Page 86 of Pucking My Grumpy Roommate
"To bacterial breakthroughs," he toasted, clinking his glass against mine.
"To supportive boyfriends who make pasta at midnight," I countered, taking a sip. The champagne bubbles danced on my tongue, perfect after such a momentous day.
I devoured the pasta with embarrassing enthusiasm while Austin watched with amusement, his blue eyes warm with something that made my chest tighten.
"So," he said when I finally paused for breath, "tell me about these nanoperforations."
Between bites, I explained my discovery, starting with the basics and gradually descending into increasingly technical details. To his credit, Austin listened intently, asking surprisingly insightful questions that showed he was genuinely trying to understand.
"The implications are enormous," I explained, gesturing with my fork. "If we can bypass the resistance mechanisms entirely, we're talking about a completely new approach to treatment. Hospitals could potentially save thousands of lives annually."
"You're going to be famous in science circles," Austin said, refilling my glass.
I laughed. "That's not really how microbiology works. But it could be a real contribution to the field."
"Don't downplay it," he said, his tone suddenly serious. "This is a big fucking deal, Kate."
Something about his firm belief in my work broke through a barrier I usually kept up. "Sometimes I dream about having my own lab," I admitted quietly. "Not just being part of someone else's research team, but directing my own programs. Following my own hypotheses wherever they lead."
"Why is that just a dream?" Austin asked. "You're brilliant enough."
I traced the rim of my glass with my finger. "Funding. Connections. Politics. The scientific community isn't all pure intellectual pursuit—it's a complex ecosystem of grants, publications, and institutional backing."
Austin leaned forward. "The team has connections withseveral medical research foundations. Our head physician sits on a couple of boards. I could introduce you."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course I would." He looked almost offended at my surprise. "Kate, you're working on stuff that could literally save lives. Including athletes with resistant infections from surgeries. Why wouldn't I help if I can?"
Before I could answer, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen, not recognizing the German country code.
"Dr. Ellis," I answered, switching to professional mode.
"Dr. Ellis, this is Dr. Werner Hoffmann from the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin."
My heart stopped. The Max Planck Institute was world-renowned.
"Yes, Dr. Hoffmann. How can I help you?" I managed, motioning frantically to Austin.
"My apologies for calling at such a late hour,” Dr. Hoffmann said. “We’re just beginning the workday here, and I was eager to speak with you directly. I've been following your work on plasmid-mediated resistance, and we've recently received a grant to expand our research team. We would like to offer you a six-month visiting researcher position, beginning next month if possible."
I nearly dropped the phone. "That's... quite an honor."
"Your recent publication was exceptional. We believe your approach would complement our program significantly. The position includes housing, a stipend, and of course access to our facilities."
My mind was racing. Six months in Germany. Starting nextmonth. Just as Austin was hitting the most intense part of his season.
"Could I have a few days to consider the offer?" I asked, my eyes locked with Austin's.
"Of course. I'll email the details. We would need your decision by the end of next week."
After the call ended, I sat in stunned silence.
"What was that about?" Austin asked, his expression unreadable.
"The Max Planck Institute in Berlin just offered me a six-month visiting researcher position," I said, still processing. "It's like... it's like being a hockey player and getting called up to the Olympic team."
Instead of the disappointment I expected, Austin's face lit up. "Kate, that's incredible!"
