Page 59 of No Ordinary Love

"Your work in the field has set you apart, and this project is the kind of challenge you excel at," the Chancellor continued, now confident she had my full attention. "If you agree to take this on, you can still leave at the end of the year, as you planned. But we need you on this project. It's vital."

"What about my classes?"

The Chancellor grinned. "Well, you have capable Teaching Assistants. Put them to work. I think you'll come out with an excellent paper from this project, for which you will be the lead author."

As an academic, you lived and died by the number of peer-reviewed papers you published. This was a very attractive proposition.

"I've never heard of this advocacy group. Who's running it?" I asked, trying to stay practical, even as my mind raced with possibilities.

Chancellor Armstrong's smile deepened. "It's a new organization; considering the current climate, they just emerged. They're very well-funded. The advocacy network is led by a friend who has been working with WIC and other programs for years."

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was a federal one that aimed to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who were at nutrition risk.

"I'm flattered that you've asked me." My thoughts were swirling, already coming up with plans on how to work on this project. "Will there be others from the college working on this project with me?"

"I think you can put your team together once you have all the information."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Without interference?" This was not how such externally funded projects often worked.

"Yes. Well, you have to work with the head of the advocacy group, of course, but these people are just as passionate about talking to women about their health as you are."

"This is an amazing opportunity, as you well know." I grinned, feeling happy for the first time in a long time.

So what if my heart was broken? My professional life was still going gangbusters, wasn't it? That would have to be enough for now. I'd have to enjoy this as much as I could and ignore the pain inside that told me I'd never love a man again as I did Lucas, that I'd lost the love of my life. Pretty dramatic stuff for a boring academic like me.

"I'm thrilled to hear you accept this project on behalf of the college." She leaned forward and put her elbows to rest on the table. "What I like about you is that you don't shy away from a challenge, Amara. You're someone who sees a need and steps up to meet it. This project needs you."

Her words resonated with the part of me that had always been driven by purpose, by the need to make a difference. The truth was, I didn't want to slink out of Charleston with my tail between my legs, running away from the mess of my relationship with Lucas. I wanted to go on my terms, having accomplished something meaningful. And this project could be exactly that.

"This is quite the farewell gift you're giving me." My heart was full of gratitude for the love and support I received from the university. "I'll stay until the end of the year as planned and work on this project and, if needed, beyond. I may have to devise a remote plan, but I'll finish the work."

Chancellor Armstrong nodded, satisfaction in her eyes. "Thank you, Amara."

"No, thank you, Chancellor." I rose and shook her hand.

There was a skip in my step as I walked out of her office. I immediately called Basil and told him about the project.

"That sounds fabulous. You know, UCLA might also have room for someone like you," he told me. "Why don't you send me your latest CV and I'll send it around here."

California would not be a bad place to move to.

But you don't really want to move away from Charleston, do you, Amara? You're letting a man drive you away from a place and a job you love.

"I'll do that."

"Hey, you know, if you change your mind after this project, the college will be happy to tear up your resignation letter," Basil reminded me.

"I feel like I'm lettinghimrun me out of town."

Basil laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"I think Lucas is probably planning on doing everything he can to keep you in Charleston. I know you're pissed about what happened, but it wasn't his fault."

"When did you become such a Lucas fan?" I accused.

"Trying to be fair here, Sunshine. You know I love you, so take this in that light—you're not the most forgiving person in the world. Youhateconflict, so when things become difficult, you don't talk it through; you run away."

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