His eyes widen, and he looks almost disgusted. “I’ll pass, thanks.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I say.
He rushes away from my cubicle, and I’m not worried about weirding him out. He gave me the most brilliant idea that will help my studentsandfix my problem with Ryan.
“A tutoring center?”Janet repeats. “But students can already receive free tutoring in the library.”
“I know,” I say, leaning forward in my seat.
After Liam left, I sent Janet an email asking for a meeting ASAP, which wasn’t able to happen until the next morning, so here I am. The plus side is that it gave me the time I needed to flesh out the idea properly, considering all the angles so I have a cohesive plan to present.
“But here’s the thing,” I continue. “Ever since we cut our algebra classes, students have had less and less prerequisite knowledge. And while the tutors are doing a great job, they don’t understand exactly what is required of our students the way we do. If we create a center for the students, specifically those in calculus, and let them know that their actual instructors will be there, we might have a shot at getting them to come.”
Janet pauses, rapping her fingers on the table as she thinks. “It’s a good idea,” she finally says. “And we do have extra funding from the state after they cut those classes.”
“Exactly! At the last meeting, Christopher mentioned we still have funds left over. He was planning on making more…videos.”
She arches a brow at me. “Yes, I’m aware.” She exhales and taps her fingers on the table again. “And where would you have it? Our building is still being renovated.”
“I know. I have a few ideas, like the technology building or the first floor of the library. Or there’s that empty bungalow outside the math department!” I realize I’m babbling out of nerves, so I stop and take a deep breath. “But I can iron out those details as I work.”
“Mm-hmm.” She nods thoughtfully, and I know I’ve got her now. “I think we can make it happen. But this isn’t something you can do all by yourself.”
“I agree. I’d need someone to help me.”
She raises a brow. “Do you have any ideas?”
“I was thinking of Ryan.”
She smirks at me. “I had a feeling you’d say that.”
“It’s perfect for him,” I say, rushing to explain. “I know we’ll work well together.” I don’t say anything about his tenure, unsure if I should be talking about his private issues. I also don’t mention the fact that he’s been acting weird around me for the last week, and this will give us an opportunity to hang out and clear the air.
“Have you talked to him about this?” Janet asks.
“Well, uh, no, not yet,” I stammer. “But of course he’ll say yes.”
Am I convincing her or myself?
He’ll say yes…right?
I check my watch, and having Ryan’s schedule memorized, say, “We can call him now. He might be available to come in.”
Janet nods and picks up her phone. She presses a few buttons, holds it to her ear, and waits. Then she says, “Hello, Ryan. Can you come into my office? I have a question for you.” She listens for a minute, then hangs up. “He’ll be here in a minute.”
“Great.” We sit in a moment of silence, and my heart starts hammering in my chest. Now that the reality is setting in—that Ryan is about to be here, and I’m going to see him for the first time in over a week—I realize how nervous I am.
What if he says no?
He wouldn’t, right?
This is for his tenure, but it’s also an opportunity for us to be together and hang out. You know, for fun. The thing we had before I got engaged.
Janet looks unbothered, clicking on her mouse and taking care of her business while I sit and smooth out my dress. I focus intently on the etched petals of a purple flower, willing myself to calm down. It’s just Ryan! Why am I nervous?
A knock sounds on the door, followed by the creak of it opening slowly. “Janet?” Ryan’s voice says.
“Yes, come in,” Janet says, making another click of her mouse before setting her hands in her lap.
