Free Turn Darkly by Heather McVea Page B

found.
    A young blonde woman Regan didn’t recognize stood behind the counter. “Just grab a seat anywhere.”
    Stepping up to the counter, Regan cleared her throat. “Actually, I was wondering if Lily was working today.”
    The blonde shook her head. “Nope. She’s off on Tuesdays now.”
    Regan nodded. “Thanks.” Resigned that the proverbial planets were perpetually aligned against them, Regan stepped back from the counter, and walked toward the door.
    “But I saw her over at Hobb’s about ten minutes ago.” The blonde said casually.
    Regan couldn’t squelch the grin that spread over her lips. “Thanks.”
    Jogging across the street, Regan stopped short of the market’s entrance when she saw Lily walk out with a paper sack in her arms. Directly behind her was Trent.
    “Shit.” Regan muttered. Things were strained enough without Trent being involved.
    Before Regan could beat a hasty retreat back to her van, Lily’s eyes met hers, and a broad smile found the dark haired woman’s full lips. Independent of her will, and no longer concerned with Trent, Regan walked toward the woman.
    “Regan, you’re back.” Lily beamed as she stepped down onto the sidewalk.
    “Passing through. I’m done at Addison, and thought I would say hello.” Shoving her hands into her front pockets, Regan suddenly felt nervous. “And, I guess, goodbye.”
    Trent stepped out from behind his sister. “Long time no see, Regan.” The man looked Regan up and down. “You’re looking good.”
    Lily handed her brother the bag of groceries. “Take these to the truck, please.”
    Trent took the bag, but didn’t leave. “And miss the chance to catch up with Regan? Never.”
    “Trent.” Lily glared at her brother. After a second, he conceded, and retreated to Lily’s blue Ford truck.
    Suddenly alone with Lily, Regan was at a loss as to what to say to the woman. Their parting had been difficult and cluttered with a slew of strange occurrences, but Regan had missed Lily.
    “I’ve been thinking about you.” Lily’s voice broke as she managed to barely whisper the words.
    “Me too.” Regan smiled. “Look, I’m in no hurry. Do you want to do something?”
    Lily frowned, and looked toward where Trent stood leaning against the side of the truck. “I can’t.”
    “It’s kind of now or never, Lily.” Regan worked to keep the irritation out of her voice.
    “I know. It’s just -” She stepped closer to Regan. “It was my birthday last week.”
    Regan smiled. “Well, happy belated.”
    Shaking her head, Lily’s eyes darted over to Trent again as she lowered her voice. “I’m twenty five now, and -”
    Seeing the anguish in the woman’s eyes, Regan reached for her hand. “What’s happened?”
    “I can’t tell you here. Meet me at the Cathedral Peak trail head in an hour.” Not waiting for Regan’s response, the woman quickly walked toward her truck.
    Regan was left standing in the middle of the sidewalk, alone and confused. Watching Lily drive off, a quote from one of Regan’s favorite books, The Great Gatsby , popped into her head, and she knew she would be in Howell for at least another hour. I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity .
***
    It was almost seven, and Regan had been waiting in her van near Cathedral Peak for close to an hour and a half. Looking at her watch for the ninth time in the past half hour, the woman sighed, resigned that she had been stood up.
    Just as she was about to start the van, Lily’s blue truck appeared in the parking lot next to her. The woman looked over at Regan and mouthed “I’m sorry.”
    Regan pushed her irritation aside to make room for the genuine pleasure she took in seeing Lily. Hopping out of the van, she walked around to greet the dark haired woman.
    “I’m so sorry to be late. I got held up.” Lily pulled Regan to her in a tight embrace.
    Surprised by the sudden display of affection, Regan felt her breath leave her as the woman’s lean frame