Page 123 of Dream Mates
“Seriously?” one of the others asked.
“Let’s go.” I stood.
I settled my tab for the student tickets at the check-in desk, then we went over to the ballroom where the party was. Someone from marketing frowned as we approached.
“They’re with me, that’s not a problem, right?” I flashed my badge.
“Not at all, Dr. Ellington, go right in,” she ushered us in. Music played, the liquor was flowing, and food waseverywhere.
“Have fun,” I told them. “Good luck tomorrow.” I went to find Spencer.
“Grace.” Dr. Mariano waved me over where she and Dr. Harlowe were drinking glowing drinks.
“Hey.” I looked around but didn’t see Spencer.
“If you don’t mind traveling with students, you’re welcome to take the train with us on Thursday,” Dr. Mariano said. “A couple of other people are going, too. You can also make your own arrangements.”
“I’d love to join you. Thanks.” We talked for a bit then I went off to find Spencer.
“My good doctor.” Spencer beamed when I joined him.
We made the rounds as he introduced me to people.
Finally, he looked at his phone. “Shall we leave and get some food?”
My belly rumbled as he took my arm and led me toward the door. “Sounds fantastic.”
Chapter Thirty
Grace
“Your presentation was amazing,” I told a teenager, after the high school portion of the student presentations. “I’m Grace, from Compass BioTek. Applications for our high school summer intern program close soon. While we’re far, and I know summer’s almost here, I hope that you’ll consider applying. We have a partnership withRockland Technical Institute for housing.” I gave her my card and a brochure.
“Compass BioTek?” She gave me a curious look. “Thank you.”
I found a few more students and encouraged them to apply, as well as gave out brochures to some teachers. Then I sat and listened to the college and graduate student presentations, some of whom I’d met last night at the Daedalus Society reception. I took a few notes as I wondered if any of them would be our nineteen-year-old with a penchant for arson. Though by now most students had plans for summer.
Inara’s presentation went well. Though all the presentations were short and there wasn’t a lot of time for questions.
Afterwards, I went over to her. “You did great.”
“You came.” Her face lit up.
“Of course I did.”
A guy joined us and swept her off her feet. “Inara. That was fantastic. Aren’t you glad you applied? I knew you could do it.”
“Creed!” She laughed as he spun her around. “Put me down.”
My heart thumped. I didn’t see his face. He was slim, but very tall. Brennan tall. Though he was a bit of a beanpole. A scent like peaches, but sweeter, with a dash of cinnamon tickled my nose. As did the scent of alpha.
He was analpha.
“Creed, I want you to meet Dr. Ellington. She works for Compass BioTek,” Inara said as he put her down. “This is my friend Creed Thorne. He’s the engineering student at Natty I was telling you about yesterday.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Ellington. I’m Creed Thorne. I’m about to graduate from Engineering school at National University of Science and Technology in electromechanical engineering. What do you do at Compass BioTek?” Creed turned and froze.
As did I. While he looked like me in the picture, in person it was like looking in a mirror and seeing me without makeup through a social media filter that was meant to make you look like a guy but really only added some chin fuzz.
