“It wasn’t Dean Campbell,” I reassure her. “It was the former dean. Dean Albert Monahan. He was fired for engaging in inappropriate behavior with his TA. The TA was given a new post, but eventually transferred to a different program, although I’m not sure why.”
She peers at me over her fingertips. “What did Dean Monahan look like then? Please say it’s not Santa or I won’t be able to celebrate Christmas ever again.”
An image of a rotund balding man with a white beard flashes in front of my eyes. Dean Monahan looked more like Santa than Dean Campbell, who only sported the white beard and a small pot belly. I wonder if beards are a prerequisite to deanship? All of the current sitting deans around here have white hair and white beards. A regular Santa convention, in fact. Obviously I do not share this with Kayla. “He was an older Keanu Reeves,” I lie.
“Oh? Then he must’ve looked like you.”
“Me?”
Kayla looks taken aback. “Has no one told you that you look like Keanu’s John Wick what with the angular face and longish black hair?”
“I can’t say that I have ever heard this.”
“Well, it’s true.”
“Is this a bad thing?”
Her eyes glow. “No. Not at all.”TenKayla“You never did say what you were doing for the holidays. We get a long break. What are your plans?” Nathan asks.
“Rachel told me that you never take the break. That you still come in even though everyone else is out.” I stand from my chair, needing to stretch. I got a lot done today. Little by little I’ve been getting this place organized. It no longer looks like a filing cabinet exploded inside of it anymore.
“This year is different.” His eyes follow me as I move a stack of folders. I’ve noticed that Nathan watches me a lot. I’m not sure if it's something he does in general or if it’s me. I like to watch people too, but you’d think I was twirling around here singing show tunes or something.
“This year is different,” I agree. “My mom is on a cruise. I’m supposed to go to my aunt’s, but I’ve been thinking of skipping it and spending it alone at home.” His face softens.
“Is it because of your dad?” I give him a half smile. I love the fact that Nathan remembers everything I tell him. That he actually listens when I talk.
“That’s part of it,” I admit. “This year feels different for some reason. I thought it would be best to watch a bunch of holiday movies and binge on all the sweets I plan to make.”
“That sounds nice.”
“A little lonely but maybe it will be good for me. I’m an adult now. I don’t live at home. I should be okay with being alone. I mean, you seem to love it,” I point out. “You still haven’t told me what you’re doing.” I try and get the focus off me and my sad plans. Plus, I’m curious as to how Nathan spends his free time.
“I have a cabin in Lancaster. I was thinking of going up there.” My mouth falls open. Everyone wants a cabin in Lancaster. It’s supposed to be one of the most magical places. There is a small little town that sits in the center surrounded by snow covered mountains as far as the eye can see.
“I bet it’s beautiful.” I let out a long sigh. My mind is already thinking about how fun it would be to have a cabin in the middle of nowhere covered in snow. You could cut down a tree from your own yard, put it up in your living room, and string it with lights. It sounds so relaxing to think about sitting in front of a fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa.
“It’s quiet.”
I snort a laugh. I have no doubt that’s why he got a cabin. It has nothing to do with the snow or beauty. The main draw for Nathan is that it is away from civilization. He probably loves being there with only his thoughts.
“Does it have a fireplace? Do you chop your own wood? Is the cabin made out of logs?” I start peppering him with questions. “Wait. Show me pictures.” I walk over toward him. I expect him to pull out his phone, but he only watches me as I draw closer to him.
“You should come see it for yourself,” he offers.
“Is that a good idea?” Even though my first instinct is to say yes. I play it cool, leaning my hip into the table only a few feet from him. “You mentioned a few times today about people getting fired around here if they… you know.” I wiggle my eyebrows. He seems lost, not following my line of thinking. “Get it on,” I finally whisper.
He reaches his hand out, his thumb wiping the corner of my mouth. When he pulls it back, I see a small dot of icing there. He brings it to his lips and sucks it clean.