“Hello?” I say, answering the call as soon as I step outside.
“Hello, is this Ryan Matthews?” A man’s voice with a slight Hawaiian lilt asks.
“It is.”
“Hi, Ryan. My name is Jon Keahi, and I’m the math department chair here at Haleakala Community College. We just finished the paper screening of all the applications for our full-time math faculty position and would like to invite you to interview for us.”
I pump a fist in the air. This is it. This is the answer to all my problems. A job in Maui, far away from Claire and any reminders of the life I can’t have. “That’s great. Thank you.”
“Interviews are the week of May 29. We have an option to do them on Zoom, but we prefer in person.”
“I totally understand.” May 29. Just a week before Claire’s wedding. It couldn’t be more perfect even if I tried. I can go in for the interview, stay for another week or so, hang out with my mom and Kai, surf, and go sightseeing. “I’ll be there in person.”
“Fantastic. That would be great.” He gives me a few more details, letting me know there’s a lecture I’ll have to prepare on optimization word problems, which isn’t an issue because I’ve taught it every semester for the last three years. Then he says the division assistant will be in contact soon to set up my specific interview.
We hang up, and I send a text message to Kai.
Me
I got an interview at Haleakala CC! I’ll be coming to see you at the end of May.
He writes back immediately.
Kai
I knew it! Looking forward to it, bro. See you in a few weeks.
A few weeks. In just a few weeks, everything will change.
A few hours later,I walk into my apartment. “Hey, man,” I call out to Aaron.
“In the kitchen,” he calls back. “Pam’s here.”
I step into the kitchen and wave at them. Pam’s chopping up vegetables and Aaron is sautéing something on the stove.
“I’m making stir fry,” Aaron says. “I made extra for you.”
Of course he did. “Sounds awesome. Thanks.” I clap my hands together. “Well, I have some exciting news.”
Pam and Aaron both look up at me with grins.
“Did you finally talk to Claire?” Pam asks.
I furrow my brow. “Talk to Claire? No. What’s left to say?”
“What’s left…” Pam exchanges a glance with Aaron. “Never mind. What’s your news?”
“I got an interview at Haleakala Community College!” I grin widely.
“Hey, that’s awesome,” Aaron says. “Congrats.”
“Yeah, congratulations,” Pam echoes, starting up her chopping again.
“Thanks. The interview is at the end of May. I think I’ll spend a couple of weeks there so I can vacation with my mom and Kai.”
Aaron nods. “Sounds great. I’m sure you’ll get it. I’m gonna miss having you around.”
“Yeah. I’ll miss being near you, too.” I glance at Pam, who seems unusually focused on her cutting board. “What?” I ask her.
