Chapter Three
Reagan was in classesfor 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.Youfeel 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 forceusto 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.
