Fallen Elements (41 page)

“Let me get your change.” Lily handed Regan
the bag.

Holding her hands up, Regan shook her head.
“No. Please keep it. You’ve saved me from starvation.” She glanced
at the man, who stood looking intently at her. “Hi. Regan.” She
extended her hand to the stranger.

Looking at her hand, and then back at Regan’s
slightly flushed face, he smiled. His teeth were perfectly aligned
and a vivid white against his tan skin. “Trent Sexton. I’m Lily’s
older brother.” Though the resemblance was clear, the man’s posture
and tone made him significantly less appealing than his sister.

Nodding, Regan shook the man’s hand quickly,
and then stepped back. “Nice to meet you.” Looking at Lily, she
raised the bag. “Thanks again.”

Turning, Regan quickly walked back toward her
van. The encounter with Trent was leaving her unsettled, with no
real reason why. Now, standing in front of Vera’s store, she was
more uncertain than ever if she should stay in Howell, or take her
chances in Addison’s dormitory.

The astronomy field was populated mostly by
men. For the most part, the few women Regan had worked with over
the years had said their male colleagues were respectful. Still,
she hardly thought it was fair of her to ask a group of men to live
with a lone woman for two months. Regan considered her options, and
sadly came up with very few.

Deciding it was best for her and her
colleagues, Regan grabbed her bag from the van, and headed toward
Vera’s. Her clothes in one hand, a very expensive turkey sandwich
in the other, she was determined to get through the next two months
and on to the rest of her life.

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