It was also where I created the Engineering Lobby.
I checked my phone a couple of times, only looking for the names I’d answer to. The list was very small.
I texted Professor Hahn, letting her know I’d be in the commons.
She replied with a triple thumbs-up.
Within minutes, she was at my side. “How’s my favorite noncommunicative ex-student doing?”
“I communicate just fine,” I replied.
“Sure, you do.” Her eyes shined the same way they did when shehad first invited me to the meeting where she offered me the scholarship to UCLA. “Coffee?”
I gestured at the small stall in the corner, Coffee and Things. It wasn’t the best coffee, but it was the cheapest. I had a lifetime of gratitude toward it as the only stall open twenty-four seven.
“What is this opportunity you want to tell me about?” I asked while waiting on our order.
Professor Hahn sighed, but there was a smile on her lips. “Straight to the point, huh?”
I pressed my lips together in what I hoped was a smile. Professor Hahn, while one of my favorite people in academia, was chatty and easily distracted.
The old man handed me the cups of coffee. “It’s been a long time since I saw you.”
Surely he couldn’t recognize me from all those years ago, could he?
I paid and tipped him generously before following Professor Hahn to a small two-seater table. She sat down, and the wide grin on her face meant she was about to explode with whatever news she had: An upcoming conference. A research grant. A new idea she wants my input on.
“It’s a job opportunity!” she announced.
Well, I didn’t see that coming.
“Uh… I have a job,” I managed, but gooseflesh prickled across my skin.
“I know you do, but you’re wasted in the industry!” she almost yelled. “And your heart has always been in research. Lincoln, you single-handedly changed the guidelines on traffic calming.”
A muscle fluttered in my abdomen. I shifted on my seat.
“I know you love design, and working here wouldn’t stop you from freelancing as a technical advisor or engineer. But it’ll allowyou to pick and choose which projects you want to be involved in, leaving more time for research and conferences. More young engineers will get a chance to be inspired by your mind.”
The flutter only grew stronger as I churned the idea over in my head.
“Wait”—I set my cup on the counter—“workinghere?”
“The dean, Professor Eldridge, let me know that SDSU is looking for a transport lecturer. He tried poaching me first, but I’m quite happy where I am, so I recommended you. He was more than open to it.” She raised her hands in surrender. “I know I’m coming on too strong, so that’s all I’ll say.”
SDSU. I could work at SDSU.
I glanced around the commons, where students shuffled in and out. Some of them chatted excitedly; others looked on the brink of collapse. A couple in the corner neglected their food to stare at each other instead.
I was transported back to my younger years. Late nights and early mornings. Ride-sharing with Claire. Spending far too much time moderating the Engineering Lobby. This university had given me so much.
I gulped down the last of my coffee. “I’ll have to think about this. I don’t know if lecturing is the best position for someone quite as noncommunicative as I am.”
“When it comes to engineering concepts, you’re brilliant at it.” Professor Hahn grinned and finished her coffee. “And if you want it, I’m sure it’s yours. The dean’s been a huge fan of your research.”
We both opted for another coffee, entertaining the possibility of me working here, of furthering my research, of helping her with hers. We’d have spoken through the night if my phone hadn’t buzzed.
Barry Anders (Simucon):You need to come to the officeright now.
