“I don’t know if you’re aware, but Cambridge is looking for an Old Kingdom specialist to round out their senior lecturing team.” Derek goes for nonchalant by crossing his arms and perching one hip on the corner of the table, which wobbles alarmingly, completely ruining his attempt at cool.
“I did hear something along those lines, yes.” I straighten the table he’s just leapt off, drop into one of the folding chairs and stretch out my legs.
“I’ve been in Prague for a few years now. It’s been very rewarding. But I’m getting that itchy feet feeling, you know?”
Which I take as code for he’s got himself in another student-professor mess. I don’t answer, only wait for him to continue.
“Anyway, I know you’re well respected at Cambridge and thought perhaps you could put in a good word for me with the vice-chancellor.”
As it happens, I have a good relationship with the vice-chancellor of Cambridge. And a nicer, but more conservative, man you are never likely to meet.
“Oh, I’d be more than happy to talk to him about you.” I give him the smile my father uses before he bites. Derek looks disconcerted. He knows something just went horribly wrong, but he doesn’t quite know what. I stand, indicating our quiet word is over.
“That would be great. Thanks, mate.” He slaps me on the back. Ugh. I have a hard time not rolling my eyes. Not his mate. Never will be.
I can’t let him go without a jab.
“You know, Sadie has a remarkable mind. She’s a credit to herself. I predict she’ll go a long way in the field.” Again, Derek isn’t quite sure if I’ve made a dig. Sadie clearly didn’t get her quick wit from him, although, to be fair, he’s unaware of how much I know about him.
I watch from the doorway of the tent as they say a tense goodbye and he drives off in a cloud of dust and awkwardness.
“Are you okay?” I beckon Sadie inside as she turns to go back to her section.
“Yeah. I’m okay. I guess I should’ve expected him to turn up. At least he wasn’t here long. Although, I could’ve done without the flirting with Riley.”
I huff out a laugh and then clear my throat. I need to be honest with her.
“From what I can gather, you’d have no reason to expect a visit. And, unfortunately, he did have an ulterior motive.”
Her entire body braces for impact and her already pink cheeks flush red.
“What?”
“He wants a job at Cambridge. Asked me to put in a good word for him.”
“The bloody, shitting bastard. How dare he? You don’t even know him. Please don’t feel you have to put in a word.” Hereyebrows pull together, her mouth flattens, and mortification soaks every word.
“Oh, I’ll put in a word, alright. It just won’t be the kind of word he’s hoping for.” It feels like my mouth has stretched into a full-on grin. I can’t remember the last time that happened. Sadie grins back. “Whatever else we are, or are not, I want you to know I’m Team Sadie. Always.”
Tears spring to her eyes, and I lean forward, pressing my lips to her forehead. It takes longer than it should for me to pull back.
“Now, haven’t you got some sand to sift?” I push out through the lump in my throat.
This woman deserves the world. And every day that goes by pushes me closer and closer to wanting to be the one who helps her get it.
It’s just a shame that’s not what she wants from me.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Sadie
Istruggle to concentrate after Dad leaves. Just when I think my opinion of him can’t get any lower, he does something like this.
Riley doesn’t help.
“You never told me your dad was so charming,” she titters as we climb onto the bus that’s waiting to take us back to the boat.
“Charming is one word for it, I guess.”
