by Lara Norman
Reagan was in classes for a week before she called home. She missed her big brother fiercely, and she needed to hear his voice. She’d waited until Lydia left before making the call because she often complained that Reagan was noisy. Not to mention, she didn't want her eavesdropping.
“Reagan! I miss you, baby girl. How are you? How are classes?”
She rearranged herself on her bed. “Oh, it’s all fine.”
“You don’t sound fine. What’s wrong, Ray?”
Reagan sighed. “My roommate is awful. She complains about everything, all the time. Even if I’m sitting here quietly studying she claims I’m being too loud.”
Grant groaned. “I’m so sorry. I was hoping this would be a good experience for you. Have you made any friends?”
She thought about Hudson but figured that was the last thing Grant was thinking. “Not yet. There are some student activities coming up later today and tomorrow that I’m going to attend.”
“Okay, well, open up a little. I know you’re shy, and I love that about you, but I don't want you to be lonely for the next four years.”
“I know, G. I’ll try. I don’t like being lonely, either. There’s a study club that I might join, and soccer has already started. I was thinking of attending the games for something to do that would get me out of the dorm.”
“Yeah, anything that works. Are you interested in joining the team?”
Reagan laughed. “Hell, no. Those girls have been playing for at least a decade. They’re honed athletes, and I’m the Pillsbury Doughboy’s sister.”
“No, your my sister, and you’re beautiful the way you are. Don’t make me drive up there and give you a noogie to prove my point.”
She closed her eyes and pictured his easy grin. “I kind of wish you would,” she said softly. She knew he couldn't, and she didn't want to make him feel bad, but she missed him so much already.
“Ah, hell, kid.” He exhaled heavily. “I would if I could, Ray, but it’s just not in the cards right now. I hope you’re going to come home for Thanksgiving. I’ll even cook the traditional stuff.”
“I promise. It’s just that it feels so far away right now. You feel so far away right now.
“Damn, Ray.” Grant took a minute to compose himself. He knew she was just speaking the truth, but he felt her words like a dagger right to the heart. “I know it’s got to be tough going out there on your own like this, but it’s your time. You’re going to do great things in this world, and I will be here every step of the way to cheer you on. I love you so much, Reagan.”
“I love you, too, Grant.” She tried to lighten the heavy mood she’d created. “I can picture you sprawled all over the damn couch now that I’m not there.” He barked out a laugh and she immediately felt better.
“Maybe I am.”
She grinned. Their apartment back home was pretty small. “Well, I have a test to study for. I’ll call you again soon.”
“Okay, Ray. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Grant. Bye.”
Reagan dropped her phone on her bed and felt a few tears slip down her cheeks. The lock on the door turned, and she wiped her face furiously so Lydia wouldn't know she’d been crying. Reagan dipped her head down to her textbook and didn't even acknowledge her roommate. Every little thing set the girl off on a tangent.
“Well, Department of Resident Life refuses to move me to Ellicott Hall. What kind of a stupid-ass name is Department of Resident Life, anyway?”
Lydia threw her purse down on her bed and continued to rant while she peeled off her tank top and shorts and pulled a dress out of her drawer. It was wrinkled, which didn't help in the matter of Lydia’s complaints.
“Of course my dress is wrinkled. We don’t have big enough closets, for crying out loud.” She pulled out an iron and set it up on her desk while Reagan did her best to remain invisible.
“I know people in the other building, but it’s all the way over on North Campus. I can’t even hang out with my friends when I want to because the school is trying so hard to force us to be best buddies.” Lydia paused and threw a glance at her roommate. “Do you even speak?”
Reagan clenched her jaw and looked up at the horrible person she was stuck living with for the entire semester. Even though she didn't think Lydia should have gotten what she wanted since it was against the guidelines, she’d sincerely hoped they would make an exception for the incredibly bitter girl.
“Yes, Lydia, I speak. And then you tell me I’m too loud, and I remain quiet.”
Lydia flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. She was standing there in a pair of panties and her bra while she waited for the iron to heat up, but she might as well have been the Queen of England with the way she acted like she was owed the world.
“Whatever. I prefer you mute.”
“Same goes for me, but we clearly don’t always get what we want.”
Reagan stood and picked up her purse, slipping on a pair of flip-flops and leaving before Lydia could think of another awful thing to say. She wandered down the hall and decided to head out to the soccer field to see if practice had started. The only other sport currently going was football, and the last thing Reagan wanted was to get involved with any boys.
Of course, Hudson wasn’t a boy at all. He was a grown man, older than her by a handful of years. He hadn't exactly admitted to his age, just saying that he wasn’t so much older than her that it made it creepy. She pictured him constantly; she couldn't help it. She saw his face in her mind’s eye as she walked outside and the humidity took her breath away. It didn't matter that she’d grown up in the south, the thickness of the humid air always stifled her. She focused on Hudson again as she walked down the sidewalk in the general direction of the soccer fields. She knew he was worried about them being found out, of him losing his job and never finding employment again. She couldn't blame him, but there was no way she was going to get him in trouble. For one thing, she didn't want others to know what she’d done. She knew it was foolish, even somewhat perilous. She could have been in danger had Hudson not been a nice, apparently wealthy, mild-mannered professor.
Except, he wasn't mild-mannered when he took her virginity. She had regrets—a few of them, really—but she didn't regret that she was no longer a virgin. She again wished she’d told him to go easy when he asked if there was anything she didn't like. At the time, Reagan had been terrified that if she’d spoken up about being a virgin Hudson would have called a screeching halt to their fun. She wondered if he had been to bed with tons of women and if he did things like tie them up. She shivered despite the heat as she pulled her sunglasses out of her purse and cut across the grass to reach her destination. She never knew that there could be so much pleasure simply from a man’s tongue. She had no idea that she would enjoy being spanked while Hudson took her from behind. But that last time, as the sun was coming up and peeking in through the hotel room curtains, had been mind-blowing.
There were several people sitting in the stands watching the girls on the field. In her attempt to make friends, Reagan climbed until she was close enough to a group to be able to chat, but not so close to appear to be a creeper. She sat down and pulled her purse into her lap, trying not to act incredibly awkward.
The women on the field were doing jumping jacks when Reagan felt someone sit down beside her. Her butt was big enough that she had to shift over to not feel like she was encroaching in the person’s space.
“Hi, I’m Davis.”
She looked over. He was a pretty attractive guy, her age, dark hair, and a huge grin.
“Reagan.”
“Like the president?”
“Exactly like the president.” Reagan was used to that question. People had been asking that since before she understood what a president was.
“Cool. I’m named after Miles Davis. My parents are snooty enough that they don't like the name Miles, I guess.”
“Interesting.”
Reagan wasn't sure what to do. S
he had zero experience with flirty boys so she didn't know if Davis was interested or just being friendly.
“What are you studying?”
Davis was definitely a talker. “Special needs education.”
His brows went up. “Impressive.”
“You?”
He shrugged. “Art Appreciation.” There was that massive grin again like there was an inside joke.
“Are you planning on being an artist, or running a gallery?”
“Nope, just pissing my parents off. They insisted I go to college before I can take a position in their company so I picked the major where I’m least likely to learn anything useful.”
“Must be nice.”
Davis didn't say anything, just watched the ladies move into practice kicks. Reagan couldn't say that she was uncomfortable with him, but she didn't particularly feel comfortable, either. He didn't come across as flirty anymore, but she didn't know anyone so rich and stuck up that they were spending money on college for a lark. Reagan and Grant had struggled for money since their parents’ deaths, scraping together every penny to pay rent and utilities. They’d spent years on government assistance when Reagan was younger. When she was sixteen she got a job at the grocery store down the street. She only cashiered a few nights a week because Grant didn't want her to fall behind on her schoolwork, but the money was enough to help out occasionally and to spend on herself if she wanted something. Reagan didn't spend money frivolously. She used very little makeup and bought her clothes at the thrift store in her neighborhood. Grant often had to work extra shifts to make ends meet, and Reagan only hoped that with her scholarship paying for everything she needed that he could relax for a change.
“Hey, pretty lady,” Reagan heard Davis call.
She looked up to see who he meant. A pretty redhead was at the edge of the field. Her hair was up in a ponytail and her face was sweaty. Not to mention, she was studiously ignoring Davis.
“Luna!” he called. He whistled when she jogged off to do some sort of rep that Reagan didn't recognize.
“I don't think she’s into you,” Reagan said.
“She’ll come around. She’s been in several of my classes.”
“What year are you?” She looked at him when she asked, but he was staring at the girl named Luna. She had a powerful kick, it seemed.
“Luna and I are juniors, little freshman. But I won’t hold it against you.”
Reagan rolled her eyes. She hated being young sometimes. She felt older than eighteen after all she’d been through, but people often saw her as a baby.
“Lucky me. How did you know I’m a freshman?”
“Well, you’re alone, and I’ve never seen you here before. I come to all the practices and games so I can see my Luna.”
“Even though she appears to hate you?” Reagan watched the girl he called Luna and saw that she never looked up at the stands though a few of the other girls did. Davis clapped when Luna kicked the ball into the net, even though they were just warming up.
“She doesn't hate me. Besides, love and hate ride a thin line, don’t you think?” He looked at Reagan as he said it.
“Uh, I guess. I haven't had much experience with love, but I do have a roommate that I can confidently say I hate.”
“What’s her name?” Davis turned toward her, giving her his full attention.
“Lydia McNamara. She tried to get a transfer, but, of course, all incoming freshman have to stay where they’re assigned for the first semester.”
“I feel like I know that name from somewhere, but I don’t know where. You could hang with Luna and me.”
Reagan's brow went up. “You’re an and? She won't even look at you!”
He laughed. “I like you, Reagan. I told you Luna doesn't hate me. We’re friends, destined to be lovers. She’s my soulmate.”
Reagan shook her head. “I don't understand you.”
“That’s okay,” he said as he turned back to the field. “There’s a learning curve with me, for sure.”
Chapter Four
Reagan didn't know what to make of Davis, but soon the soccer practice was over and the girl called Luna was climbing the stands. She wiped her face with a small towel that she flung over her shoulder when she was done.
“Found a new victim, huh?” she said to Davis.
“I only have eyes for you, my Luna.” Davis stood as she approached, and Reagan got up, too.
Luna rolled her eyes. “It would be better for both of us if you gave up.”
“Never.”
There were a few beats of silence during which Reagan felt like a third wheel while the other two stared at each other. Finally, she cleared her throat. “I’m Reagan. Nice to meet you.”
“Luna.” She turned her green-eyed gaze to the blonde and smiled genuinely. “Sorry, Davis is a stalker, but he’s my friend, so what’s a girl to do?”
“I thought you hated him based on the way you ignored him,” Reagan said honestly.
Luna laughed. “I do hate him. It’s very love/hate, though.”
Luna was gazing at Davis again, and Reagan felt very uncomfortable. “Um, I should go.”
It was Davis who stopped her. “We’re going to grab lunch. Come along?”
Reagan hesitated. She wanted to make friends, and they were definitely nicer than Lydia. It was ultimately that thought that made her decision easy. Her only other option was to go back to the dorm and put up with her roommate. “Um, okay.”
They all trooped down the steps of the bleachers, and the thought of going out for lunch made Reagan wonder if she’d have to get a job. Her scholarship paid for the meal plan in the cafeteria, but if she wanted to go out with friends on a regular basis, she’d have to have cash on hand. She’d also have to have money for gas for her really old car. It didn't get good gas mileage, but she didn't think she’d be going very far in it very often. She realized with a bit of disgust that Davis would never have to worry about that, but she wondered what Luna did for money.
“We’ll have to stop by Cambridge Hall so I can shower and change. I won’t be long,” Luna said to Reagan as they walked across the grass.
“Okay.”
“She’s the RA,” Davis told Reagan as he smiled affectionately at Luna.
So Luna had a job as a Resident Assistant. She would have a tiny apartment of her own on the ground floor of the building she served and make a small stipend to cover her expenses.
The three of them walked across the campus to the building that Luna lived in. Reagan had yet to ask Davis about his living situation, but she didn't really have the nerve. She was surprised when he stopped outside the building and sat on a bench. Luna grabbed Reagan’s hand and brought her with her through the door she unlocked.
“I’m in a girls-only dorm, and as the RA I have to set an example. Even though we have visiting hours when boys are allowed in the common area, Davis has never come inside. He’s never even seen my place.”
Reagan waited until they were inside Luna’s apartment. “If he’s that respectful, and you said you love him—sort of—then why aren't you dating?”
“That’s a long story, my new friend. Why don’t you make yourself comfortable in the living room while I shower? If you’re thirsty, you can raid the fridge.”
Reagan stopped walking and let Luna go into her room alone. She didn't feel right about going into the kitchen area and getting something, so she sat on the sofa and got lost in her own thoughts. Davis and Luna were an enigma. Both liked the other but they weren’t dating. Luna seemed nice, but it was too soon for Reagan to know anything about her. Reagan couldn't figure out the deal with Davis and his family. They insisted he go to college before working at whatever the family company was, but what was he really learning? She looked around her at the tall bookshelf covered in books and pictures of Davis, some of which Luna was also in. There were some pictures she assumed were Luna’s parents based on their apparent age and the arms slung over Luna’s shoulders. They seemed to like paisley
and scarves an awful lot. Luna’s couch was just solid black, but all of her accessories were brightly colored and full of patterns. Reagan could tell that Luna was a colorful and bright person herself, and felt like her apartment truly suited her personality.
Reagan realized it had been at least an hour since she last thought about Hudson. Of course, she’d just ruined it by thinking of him again, but she wanted to know what he was doing with his weekend. Since she knew he’d moved for this job, she wondered if he had any friends or if everything was new for him, too. She wondered if he’d met a woman yet, one his own age that he would date and bring back to his place. She wondered if that was how he was spending his weekend—in bed with this new woman. She would be tall and skinny and experienced; everything Reagan wasn’t.
“You ready?”
Reagan startled to hear Luna’s voice. She’d been so preoccupied with her spiraling thoughts that she hadn't heard her come in the room. Luna was in a brightly floral sundress and sandals, and Reagan admitted to herself that the outfit looked good on her willowy figure.
“Yeah, sorry. I was daydreaming.” Reagan picked up her purse as she stood and followed Luna out of the apartment and down the hall to the door they’d come in. Davis was sitting where they'd left him, playing on his cell phone.
He looked up, standing and sliding his phone into the pocket of his jeans in one smooth motion. “Ladies.”
They went to the parking lot and Luna let them in her small four-seater. It was at least as old as Reagan’s, and she actually found herself relaxing. Wealthy people made her feel anxious, but Luna was down-to-earth.
“Burgers good with you, Reagan?” Luna asked.
Davis had gotten in the back seat, so Reagan was sitting right next to Luna. “Sure.”
“There’s a local place just a bit down the street. It’s mostly packed with college students, so you know it’s both good and cheap.”
“Perfect,” Reagan answered. She only had a few bucks on her at the moment.
She stared out the window for the brief drive. They pulled into the parking lot of a place she’d seen the day she arrived in town. That just brought on memories of how sore she was when she moved in, so she focused on her current company, instead.
