50 THOUGHTS AND SIGNS

Ray Carter.

He was one constant thought that Lily hoped would leave her be. Though he did neither say nor do anything to her since they arrived back at the Three Elms lodge earlier in the evening, he was doing a lot of repeated appearances in her mind. She attempted to understate that fact.

Why was she thinking of him? Why was she letting him invade her inner space, her peace? She swore not to welcome his piercing gaze on her and return the favor. She was not ready to meet his blue eyes.

Jean poked Lily's arm. "Are you okay?" They were both in their assigned accommodation room in the lodge, readying for dinner.

Grateful for the distraction, Lily smiled at her best friend. "My mind drifted away."

Jean observed Lily's face, a little longer than she should have. "Uhu. As usual."

"It's not like that. There is just a lot on my mind."

"Let me guess. You can't help but marvel at how gorgeous I am."

Lily rolled her eyes but appreciated the cheekiness. "No."