“You have big shoes to fill,” the kid said. “I’m glad I saw you at least one more time. I appreciate everything you did for me last year.”
“If I’m not mistaken, Caleb,” Daniel said. He looked from the kid to Tawson and back. “I think the last time we spoke, you were about to ask out a certain someone for the summer. How did that go?”
The kid’s cheeks went bright red at the mention of that. Tawson found it adorable. “We went out on a few dates.”
“And did these dates go well?”
“You could say that,” Caleb said. “I ended up moving in withhim last month, so I’ll be living off campus this year.”
“See?” Daniel reached out an arm and gave the kid a side hug. “I knew you just needed a little confidence. I saw the way he looked at you. But I’m glad it’s all working out. You have my email, so make sure you keep in touch okay?”
The kid said goodbye and they resumed walking toward the restaurant. “You really care about these students,” he observed. “Are you sure you want to leave?”
“I can’t pass up the opportunity to help people like Caleb all over the nation,” Daniel said. “This place and the Queer club will always hold a special place in my heart.”
“I can tell you’re going to be missed,” Tawson said. “I hope I can help them.”
“You can offer them something that I only knew of secondhand,” Daniel said. “One, you’re younger and can relate to them more. Two, you’ve been through something that you’d be surprised might help you connect with a handful of students you’ll meet. It’s a sad fact, but you’ll see soon enough.”
They made it through the crowd of new students and some lingering families. The restaurant was a one story brick building with a welcoming vibe. He’d eaten there once before and the food was pretty good. They offered a variety of dishes, from foreign to Southern.
“Hey, look who it is!” Tawson’s attention switched from what Daniel said about connecting with the students to see who he was now recognizing. Two guys turned around just as one reached for the door. Both guys were about the same height but had vastly different features. Dark hair versus dirty blonde, a round face for one, more angular for the other. He was wearing tennis shoes with jeans and a blue tee. His hair was sticking in different directions. “How’s moving day?”
“Mister Cadman,” the guy said. It clicked in Tawson’s brain that this was Victor. His eyes were that same deep blue he remembered from their brief interaction a week ago. “Mister… Guy that was sitting on my porch. I’m sorry, I’m totally blanking on your name.”
“Lancaster. Tawson Lancaster.”
“That’s right. Sorry. It’s nice to see you again.” The other guy with Victor held the door open for all of them. Victor stepped through and continued talking. “How are you liking living on the ranch?”
“I was just telling Daniel- Professor Cadman- that it’s nice. Relaxing.”
“You should have been here earlier in the year,” Victor said. “We had some shi- stuff happen.” Victor’s cheeks tinged pink at the almost slip of cursing in front of two professors. Tawson honestly found it kind of cute, but he didn’t say anything and Victor continued speaking while they all waited at the host stand. “It was a mess and on top of that we had some big storms roll in. Living on a ranch is great until everything goes wrong.”
“I heard about what happened with the fence and that calf,” Daniel said. “It was a shame to hear, but I’m glad that everything worked out for your family to build that new shelter.”
“Worked out is code word for my sister’s girlfriend is loaded.” The other guy smacked Victor’s shoulder with the back of his hand when he laughed at his own joke.
“Dude, that’s rude. Zaya is actually really cool.”
“And really not into you,” Victor replied. “It’s weird you had a crush on her.”
“She’s a red head. That’s the only argument needed. Youknow my love for Reba.”
“She’s nice,” Tawson added once their bickering was done. “I’ve met her a couple times.”
“Hi, welcome in!” A young hostess stopped their conversation short and glanced between the four of them. “Are we all dining together?”
“Oh no, two tables please.” The other guy, Victor’s friend since Tawson didn’t actually get his name, said. “No offense Professor D, but I have a reputation to uphold.”
Daniel rolled his eyes. He really did have a laid back relationship with most of his students. Tawson was jealous of that. He could feel that doubt start to creep back up that he was way in over his head taking over for Cadman.
“I wouldn’t want to be seen with you either,” Daniel said. “In fact, Victor, you can join us if you’d like.”
“Ouch.” The guy said. Victor laughed. It was a full one too and Tawson could tell he didn’t mean for it to come out so loud because he immediately shrank back and coughed.
“I’m okay. Thanks for the offer, though. I’ll see you around, both of you, I’m sure.” The hostess turned to lead them to a table. “I’ll probably see you at dinner at some point.”
“Dude, that totally sounded like you were flirting with him.” Tawson could hear the friend saying as they walked away. Another hostess came up and greeted them and grabbed their menus.
