The Prophecy (Daughters of the People Series Book 1) by Lucy Varna Page B

before setting it back down. “Your welcome packet. There’s a map to
campus, keys and directions to your office and lab, and so on. You’ll likely
need it for a few days. Just stick to the IECS side of the campus and you’ll be
fine.” She walked toward the door and put her hand on the knob. “Oh, and the
running trails and such. There’s a town business directory in the packet, but
if you have questions, just call. Do you need help getting your bags in?”
    “I’ll get them,
thanks.”
    Maya smiled.
“All right, then. I’ll come by in the morning and give you the tour.”
    James nodded and
showed her out, then flopped into one of the chairs in the sitting area. It was
surprisingly comfortable and after a while, he nodded off. In his dreams, Maya
chased him, German Shepherd in tow, the Guard Pack hot on her heels gleefully
waving paintball guns at each other.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    Maya knocked on
the door of James’ suite early the next morning. He’d looked tired the night
before, security’s prank on him notwithstanding. Hopefully, he’d gotten a good
night’s rest.
    For her sake,
she’d hoped the attraction she felt for him would’ve dimmed by the time he
arrived in Tellowee. No such luck. He’d been so cute the previous evening,
gawking at the guards as if he’d never been through a security check point
before. They’d been a little rough on him, all in the name of good-natured fun.
Poor kids.
    And he’d been so cute , though he probably wouldn’t appreciate that particular description.
    A grin still
lingered on her features when James opened the door, alert and apparently
well-rested. He was sharply dressed in a sky blue button-down shirt and khaki
slacks and he’d even taken the time to shave.
    She eyed his
clean-shaven jaw, a steady sinking sensation filling her gut. How could she
possibly prefer his lean face covered in stubble? She didn’t even like men with
facial hair.
    “Hey.” He
stepped aside and gestured her in. “Just a minute more. Briefcase? Ah, there it
is.”
    “No rush.”
    He nodded
absent-mindedly, shoved his welcome packet in the briefcase, and slammed it
shut. “All set then. So, what’s on the agenda today?”
    Maya waited
until he closed and locked the suite’s door. “Not much. I thought you’d appreciate
a day to settle in before we get to work on the artifacts. Breakfast first at
the cafeteria, then I’ll show you around.”
    Sunlight bathed
the campus in early morning heat as Maya led James from his suite to the
cafeteria. There, they joined a growing line of teachers, professors, interns,
students, and other campus residents. Maya helped him juggle his briefcase and
a tray of food as they worked their way through the line and to a table.
    As they sat down
to eat, James leaned forward and quietly asked, “Is it just me or is everybody
staring?”
    “It’s not just
you. We don’t have many visitors here. The word’s already out on who you are
and why you’re here. Office hours.” She waggled her spoon at him. “Trust me.”
    Dierdre bounced
up to them, tray in hand, a huge smile on her face. She set her tray on the
table and plopped into a chair. “So, this is the famous Dr. T., huh?”
    James swung his
head toward Maya and mouthed, Mom?
    Maya introduced
James to her daughter, adding, “Dierdre attends school here.”
    “Pleased to meet
you,” James said, nodding.
    Dierdre nodded
back solemnly, then turned in her chair and held up two fingers. A group of
girls at a nearby table broke into giggles and gave her two thumbs up all
around.
    Maya bit the
inside of her cheek and glanced at James. He appeared to be completely
engrossed in his bacon except for a faint tinge of red creeping up his cheeks.
    “What brings you
by, Squiggles?” Maya asked.
    Dierdre feigned
an innocent look. “Gee, Mom. Can’t a daughter have breakfast with her only mother
without it being a big deal?”
    Maya stared
steadily at her daughter.
    “Ok, all right.
Geez.