eyes locked on mine as she opened her mouth and, in a crystal clear, pitch-perfect voice, sang the first line of 'We’ll Meet Again.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“The soft glow of the afternoon light fills my apartment, casting a warm embrace over everything it touches. It's 4:30 PM, and the distant hum of the city seeps through the windows, a subtle reminder of life beyond these walls.

Maddie lies beside me with sunlight playing across her skin, turning it into a canvas of peaches and cream. I'm captivated by how the light accentuates her form's softness, the delicate peach fuzz that covers her, and the single white hair amidst my chest hairs that she idly twirls with her fingers.

'We've been lucky this weekend,' I murmur, the words barely a whisper, lost in the moment's tranquility.

She laughs softly, a sound that fills the room with warmth. 'I'm sorry for not being quieter earlier... I hope Mrs. Halverson didn't hear.'

I shake my head, smiling at the thought of my elderly neighbor. "She's probably out with Mr. Piffles, enjoying the afternoon.'

Reluctantly, I slide out of bed, feeling the cool air against my skin. I dress quietly, aware of Maddie's gaze following me. She doesn't say anything, but we both know the weekend is drawing to a close, and reality awaits us.

As I finish getting dressed, Maddie watches me silently. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she reclines in bed, striking a pose reminiscent of Goya’s La Maja Desnuda. 'Do I compare to Pepita Tudó?' she asks, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

'You're far prettier,' I assure her, and I mean every word.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Last Lines: Outside, the night hums quietly, indifferent to us. Inside, the music plays on, anchoring us in a moment that feels infinite, like the first and last note of a song.
 ”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Last Line: Outside, the night hums quietly, indifferent to us. Inside, the music plays on, anchoring us in a moment that feels infinite, like the first and last note of a song.
 ”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“The soft glow of the afternoon light fills my apartment, casting a warm embrace over everything it touches. It's 4:30 PM, and the distant hum of the city seeps through the windows, a subtle reminder of life beyond these walls.

Maddie lies beside me with sunlight playing across her skin, turning it into a canvas of peaches and cream. I'm captivated by how the light accentuates her form's softness, the delicate peach fuzz that covers her, and the single white hair amidst my chest hairs that she idly twirls with her fingers.

'We've been lucky this weekend,' I murmur, the words barely a whisper, lost in the moment's tranquility.

She laughs softly, a sound that fills the room with warmth. 'I'm sorry for not being quieter earlier... I hope Mrs. Halverson didn't hear.'

'I shake my head, smiling at the thought of my elderly neighbor. "She's probably out with Mr. Piffles, enjoying the afternoon.'

Reluctantly, I slide out of bed, feeling the cool air against my skin. I dress quietly, aware of Maddie's gaze following me. She doesn't say anything, but we both know the weekend is drawing to a close, and reality awaits us.

As I finish getting dressed, Maddie watches me silently. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she reclines in bed, striking a pose reminiscent of Goya’s La Maja Desnuda. 'Do I compare to Pepita Tudó?' she asks, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

'You're far prettier,' I assure her, and I mean every word.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“It’s noisy here. Then again, big-city nightclubs aren’t supposed to be quiet.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Before I could even think of a suitable retort – hopefully a witty one – I saw, out of the corner of my eye, someone walking with deliberate purpose from the cafeteria entrance toward our table. I turned my head in that direction, and when I recognized who this someone was, my heart leaped to my throat, and I almost forgot to breathe.

Speaking of the Devil, I thought, as I beheld the familiar presence of Martina Elizabeth Reynaud, considered by many to be one of the prettiest girls in the Class of 1983.
Even dressed as she was – denim jeans and a matching jacket, with a plaid button-down blouse, scuffed girls’ Keds sneakers, and her long chestnut hair pulled up into a simple ponytail that bobbed up and down when she walked – Marty was simply, heart-achingly gorgeous. Wherever and whenever she was in a room – even a busy cafeteria – she almost always got looks of admiration and/or envy from her fellow students. Most of the guys in our school wanted to be with her, while many of the girls wanted to be like her.

She was tall, lithe, and naturally sexy; these physical attributes drew a lot of attention to her. Most guys, including me, paid particular attention to them, mainly on the rare occasions when she wore her athletic shorts and T-shirt on the way to change in the girls' locker room after her fourth-period PE class.

She was also one of the nicest, sweetest people who went to South Miami. She almost always had a pleasant smile or a cheery 'Hello, there!' – especially early in the morning, when most of us were either grumpy or still groggy from waking up early to get to school.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Before I could even think of a suitable retort – hopefully a witty one – I saw, out of the corner of my eye, someone walking with deliberate purpose from the cafeteria entrance toward our table. I turned my head in that direction, and when I recognized who this someone was, my heart leaped to my throat, and I almost forgot to breathe.

Speaking of the Devil, I thought, as I beheld the familiar presence of Martina Elizabeth Reynaud, considered by many to be one of the prettiest girls in the Class of 1983.
Even dressed as she was – denim jeans and a matching jacket, with a plaid button-down blouse, scuffed girls’ Keds sneakers, and her long chestnut hair pulled up into a simple ponytail that bobbed up and down when she walked – Marty was simply, heart-achingly gorgeous. Wherever and whenever she was in a room – even a busy cafeteria – she almost always got looks of admiration and/or envy from her fellow students. Most of the guys in our school wanted to be with her, while many of the girls wanted to be like her.
She was tall, lithe, and naturally sexy; these physical attributes drew a lot of attention to her. Most guys, including me, paid particular attention to them, mainly on the rare occasions when she wore her athletic shorts and T-shirt on the way to change in the girls' locker room after her fourth-period PE class. She was also one of the nicest, sweetest people who went to South Miami. She almost always had a pleasant smile or a cheery 'Hello, there!' – especially early in the morning, when most of us were either grumpy or still groggy from waking up early to get to school.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Maddie and I walk in Central Park, feeling the sun on our faces and the snow crunching under our feet. It's a beautiful day for late February. The air is crisp and fresh, and even though the forecast calls for more snow later, perhaps as early as tonight, right now the sky is a bright blue. Just right.
We've been here for a while, exploring the park and its wonders. We've seen so many things. So many people. So much diversity.
We've seen children of all colors building snowmen and dogs of all breeds chasing squirrels. We've seen couples of all orientations cuddling on benches and seniors of all backgrounds feeding pigeons. We've seen athletes of all fitness levels jogging and biking and skating. We've seen artists and musicians and performers of all kinds.
We've heard a symphony of sounds. A harmony of noises. A melody of music.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“This is a story I don’t tell often; I’m a private man, and I don’t like to spill my guts about my love life, or lack thereof. I’m fine with talking in front of a crowd – whether it’s my history students at Columbia University or the folks who come to hear me read from my latest World War II book at the bookstore. But when it comes to the women who have broken my heart, or the one who never knew she had it, I keep that to myself.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Mark, not usually one for hugs, put his arms around me without a word. No 'I told you so,' no jokes—just a friend letting me cry. 'Jim,' he said softly, 'it's okay. Even if you didn't say it... she knows, man. She knows.' And he just stood there, patting my back, until I cried myself out.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“I glance at Maddie and see that she has a flush on her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. She looks at me and smiles. Then she says, "Do you want to dance?"
“To ‘Little Brown Jug’?” I raise a skeptical eyebrow. “All you’ll get is your toes being stepped on – constantly. The rhythm is a bit too fast for me, I think.”
Maddie’s smile fades as if a passing cloud has eclipsed the moon over Manhattan. The spark in her hazel eyes dims a bit as well. “Party pooper.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“I glance at Maddie and see that she has a flush on her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. She looks at me and smiles. Then she says, 'Do you want to dance?'
'To "Little Brown Jug"?' I raise a skeptical eyebrow. 'All you’ll get is your toes being stepped on – constantly. The rhythm is a bit too fast for me, I think.'
Maddie’s smile fades as if a passing cloud has eclipsed the moon over Manhattan. The spark in her hazel eyes dims a bit as well. 'Party pooper.”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology

“Mark's grin was a prelude to mischief. "Man, gift a buddy—no, a best buddy—a Playboy for his 18th, and it's like you've signed a pact for eternal ribbing," he said, his eyebrow doing a comical dance that pulled a genuine chuckle out of me. "Zip it, and check these out...”
― Alex Diaz-Granados, Reunion: Coda: Book 2 of the Reunion Duology