Page 84 of A Twist of Faith
Reese offered his hand and a full-fledged grin. “Dr. Lindsay, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
His articulation would have impressed Dianne Sawyers.
Dr. Lindsay’s pale blue eyes grew wide as she swept Reese a look. “Mr. Mitchell?”
“And this is Dr. Henry Franklin,” Alex added, moving aside for the older, and much more serious, gentleman to take Reese’s hand.
“You’ve been receiving accent modification from Dr. Roseland, Mr. Mitchell?”
“Yes, sir. For three months.” The professional emerged and caused another wave of shock. He really should be a professor one day. Back straight, expression confident, and a hint of charm to quell anyone’s discomfort. She filled her lungs with a satisfaction. “Dr. Roseland has helped prepare me for a job interview as a consultant for McCready Agricultural Firm in Chicago.”
Not one slip of the tongue or mutilated vowel.
“And you’re from Appalachia?” Dr. Franklin obviously had his doubts.
Reese shot Dee a smirk. “I was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains my entire life, sir. It’s a nice place to call home and I’m quite proud of it, but I’m open to the possibilities of experiencing new opportunities.”
“I can vouch for it, Mark. I saw him a month ago at a football game.” Dr. Lindsay’s smile bloomed. “And his heritage was quite apparent, but what a splendid transformation, Mr. Mitchell. Are you happy with the outcome?”
“I will be if all the hard work pays off next weekend.” He stood a bit taller. “But even if it doesn’t, I know the skills Dr. Roseland has reinforced will only expand my marketability and professional options.”
He sounded like the author behind his research articles. Consultant for the East Coast. A swell of pride distracted her from her previous panic.
“I can’t believe you are from Appalachia. There isn’t a hint of accent, not even in your vowels.” Dr. Franklin’s gruff reply brought a smile to Reese’s lips.
“Well, I am being particularly careful right now, Dr. Franklin. If you forced me into a long discussion of cattle feed or irrigation systems, I might give a truer hint to my heritage.”
“I’ve known several Appalachian businessmen, and few cloak their accents as well as you, let alone hold themselves with an air of sophistication.”
“His confidence was all his own, Dr. Franklin.” Dee interjected. “And he’s a fast learner with the proper motivation.”
Reese’s gaze took on a heartwarming glint. “The proper motivation does make all the difference.”
A smile waited behind his remark. He held her attention beyond social protocol, but neither her scattered pulse nor her roasting cheeks minded. Let the world know, and laugh if they wanted. She was in love with a wonderful guy!
“It seems highly improbable.” Dr. Franklin’s gruff reply brought a smile to Reese’s lips.
“Dr. Roseland has the perseverance of a hunting dog. She’s skilled, talented, and a hard worker. You couldn’t find a more focused or honorable person to bring into your department.”
His unfettered admiration broke through the attraction with the knife of conviction.
Dr. Franklin stared at him in wonder. “I must introduce you to Charles Lennox. He’ll be shocked.”
Dr. Franklin took Reese by the arm and, with Alex at his other side, disappeared into the crowd. As soon as he returned, they should leave. Quickly.
“Adelina, I’m happy to have this opportunity to talk to you in private.” Dr. Lindsay’s kind expression softened even more. “Alex provided some of your research for me to review and I must confess I am impressed by the work of someone with your limited experience. Even though his name is listed as a coauthor, he affirms you are the lead researcher on the projects. You are quite accomplished. I believe there is a future for you here, perhaps even sooner than you realize.”
Reese would never remember allthe people Alex and Dr. Franklin introduced him to. Dr. this or Dr. that. And Alex kind of grew on him, in a shiny-penny-that-needs-a-home kind of way. Reese wasn’t ready to become great friends with him or anything, but Alex displayed more selfishness and youthful arrogance than any underhandness or harm. But, as interesting as the last fifteen minutes had been, meeting one person after the other, Reese wanted to get back to his beautiful date. He grinned. God allowed him a front seat view of His work in her life, bringing her into family and love. What a show.
He caught sight of her across the room and something akin to fireworks started shooting off in his chest. Man, she was gorgeous. Purple dress loose to the ground, tight around her waist, and showing off one bare shoulder. Wonder what it would feel like to kiss her without a beard?
Hopefully it wouldn’t be too long to find out.
He couldn’t deny taking a strong liking to the dazed look of admiration on her face when she saw him. He’d felt that way about her plenty of times, but turnabout suited him just fine.
Reese turned his thoughts back to the discussion with Alex Murdock. “Guess I’ll have to come down to Ransom this week to help Dee prepare for her grand presentation.”
“Well, she’s seems to be managing fine on her own. My sister says she’s a great teacher.”
