Page 120 of Risky Move

Cassie swallowed a giggle. “My first is whether they have a heated underground tunnel connecting the buildings.”

Cassie had prepared herself for a boring meeting and did not expect to hear anything that would attract her to the university. After meeting the admissions director and reviewing her acceptance package, she introduced Cassie to the student who’d conduct the tour.

“Marc’s work-study assigned him to our office. You do a bit of everything around here, don’t you?”

Marc looked at Cassie with a warm smile. “You’re work-study, too?” When she nodded, he spoke positively about the experience. “Shall we come back to you after the tour?”

“Just to wrap up. Cassie, speak up if there’s anything special you want to see.”

“The dorms and student union are just across from here. Let’s start there.”

“What year are you? What’s your area of study?” Cassie shoved her hands back inside her pockets, but when the wind didn’t blow, the sun felt warm.Not too bad.

“I’m a senior biology major. I’m waiting to hear if I’m accepted to med school,” Marc said.

“Here?”

“Or McGill. Whichever will have me.” His self-deprecating smile made Cassie feel more comfortable with him.

“My boyfriend graduated from med school here. He’s planning to visit some of his professors while we’re in town.” Cassie looked around as they entered one of the dorms. She liked the option of a two- or four-bedroom suite that shared a kitchen and a large living room. “Do you need to find roommates, or do you just get assigned to an apartment?”

“Both. You can request specific people, or you can complete a survey that will match you with people with similar preferences. Early riser or night owl? Share groceries or maintain your own supply? Need to study in quiet surroundings, or does music help you concentrate? Are you okay with guys visiting? Stuff like that. The computer does a pretty good job matching people, but you have a month to request a change if the roommates don’t work out. For any reason. You can also request a private room, but it’s more expensive and not as easy to meet new people.”

Marc showed a typical four-bedroom apartment, and Cassie was surprised by the large size of all the rooms, plus the private bathrooms.Really is like an apartment except for the shared common areas. Good that it’s a co-ed dorm—but no co-ed apartments.

By the time they toured the food court’s meal opportunities and both the education and communication buildings, Cassie thought she had a good sense of the campus.Wonderful environment, friendly students. Maybe I could see myself here. Perhaps…

When they returned to the admissions office, Cassie asked Marc if he’d like to talk with Tom about medical school. She sent Tom a quick text before her wrap-up meeting with the admissions director.

“Any questions unanswered, Cassie?”

“Marc did a super job as the tour guide. I think I saw everything. If I were to enroll summer semester, when would I need to make a decision?”

“April first, for summer and fall. Summer’s less crowded, so it would allow you to get settled on the campus, make friends, and decide which of the dorms you’d like to choose. Summer has its own atmosphere…more relaxed, outdoor student activities, weekend excursions to places like Montréal, Ottawa.”

“Thanks so much,” Cassie said. “So much to consider, but I will contact you before the deadline. The scholarship and work-study are very generous and definitely will play a huge role in my consideration.” They shook hands, and Cassie walked outside to find Tom chatting with Marc.

“So, you didn’t need me for introductions.” She sent a teasing smile Tom’s way.

“I have class across campus, so I asked all the questions I could,” Marc said. “Thanks, both of you.”

“And thank you for the tour.”

Tom pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed Marc a business card. “That’s my direct line—the cell phone on the back. Give me a call if you think of any more questions or if I can help you.”

65

After a quick lunch and ducking into a shop to buy a pair of gloves, Cassie readily agreed to visit Tom’s parents.

“I’m looking forward to meeting them. Your mom and dad must be exceptional to raise two such amazing and successful sons.” Cassie caught the smirk that hinted at the corners of Tom’s mouth.

“Suck up,” he lobbed back at her.

“Would you rather I use ‘two such smug and scorching hot sons?’”

Tom grabbed her by the waist and held her face-to-face. “How ‘bout we not comment on either?”

Cassie shrugged, then slipped her arms around his neck. “You could persuade me.”

---