Page 8 of The Scientist

Just as I glanced up from the table, I recognized a familiar face heading our way.

“Incoming,” Lionel said low, under his breath. “Cover your tits, ladies.”

Dr. William Abel was making his way toward us with that same creepy smile he wore like a uniform, and his focus seemed to be aimed at the only new person at the table.

“Ms. Olivier,” he said, eyes wide, mouth parted. “Nice to see you again.”

“Hi, Dr. Abel.” I stood, greeting him as politely as I could manage. “Thank you again for giving me this opportunity.”

“We’re happy to have you. And please, call me Will.”

Yeah, I wouldn’t be doing that.

“I see you wore your hair down for the evening,” he noted.

I had my hair pulled back into a low ponytail in our interview but having the difference in my hairstyle choice pointed out rendered me speechless for a moment.

“Yes, that’s true. I decided to change it up,” I finally said.

“Sometimes you just gotta let your hair down, eh?” He laughed, nudging me with his elbow.

“Dr. Abel, isn’t it lucky that we were able to snag Hadley for our team?” Lionel said, saving me from the awkward encounter. “Stanley was just saying how qualified he thinks Hadley is.”

Sarah had to cough to cover up her laughter.

“He’s absolutely right. We’re quite lucky to have you.” He put his arm around my shoulder, eyes zooming in on my chest. I made huge“help me”eyes at Sarah.

“You know, I heard Stanley saying he was going talk to the president. Something about wanting to update him on plans for the music department this year,” Sarah said, distracting him.

“What?!” Dr. Abel cried indignantly. He let go of my shoulder, and I stepped away from him, hurrying to take a seat.

“We tried to tell him we didn’t think that was his job,” Lionel said, feigning innocence.

“I should think not!” he said, his face turning purple with outrage. His head swung around, searching for Stanley. As he marched away, we heard him muttering, “He thinks just because his father and Benson are golf buddies…”

When he was finally out of earshot, Lionel and Sarah burst out laughing, and I couldn’t help but join in. Even the other ladies at the table seemed amused by the little show happening in front of them.

“Did you see his face? He hates the thought of someone else getting to be up Benson’s ass!” Lionel said, still wheezing with laughter.

Dr. Richard Benson was president of the university and was seated at one of the tables near the stage at the very front of the hall. I recognized him from the university newsletters I started receiving once I was officially on staff. He was currently surrounded by a crowd of people trying to get a word with him, one of those people being Dr. Abel.

“Benson won’t give him the time of day,” Lionel noted, looking over at his table. “He’s too busy walking his new show pony around for everyone to see.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Word on the street is the university acquired some uber-famous scientist,” Lionel answered. “Everyone’s been talking about this guy, but I’ve never heard of him.”

“That’s only because he’s never been employed by the Bravo network,” Sarah quipped.

“Anyway,” Lionel said, shooting her a look. “Benson’s been strutting around proud as a peacock all evening showing him off to everyone.”

“I heard the peacock got into a bidding war over him with Yale and Columbia,” Sarah added.

“Who is he?” I asked curiously.

“I think his name’s Polinski maybe, I don’t know,” Lionel said. “All I know is that we paid a pretty penny to have him here.”

“What are we talking?”

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