Page 2 of Becoming

This time, Rebecca rolled her eyes. Zero interest. “You’ve been watching too many movies if you think there are only ‘buff guys’ at these things. But, hey, knock yourself out. Go and have fun. Just be careful and don’t leave your drink unattended.”

“You’re really not going to do this? Not even for me?”

Rebecca stopped once more and looked at her roommate. Even after the years they’ve been rooming together, she couldn’t call Allie a good friend. Never once did Rebecca feel comfortable enough to tell Allie her deepest, darkest secrets. Truth was, Rebecca didn’t have any true friends and she was happy that she was graduating soon.

“If you knew me at all, Allie, you wouldn’t even be asking me to do this. Look, whether I go or not, you’ve already been invited. You don’t need me.”

“You’re right. I don’t need you,” Allie huffed. “Go be your boring self.” With that last barb, Allie stormed off in the opposite direction of their dorm.

“Being focused does not make me boring,” Rebecca muttered as she continued towards her building. So what if she was still a virgin? That was her choice and she definitely wasn’t going to lose that at some frat party with some frat boy.

College was about learning for Rebecca, not sex. Besides, she had promised her Aunt Willamena that she would be good. She, at least, owed her aunt that much for taking such loving care of her after her parents died.

She let out a sigh of relief as she closed the door of her dorm behind her. After kicking off her shoes, Rebecca plopped down on her bed and plucked a well-worn book from under her mattress. This book had nothing to do with business and everything to do with pure, unadulterated pleasure. She smiled, hoping Allie would be gone for most of the night.

“TURN IN YOUR tests as you leave,” Professor Brundt announced in his booming voice. Rebecca jumped slightly at the sound and checked her watch. She had handed in her test twenty minutes ago and got caught up studying for the next one. She closed her textbook with a thud and started gathering her things.

“Rebecca? Please stay.”

Rebecca looked up at the professor, making sure he was talking to her, and nodded. She checked her watch again. Thirty minutes to her next class. She could spare a few, even though she had no clue what Brundt could want from her.

“Teacher’s pet,” Allie muttered as she passed by.

Rebecca smiled sweetly, ignoring the jab. Whereas Allie was still miffed about the party, Rebecca had been relieved to get the entire weekend alone. Allie hadn’t come back to their dorm until late Sunday afternoon which gave Rebecca ample time to study, take notes, read her trashy novels, and rest. It was perfect. She didn’t even care when, as predicted, Allie asked for Rebecca’s study notes. Being the dutiful roommate, Rebecca gave them to her knowing they probably wouldn’t help anyway.

She turned her attention to her professor as the last student disappeared through the door. His course wasn’t the most popular amongst the students. Entrepreneurship Business Plan & Perspective may not have been the most exciting subject. However, to someone with a mind for business like Rebecca, it was fascinating. “Is something wrong, Professor?”

The older man—likely in his mid-fifties if Rebecca guessed correctly—sat on the corner of his desk and waved a piece of paper in his hand. “You finished this test pretty quickly.”

Rebecca shrugged. “I knew the material.”

The professor shook his head. “It’s more than that.”

Rebecca tilted her head and studied her teacher. He was unassuming, perhaps a bit conservative with his sweater vests, tweed jackets, and khakis, but she couldn’t deny he knew his stuff. And she was one of his best students. That wasn’t her ego talking, just frankness based off of her grades. Surely, he wasn’t suggesting she had cheated.

“I don’t understand,” she said carefully.

“I had a chance to grade your test while the others were finishing. It’s perfect.”

“I studied.”

“Again, it’s more than that, Miss Cuinn.” He put the paper down behind him and picked up a folder. “These are just a few of your business proposals, though I’ve examined them all. They’re brilliant.”

“And, that’s a problem?” Rebecca still had no idea why the professor had kept her after class. Not knowing all of the facts always made her a little nervous.

“On the contrary. It’s extraordinary. Your innate ability to find multiple ways any business can turn a profit in a significantly abbreviated period of time is a commodity people will pay a fortune for. Which is why I’ve recommended you to a friend of mine.”

All of the preposterous scenarios that ran through her mind evaporated at Brundt’s words. “Wait, recommended me?”

“Precisely. My friend owns an exclusive business here in town. Their objective is to make major revisions; however, I’ve seen the books, and the place is bleeding money. What they need is someone to come in with a business plan that will not only bring the place back into the black and keep it upscale but give them the means to make these changes. I think you’re that person.”

“Me? But, I’m a student.” She was flattered, of course. And the thought of putting more of her business solutions to the test real world was intoxicating. Was she ready? Hell, was she even qualified?

Professor Brundt shook his head. “You’ve done internships before, so I know you have more confidence than that, Miss Cuinn. You’re about to graduate with your Bachelor’s and Master’s. Your work ethic is as exceptional as your work.” He reached into the pocket of his tweed jacket and pulled out a business card. “If you are interested, call this number and make an appointment to meet with the owner. I implore you to do this, Rebecca. An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often. As you said, you’re still a student. Imagine the work you will get with something like this under your belt.”

Imagine what would happen to my reputation if I fail. Despite the negative thought, Rebecca stood and took the card from Brundt. The only thing on it was a number. No company name, no contact name.

“Who am I supposed to ask for?”

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