Page 74 of Inevitable

Peterson eyed him for a long moment.

“I’m biased, of course, but I’d like you to look into transferring to MIT. I was a professor there for fifty-five years, so yes, I’m biased, but it’s one of the best programs in the country. Maybe the world.”

Ezra blinked. “How are you here?” he blurted out and immediately felt his cheeks flush, but Peterson just chuckled.

“I retired to spend more time with my daughter and grandchildren, and then I took a job here because I got bored just sitting at home while they were in kindergarten and work. Students like you make it very obvious I’m in the right place. I think MIT would be a good fit for you.”

Some things started to register then.

“But… that’s MIT,” Ezra said stupidly.

Peterson’s lips twitched.

“I’d also advise you to consider Boston University and Northeastern University. Those schools also have excellent programs, and you should always have a backup plan.”

Ezra nearly started laughing out loud at the idea of having Boston University as his backup plan. The idea seemed ludicrous.

He managed a nod.

Peterson scribbled something on a paper and handed it to Ezra.

“I still have plenty of connections, and I’d be very glad to write you a recommendation letter. Here’s an email address of one of my former students. He’s heading a team that develops bionic arms. I told him about you, and he’d like to discuss internship opportunities with you.”

Ezra took the paper and looked at the address for a moment. The letters were swimming in front of his eyes.

“Thank you,” he managed to say.

Peterson nodded.

“Don’t mention it. Just go after what you want.”

* * *

The sheet of paper seemed to burn in his pocket as he left Peterson’s classroom.

A tiny ember of hope was burning in the bottom of his chest. Could he actually do it? Get a scholarship? Continue his studies? Be more?

He had a chance to make something of himself. Images of a future he’d never even considered for himself played in his mind.

He’d taken an extra shift at work, and it seemed to drag endlessly. The only thing he wanted to do was go home and share everything with Bas and Drew. This was an actual accomplishment. Something to be proud of.

Words circled around in an endless loop in his mind. The most gifted student Peterson had taught in years. Scholarship. University.

It was overwhelming, but in a good way.

He couldn’t get out of the coffeehouse fast enough when his shift ended. His whole body seemed to vibrate with excitement as he stood in the subway car, pressed between masses of people, all making their way home after a day of work.

He practically ran home from the station and took two steps at a time as he rushed up the stairs, barreling into the apartment like somebody had been chasing him.

He found Bas and Drew in the kitchen, standing side by side and laughing as they prepared dinner. Everything inside Ezra swelled with happiness as he took a moment to just look at them.

There hadn’t been many accomplishments in his life, and the few there had been, he’d never gotten to share with anybody. His brothers and father didn’t give a shit about a good grade or a perfect test score.

“Hey, you,” Bas said, aiming a dazzling smile his way. “I’d give you a kiss, but somebody handed me a bowl of bread crumbs, and this shit is everywhere now.”

“A toddler would have done a cleaner job, so I don’t think you can blame only me,” Drew replied dryly as he wiped crumbs off the counter and floor.

Ezra couldn’t hold back his wide smile as he went and claimed Bas’s mouth in a deep kiss, and then Drew wrapped him in a hug and gave him a kiss of his own.

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