Page 98 of Beginning Fate

“So no teaching?”

“No. Why?”

“I was offered a teaching position.”

“Oh, cool. I didn’t know you were a teacher.”

“I’m not,” I confessed.

She gave me a confused look.

“But . . .”

“He wants me to teach American Sign Language.”

“Because Professor Jones turned in her resignation and took a job at another college?”

I nodded.

“That’s awesome, Lauren. You’ll love working here.”

“But I’m not a teacher,” I blurted out.

She laughed. “That’s a pretty specific subject and you are fluent, right?”

“Right.”

“Have you ever taught anyone else ASL before?”

“Sure. I mean I learned it to teach Kylie when she was six. And I held classes every year for the Pack back home. I eventaught a few summers at the local community center, but I didn’t mention that to him. I have no idea why he thinks I can do this.”

“Because you can.”

“He’s offering a lot of money.”

“The ARC is well funded. They treat us all very well. Plus, free housing, tuition, and meal plans. It’s a sweet deal. And since all of us are convinced Denny’s going to be a lifelong student just to stay here, then why not go ahead and work here?”

I laughed. I already knew that about my mate, and after being here a week, I could see why.

“You really think I can do this?”

“Well, I don’t really know you well yet, but I can’t imagine Shannahan would offer if he didn’t believe it.”

“It’s a big opportunity,” I admitted.

“Have you discussed this with Denny yet?”

“No. I need to run it by Kylie first too. I’m trying to take a step back in her life, not dive in even deeper.”

“I get that. But you should at least talk to them before closing the door on this.”

“Thanks, Josie.”

“Anytime. In fact, the girls and I are getting together for dinner Thursday night. We try to meet up at least once a week. We’d all love to have you join. Us Delta Omega Gamma girls have to stick together.”

“I’d really love that. I’ve never really had friends before, at least not ones to hang out with, so this is all new territory for me.”

“Don’t worry. We’re family and we take care of each other around here.”

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