Benita uncrossed her legs and leaned forward on her seat. “Why do I have to move back to Trinity Falls? Instead ask Vaughn why he doesn’t move to L.A.”
“I know the reason Vaughn won’t move to Los Angeles.” Darius sounded as though he held the answer to the secret of the universe.
“What is it?” Benita held her breath.
“Trinity Falls is home.”
That old argument. Benita dropped back against her seat. “L.A. could become his home. It’s become mine.”
Darius shook his head. “No, it hasn’t. And, if you were honest with yourself, you’d realize that.”
She couldn’t hold Darius’s gaze. Everyone kept telling her that. Worse, she was beginning to fear that everyone was right.
CHAPTER 18
Vaughn couldn’t take his eyes off Benita Friday evening during Trinity Falls University’s gala in Ms. Helen’s honor. She was a vision in a modest cream A-line dress. The hem came to just above her knees, showing off her shapely calves. He took a long drink from his glass of lemonade. His gaze tracked her as she escorted Ms. Helen into the university’s President’s Dining Room.
Darius nudged him with his elbow. “Are you going to stand there staring at Benita all night or are you going to greet our guest of honor before her crowd of admirers gets larger?”
“Lead the way.” Greeting Ms. Helen would also get him closer to Benita.
Peyton poked Darius’s arm. The history professor’s voice was dry. “Why don’t I lead the way since you gentlemen are more interested in debating.”
The trio paused behind a small group of faculty, staff, administrators, and board members that claimed Ms. Helen’s attention. Vaughn shifted his stance to watch Benita while he waited. Her hair hung in loose waves that floated just past her slender shoulders. An easy smile lit her hazel eyes. Its warmth cast a spell on him, making him feel as though they were the only people in the room.
Darius stepped forward. His movement broke Vaughn’s trance. He could finally see Ms. Helen, standing beside Benita.
“Ms. Helen, you’re beautiful.” Darius took the emerita professor’s hand and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
The diminutive lady glowed in her ankle-length black evening gown. The dress was accented with a chunky silver necklace and matching dangling earrings. Her snow white hair, swept into her customary thick chignon, was a dramatic contrast to her outfit. Her makeup was minimal.
Ms. Helen slipped her hand from Darius’s hold. Her dark eyes twinkled up at him. “Save your flowery compliments for your age-appropriate girlfriend.”
Darius wrapped his left arm around Peyton’s waist. “Your words wound me, Ms. Helen. Besides, Peyton knows you hold a special place in my heart.”
“Give it a rest, Romeo.” Peyton patted his chest, then offered Ms. Helen her hand. “Congratulations, Ms. Helen. This recognition is very well deserved.”
“Thank you, dear.” Ms. Helen beamed at Peyton with affection.
Vaughn took their guest of honor’s hand. “Ms. Helen, it’s always been an honor to know you.”
Ms. Helen’s smile faded and a blush rose into her pale gold cheeks. “The honor has been mine, Vaughn.”
The elderly professor stepped forward to hug him. She was small and slight in his arms. He bent lower to return her embrace. Her fragile hand patted his back twice before she stepped back.
“Well.” Ms. Helen waved her hand to encompass Vaughn, Darius, and Peyton. “After this welcome, I don’t think the rest of the ceremony is necessary. Benita can just take me home now.”
“Nice try, Aunt Helen.” Benita’s laughter wobbled a bit. “But the guest of honor has to stay until the end.”
“That’s right,” Peyton added. “We have a lot more in store for you, Ms. Helen.”
“It’s Doctor Gaston tonight.” A new voice joined the group. Lana Penn, the donor of the Doctor Helen Gaston Endowed Chemistry Chair, joined their circle with Foster. She stood between Vaughn and Ms. Helen. “Good evening. I’m glad everyone could make it.”
“Lana, I was Ms. Helen before I was Doctor Gaston.” Ms. Helen squeezed the other chemist’s forearm. “I don’t need a special title to keep track of my accomplishments. The people who care about me—like you and the others you see here—are the only reminders I need.”
The simple words
hit Vaughn in his heart. Benita gave her great-aunt’s hand a gentle squeeze. What did she think about Ms. Helen’s words? Did they give her any insight into how people felt about the town and their neighbors?