With the vase cradled in her left arm, the bottle of wine in her right, Audrey crossed the street and walked up to the front door. Stuart’s home had a stone facade with burgundy shutters and lots of light shining out from the interior of the house. She could hear muted music and the buzz of conversation from within. No question that this was the place.
She knocked, then listened as footsteps approached the door. It swung open to reveal a smiling silver-haired woman.
“Are you Audrey?” the woman asked.
“I am,” she responded, with a smile of her own. “How did you know?”
The woman laughed, motioning for Audrey to come inside. “I’m Linda, Stuart’s wife, and I took a lucky guess since I haven’t met you yet. You’re the only new face we’re expecting tonight.”
Audrey stepped through the doorway into a tastefully decorated entrance hall, holding out her vase and the wine. “I’m so glad to meet you, Linda. Thanks for having me.”
“It’s absolutely my pleasure. We love hosting the department at our home, and oh my, what a beautiful vase.”
This one was done in shades of blue, a neutral color since she had no idea what the decor in the Hollingers’ house was like. “I’m a potter. If you tell me your favorite colors, I can make you something to match.”
“Oh, how I love having artists at the house, but I would have told you I love blue, so this is perfect. Come, let’s get you a drink.” She led Audrey into a chef’s kitchen with double ovens and a large quartz center island, currently displaying a variety of drinks and finger foods. “Would you like some of this wine?” She held up the bottle Audrey had brought. “We’ve also got everything you see here on the counter. There are two versions of the punch, with and without alcohol.”
“The punch is damn good too,” a voice said behind her, and Audrey turned to see a man she vaguely recognized as Pablo Becerra, one of the other younger professors in the department.
“I’ll try it,” she told Linda. “With alcohol.” Then she turned toward Dr. Becerra, extending a hand. “I don’t think we’ve officially met yet. I’m Audrey Lind.”
“We haven’t, but I’ve seen you around. Welcome to the department, Audrey. I’m Pablo.” He gave her a firm handshake. “How are you settling in?”
She smiled, thanking Linda as she handed Audrey a cup of ruby-red punch. “Right now, I’m just soaking it all in and loving every moment.”
He chuckled. “Nothing wrong with that. I’m glad you’re enjoying things so far. Let me know if you ever have questions I can help with.”
“I will. Thank you. I’ve seen some of your paintings, and I’m a fan. Do you sell them locally?”
Pablo shook his head. “I don’t paint much anymore, to be honest. Teaching takes up all my professional time. I appreciate that, though. I used to exhibit locally, but these days, I mostly demonstrate techniques to my students.”
“I hear you. I imagine it’s going to be harder for me to find time for my art now too.” Although Audrey couldn’t imagine ever giving up her time at the pottery wheel entirely. It was integral to who she was as a person.
She and Pablo spoke for a few more minutes before he left to find his wife. Audrey had a lively conversation with Linda while she polished off her first cup of punch, making a mental note to alternate with cups of the nonalcoholic version because it was strong, and getting drunk at a work event was never a good idea.
“Well, if it isn’t my newest professor,” Stuart said as he came into the kitchen. “Welcome, Audrey. I hope you’re enjoying yourself so far. I see you’ve already met my wife.”
“We’re old friends at this point,” Linda said with a laugh.
“Linda’s great,” Audrey agreed. “I’m having a great time. You have a lovely home and clearly know how to throw a party.”
Audrey talked to Stuart for a few minutes before he excused himself to greet Thomas Rivard and his wife. As she was refilling her cup with nonalcoholic punch, Audrey bumped into Mercy and Colin. They circulated the party together for a while, until Audrey felt like she must have talked to everyone in attendance, which had been one of her goals for the evening.
She was here to make connections, which was all part of her larger goal to make herself invaluable to this department. Because the more time she spent here, the more she knew this was where she wanted to stay. Her classes were fantastic. She loved her students. She lovedVermont. She loved teaching at the university where she’d once been a student.
It was all a dream come true.
There was one professor she hadn’t seen yet tonight, though, one she had really hoped to see. Where was Michelle? After her apology last night, Audrey felt like they’d taken their first real step toward being friendly with each other, which had been both unexpected and amazing.
Audrey had only seen her in passing on campus today, so she’d hoped tonight would be a chance for them to pick up where they’d left off after the Sustainability Committee meeting. Audrey’s friendship offensive was still in full effect, and she was looking forward to calling Michelle by her first name tonight.
“Is Michelle here?” she asked Mercy, who raised her eyebrows at the question.
“I saw her in the garden earlier, I think.”
“Oh, I haven’t seen the garden yet.” Audrey turned to look out the window. There was a small green yard behind the house, with a large patio area to the left, where a group of people was clustered around a metal firepit. Beyond that, she glimpsed rosebushes and an ivy-covered trellis, lit with twinkling white lights.
“You should go have a look,” Mercy said. “I’ll walk with you. I could use some fresh air.” Colin was in the kitchen talking about food with Linda and one of the other wives.
