pregnant
with unspoken thoughts。 〃Why geology？〃
She shrugged。 〃Why not？〃
He didn't pull any punches。 〃Because it's one of the last fields that
someone raised in the style of conspicuous consumption would choose。〃
〃Maybe that's why I chose it。〃
〃Ah。〃 He smiled。 〃You were rebelling。〃
〃Not entirely…〃
〃Escaping？〃
She looked away。 〃You're perceptive。 But only half right。〃
〃Go on。〃
Chloe tucked a long strand of dark hair behind her ear。 〃It was actually
a simultaneous discovery@scape and excitement。 At that period of my
life； I needed something that was a total change from everything I'd
known before。 I spent some time in Newport with friends and fell in love
with the ocean there。〃
〃You found solace？〃 he asked gently。
She admitted it with a small tilt of her head。 〃I spent a lot of time on
the beach and happened to befriend an old man who felt very strongly
about environmental considerations。 He affected me deeply。〃 The memory
of Hector Wallaby brought a sad smile to her lips。
〃He's dead？〃
〃Yes。 I miss him。 He never knew it； but in spirit at least； he was the
founding father of ESE； Inc。〃
〃Were you in college during the time you knew him？〃
Chloe sat straighter。 〃Uh； no。 I 。。。 my freshman year was postponed。〃
〃So you started college late and have still done all this？〃
The pliment gave her a boost。 She smiled。 〃Once I decided to go into
geology I was in a rush。〃
Ross smiled back。 Firm lips framed the whitest of teeth； mesmerizing her
for the split second until he said； 〃You worked for Conam Petroleum？〃
〃Yes。 Do you know the pany？〃
He shook his head。 〃Only b