Flirting with Fifty

“A couple months ago, after I got the promotion.”

Paige shook her head, finding it hard to keep up. “You got a promotion?”

“I was made manager of my department.”

“You didn’t tell me. That’s wonderful, Nichole. Did the promotion come with a bump in salary?”

“A significant bump, and a lot more responsibility.” Nichole’s voice thickened with emotion. “That’s why Andreas has been upset. He’d been up for the promotion, too. He thought he deserved it. I think he was sure he’d get it.”

Oh dear. That explained a lot. But Paige wouldn’t say that, not aloud, not now. “I’m sure he was also proud of you. There aren’t many women working for your company, and certainly not many in management.”

“He said he was happy for me, but ever since, he’s been . . . just antagonistic. He picks fights over everything. It’s like he resents me now.”

“But Andreas doesn’t report to you, does he?”

“No. We work similar jobs but answer to different directors.”

“He hoped to come to your department, then?”

“I guess.” Nichole drew a slow, shuddering breath. “Now we don’t even talk. He’s moved out—”

“You were living together?”

“For the past year, yeah.”

“You never told me.”

“I told you I got a roommate.”

“Yes, but you never said Andreas was your roommate.”

“Well, he isn’t now, is he?”

Paige understood Nichole was hurt, and sensitive, and she let her daughter’s frustration go. “This is rough,” she said. “I’m really sorry you’re having to go through this. Is there anything I can do?”

“No.”

“I could come out for a weekend. I could come maybe next weekend?”

“No, that’s okay. I’m fine. I just thought you should know.”

Paige opened the calendar on her phone to check her schedule. “I’d love to see you, even for a quick visit. Twenty-four hours—”

“It’s okay, Mom. I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather be alone.”

Paige smashed the sting, refusing to let herself feel hurt. Nichole was struggling. Paige wouldn’t make it about herself. “Call me anytime.”

“Okay. Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too, sweetheart.” Paige hung up the phone and sat for a moment, processing the call. It took her another moment to realize she wasn’t alone. The university president, Dr. Keller, filled her doorway.

She rose from behind her desk. “Come in, Dr. Keller. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

“Not at all. Am I interrupting?”

“No, of course not. It’s good to see you.” And suddenly Paige knew exactly why he was here. Dr. Keller had come to check on her, to make sure she was suitably enthusiastic about the new teaching assignment. It crossed her mind that this was her moment; she could let Dr. Keller know that she wasn’t pleased to be adding a new course at such a late date. She could be honest and communicate her disappointment. She could stand up for herself—

“I understand you’re meeting Dr. King tomorrow,” Dr. Keller said, hands folding behind his back.

This was it. A chance to be an effective communicator. But the words of protest didn’t come. She didn’t like making waves. Her job in her marriage had been to solve problems, not create them. “Yes. Dr. Nair is setting up the meeting. I believe it’s going to be in the afternoon.”

“Dr. King’s flying in from India.”

Again, she wondered about the name, and the man. She needed to look him up. Get informed. “I heard. That’s quite a long flight.”

“Dr. King is one of the most respected ecology and evolutionary biologists in the world. You should see his curriculum vitae. If he’s not in the classroom, he’s either in the field or at a podium somewhere. Very impressive man.”

“He’s not English, is he?”

“Jack? No. Australian. Born and raised in Melbourne.”

Her heart fell. Her stomach followed. Her Jack had been Australian, too.

“He’s about your age,” Dr. Keller added. “You’re going to enjoy this semester. We all will. We’re very lucky to have him here.”

She struggled to answer his beaming smile with one of her own.

“You know about the party Friday night?” the university president asked.

“I do.”

“You’ll be there, won’t you? We’re expecting a nice turnout. I’d like to introduce you, along with Dr. King. You’re one of our stars, you know. There will be some interviews and press later. Of course, in the beginning, everyone will want to talk to Dr. King, but some of that attention will extend to you. This will be something to put on your résumé—not that we want you to go anywhere. We love you here. We want you to be happy here. We all have your back.”

“Thank you, Dr. Keller. I appreciate the support. And I do look forward to seeing you again Friday.”

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