Page 104 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
I saw a couple of faces light up, like Gwen, the Knights’ pink-haired EBUG, who sat by Mercy.
A few students asked actual questions about the syllabus and the brief lecture I’d given. I dismissed them a little early, because that’s what the first day of class was for.
“Good luck at your game. I’m working the night shift at Tito’s tonight and tomorrow,” Gwen told Mercy.
“We’ll be there after the game. See you then.” Mercy gave her a hug and Gwen left the classroom with a couple of her friends, but not before waving at me.
“You’re here.” I grinned at her and Jonas.
“I know how much this class means to you. Also, I love the new stories you added to the syllabus. I’m going back to take a quick nap before the game. You kids have fun. Also, that skirt is cute.” Mercy waved and left.
The long skirt was something new I’d gotten shopping with the guys.
Jonas gave me a kiss. “You’re a fantastic professor.”
“Thank you.” I linked arms with him and we left the room. “It’s an interesting mix of students. While the omega flower arranging club makes sense, I think half the hockey team’s here.”
“Who are now all off to the strip club,” he replied as we walked down the hall toward the labs.
“Strip club?” I waved at Saphira, who was off to teach her class. She looked Jonas up and down and smirked at me.
“Yep, they were going to theTreasure Roomto check out thedaily offerings?I’m not sure if they meant the dancers or if they have cheap afternoon food specials like the one I worked at did.” He shrugged.
I chuckled as we entered the break room so I could get my stuff out of my locker. “It’s not a strip club. TheTreasure Roomis what they call the campus needs pantry since we’re the NYIT Kings. Gwen heard they had toothbrushes and cheese sticks, which made everyone very excited.”
“Okay, that makes sense,” he chuckled. “The pantry at BosTec really helped me out. I send them money every now and again.”
“What a great idea. Marquess didn’t have a needs pantry. I love that we have one here anyone can use. The fresh stuff goes fast, hence the cheese run.” I put my teaching things away and got my backpack.
I put on my coat and slung my backpack over my shoulders. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
We walked down the hall, and someone called, “Verity.”
I turned and saw Dr. Winters. “Jonas, I’ll only be a moment.”
“How did it go?” Dr. Winters grinned at me. Today’s suspenders and bowtie had plants on them.
“Great. It’s going to be an amazing class. Also, I’m working on getting everything back on track.” I leaned on my crutch.
“I believe in you. Hey, we might need you to present at the next trustee meeting. Bertie’s being annoying. Because no matter what university you’re at, there’s always that one trustee. Make sure you drop that you’re supported by Compass BioTek,” he told me.
“I’ll do whatever you need. I’d be happy to share my research with the trustees.” My heart twisted a little.
At the same time, I knew this was part of academia. One reason Baba got out of it and went private when we’d all moved to Research Circle, wasbecausehe constantly had to justify things in a way he didn’t have to in the private sector.
“I knew I could count on you. Hopefully, it won’t come to it, but I wanted to give you notice, because I know how you like to be prepared. See you later.” Dr. Winters hustled off.
“Thank you.” Well, I knew what I’d be doing in my spare time–putting together a presentation so if this Bertie guy tried to discredit me by calling me in at the last minute, expecting me to be unprepared, I’d be ready with the best presentation ever.
Jonas gave me a concerned look. “Everything okay?”
“Just Dr. Winters letting me know that I might have to defend my research to the trustees.” I rubbed my temple. “Normal stuff.”
“Okay.” He gave me a squeeze.
The two of us left the building and set off for the metro. We were going to the outdoor market so he could buy ingredients. I’d never been to this one, and I was quite excited.
