“I need to take these shoes off,” she said, sitting on one of the benches neatly tucked away under some trees. The bench was sheltered, blocking out the moonlight, providing plenty of privacy from any eyes that could be lurking.
I watched as she slipped out of the white high heels before rubbing her feet.
“Sit down,” she said, looking up at me, before patting the area next to her on the bench.
I obliged.
“So, did you have a good time?” she asked.
I nodded. “I did, actually. Kind of surprised me. I haven’t had to schmooze in a long time.”
She laughed. “You did great. I heard a lot of people talking about the new professor. They are expecting great things from you. The dean seemed impressed as well. She was clearly showing you off.”
I shrugged. “What can I say? I’m like a shiny new penny for her.”
That thought made me think twice about what I was doing in the park, at night, with a student. The dean would not be quite so impressed with me if she knew what I was doing, not to mention what I was thinking at this exact moment.
We sat silent, enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up for so long.
“Did you make any new contacts?” I asked her, knowing she would probably be doing what she could to scout for jobs. It was a rough world after graduation. She would need every advantage, and making contacts now was the best way to ensure her success.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I hope so. Most of the people there weren’t in the marine world at all. They are rich and looking for somewhere to donate money that will earn them a pretty little plaque. I did make a few connections, but we’ll see.”
“It takes time. I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but I got really lucky and found a job right after I graduated,” I told her.
“The six-month grace period before I have to start paying my loans doesn’t feel like nearly enough, you know? Honestly, I don’t even know what I really want to do with my degree. There are a lot of different jobs that I could go after, but the problem is picking the right one.”
I had to laugh. “You’ll know it when you find it. It may take some trial and error though. Call it narrowing the field if you decide you don’t like a particular job once you get into it. It’s about living and learning.”
She threw her head back and laughed. “Why do I feel like I’m talking to some wise old man?”
I shrugged. “Because you are, I guess.”
She slapped my shoulder. “You’re not old. But thank you for talking to me about it. I will take your advice.”
“No problem,” I said, understanding her plight. I checked my watch and realized it was getting late. We both had to be up early tomorrow for class.
Before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand. “Ian?”
“Yes?”
“I’m right here in a secluded spot; why haven’t you made a move? You texted me to meet you. Did you really want to chat about the benefit?”
I took a deep breath. “Tessa, I’m a teacher. You’re a student. Student and teacher relationships are a no-no. You know that.”
“I’m not your student,” she replied.
I thought about it. “No, I guess you aren’t.”
She looked at me. Questioning me.
“Aren’t you worried?” I asked her.
“I don’t know,” she said, barely above a whisper. “I should be.”
I nodded in agreement. “Yes, you should. We both should. This could cost us far more than either of is willing to pay.”
She was quiet for a while. “I don’t know that it is. Why does anyone have to know at all?”