The Last Thing She Wants (Chestnut Hills #1)

27

theo

“Theo,” Harold offered in greeting with a curt nod, signaling me to join him in his office.

Undoing the front button on my sport coat, I sat deep in the cushioned armchair. “Harold, how goes it?”

“Wonderful,” the dean offered a smile, only apparent by the lift of his heavy mustache. “To what do I owe the pleasure? I was surprised to see your email requesting a meeting. How is everything going with the marking project?”

“Actually, sir, the marketing project is what I was hoping to speak to you about.” I shifted in my chair uncomfortably. “First, I would like to clear that Ms. Branson and I have entered a relationship.”

It was last night, as I lay in bed missing the warmth of Ellie, that I sent an impromptu email to my boss requesting a meeting. Within thirty minutes, he had responded, giving me an early morning appointment. While grateful, I spent the following several hours preparing my speaking points for this meeting. As the newly minted boyfriend of Ellie, I had a few things to take care of .

Now, in a fog kept at bay by three cups of coffee, I watched at the two gray caterpillars above Harold’s eyes rise, accompanied by what I assumed was an affirming noise.

“That being said, I would like to assure you that this in no way affects our working relationship. The project is coming along nicely, right on timeline for delivery next month.” I said, feeling the need to provide reassurance.

“Yes, I have been receiving weekly updates from Ellie on progress. Thank you for disclosing your relationship.” Silence hung in the air as Harold clasped his hands on his desk, appearing to contemplate what he wanted to say next.

“That, son, was my formal acknowledgement of your statement. Now, off the record, I knew it was a matter of time,” he laughed and slapped the desk as I looked on, stunned, unsure of how to respond. Harold wagged his finger above his meticulously organized desk.

“The way you two looked at each other…why, it reminded me of when Nellie and I first met,” he looked on thoughtfully with a loving expression. “You know, it was right in these halls. You should have seen her; she had a bright pink blazer on that day. It was the 80s after all. I had never seen her before. She was two years behind me, but as luck would have it, we ended up being in the same Econ class. Oh boy, the way I had big heart eyes for her,” he chuckled softly. “Now, don’t let this gray hair fool you. I was the ladies’ man back then, but Nellie was a stubborn fool. I knew it was love at first sight. She just took a little longer to realize it.”

Welcoming the personal story from my mentor, I smiled and reflected on the similarities between our stories.

“All that to say, I saw the same in the way you looked at Ellie. That, and I saw the same stubborn behavior in her. The fight between her head and her heart was on full display.” He cleared his throat, “ anyhow, happy to hear it, son. If it’s anything like me and Nellie, you’re in for a wonderful life.”

Hope bloomed in my heart at that. Not only from the sentiment and thought that Ellie and I would have a great life together, but also in the conversation itself.

Harold, while personable, had always been business focused. Not only did we talk personally now, but I also felt a connection with an older male figure I hadn’t felt since my father passed. Grateful for the reminder of that feeling, I made a mental note to visit my dad later that day.

“There is one other thing, sir.” I repositioned myself, getting to the most uncomfortable part of the conversation. “Lucy Evans has apparently gained a job at my apartment complex. It could be completely innocent, but taking into consideration the story she wrote a few months ago…I just want to be cautious.”

“Are you thinking she sought that job specifically to be close to you?” Harold asked, bewildered.

“It’s possible. I mean, I suppose it could also be pure coincidence, but I’m not so sure.” Deciding if I should bring up the suggestive emails, I hesitated a moment. “She has also emailed me a few times, suggesting we work privately at night, including invitations to her home. I understand she is involved in the marketing project as the President of the Student Council, but there is no need for us to work together privately.”

“I agree. And you told her this?” Harold heavily sighed when I nodded in confirmation. “Alright, I’ll have a conversation with Ms. Evans to ensure no boundaries are being intentionally tested.”

“Appreciate it, sir.” With a sharp nod, I stood and refastened the button on my jacket.