Page 79 of Devilry

Pretentious fuck.

“Actually, Cole.” He takes a seat on the chair that faces my desk and I follow his lead, taking the seat behind it. “I also wanted to discuss the research project you’re heading.”

My mind races, immediately focusing on Elijah and the worst possible outcome for this conversation.

“Yes,” I say.

“We have some private investors that want to throw more money at it. And to say thank you and welcome them to the Kingfamily,we’re going to put on a black tie-event, show off the oversized, elaborate fake check to our highest performing students and their parents.” He flails his hands in the air. “You know? The whole shebang.”

What a bore.

“That sounds wonderful,” I lie.

“It is imperative you be there, Cole.” He narrows his eyes at me, his face no longer relaxed and friendly, his features now severe and stiff. “The board views your attendance with the utmost importance.”

No family excuses. Message received loud and clear.

“When will it be held?” I ask, doing my best to not appear unnerved.

“It’s still to be confirmed, but definitely in between Thanksgiving and Christmas break. That close to the festive season we will be able to make it worth the school’s while. Maybe make it Christmas themed, offer money to a few charities, and allow potential parents to get their feet wet. Really see what King is about. Understand?”

There’s no denying King gives as much as it takes, but I’m coming to realize every good deed comes with an abundance of sparkles, glitter, and glamour. Understated is something King will never be.

Just as I’m about to find a way to cut the conversation short, the mention of parents attending the event fills me with dread.

“Just to clarify, the parents that will be attending will be those of the students participating in the research project?”

“Among others, yes.”

Motivated by my own personal agenda, I continue with the questioning. “Are the students expected to pass on the invitation?”

“Yes. Handpicked students will be given invitations and expected to pass them on to the family members of their choosing.” His explanation puts me at ease. When Elijah receives an invitation, he’ll be able to make the call on whether he wants his parents to come or not. But from what he’s told me, I don’t see him reaching out to them and inviting unnecessary heartache into his life right now. “With such an honor, it’s hard to imagine that any student wouldn’t want to share their success with their parents.”

Not even surprised by his privileged ignorance, I thrust my hand out to him in an attempt to wrap up the conversation. “That all sounds wonderful. It was great seeing you, Dean Billings.”

“Please, call me Richard,” he says, shaking my hand. “I’m really glad we could have this chat. You’re doing a great job. Feedback from the staff and the students has been extremely positive.”

Feedback?

I school my face, keeping my smile in place, and my tone light. “That’s excellent to hear.”

When he leaves, I sink into the chair, confused about his parting statement. Almost certain he said it to throw me off balance, I pull my phone out of my top desk drawer, and furiously type a text message to Harper and Miles.

Me: Is there some kind of professor appraisal I wasn’t aware of, or is Billings pulling my fucking chain?

There are a few minutes of silence before Miles is the first one to text back.

Miles: What are you talking about?

Me: Billings just came up to my office. I couldn’t work out if he was trying to suck my dick or he wanted me to suck his. The guy’s so fucking full of himself.

Harper: You’re going to have to elaborate on the dick sucking.

Miles: I’m okay with being kept in the dark about Billings’ dick. Thanks.

Me: He came in trying to see if I was going to need any more time off for my mom, and then he did that whole I’m going to pretend to be sympathetic when I really don’t give a shit thing. But before he left, he said “You’re doing a great job, feedback from the staff and the students has been extremely positive.”

Miles: I don’t know of any appraisals, but maybe he’s just been casually asking around.

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