Page 25 of Artifice
He shrugged. “You’re kind of a big deal.”
“I don’t know about that.” She drew in another breath. “What do you do here?”
“I’m an education consultant.”
Education consultant? Then why did he have blueprints?
Instead of asking about it, she asked instead, “So you’re not from this area?”
“No, I’m not. I’m actually from the DC area. I consult with schools and private institutions across the country and show them ways to improve upon what they’re already doing.”
Olive didn’t know what to think about that. Would an education consultant have blueprints?
She didn’t think so.
She studied his face a minute. “Did you know about the Quiet Room?”
“I only became aware of it yesterday. And, in case you’re wondering, I’ve only been here a week.”
“And what do you think about the Quiet Room?”
He twisted his head and grimaced. “It makes me uncomfortable. I’m hoping to offer my insights while I’m here—which will include eliminating such a space.”
She shook her head in a moment of honesty. “There’s no way I can give money to an institution that utilizes something like that.”
His steady gaze showed agreement. “Then you should tell the board. Maybe they’ll do something about it.”
Olive glanced at him again. The man really was handsome with his curly blond hair and easy smile. He sounded reasonable.Andhe’d rescued her from that room.
Thank goodness, he’d heard her desperate cries for help.
Had her first impression of the man been wrong? Were her assumptions off base?
“I think Iwilltell the board,” Olive finally said. “Someone has to speak up.”
“I agree.”
Olive sucked in another slow breath before nodding. “I think I’m okay now. Thank you for coming out here with me.”
“Of course.” He shifted but made no effort to leave.
She studied his face another moment, genuinely curious about the man. “How long will you be around?”
“A couple of weeks.”
“Then I’ll probably see you again.”
A quick grin flashed across his face. “You probably will. Hopefully not in a restaurant where we literally run into each other.”
That warranted a smile from Olive.
“Hopefully not.” She nodded at the door and sighed. “I suppose Director Ingraham is waiting for me.”
“Most likely.”
With another nod, Olive stood and took a step away. “I’ll be seeing you around, Simon.”
“I look forward to it.” The gentle rumble of his voice didn’t make him seem like a threat.
