And then there was the book. Publishing it would be a dream come true, but she also knew she didn’t have enough time to devote to a writing career, not while the university was sucking up so many hours of her day. Academia had become stifling. There were so many rules, so many restrictions as to what she was allowed to teach and how she taught it.
This book was fulfilling her creatively in a way she hadn’t even realized she was lacking. But now that she remembered how it felt to be passionate about something, well ... she couldn’t continue sticking her head in the sand while she lived a life devoid of that kind of joy.
Which meant . . .
Michelle swallowed more whisky, letting it blur her inhibitions until she’d worked up the courage to consult the faculty contact list on the department server. As she’d hoped, Audrey had listed both her office phone and her mobile number on the sheet.
Before she could lose her nerve, Michelle typed Audrey’s number into her mobile, stored her as a contact, and composed a text message.It’s Michelle. Could I have your personal email address? I’d like to send you some new pages, if you’re interested in reading them.
Audrey responded almost immediately.I wouldLoveto read them. [email protected]
Before Michelle could respond, another message came in.
By the way, I can’t believe we hadn’t exchanged cell #s until now!
Thank you,Michelle responded.I took your advice on a new direction for the book, and I’d very much like your opinion before I go any further.
So Excited, Audrey typed back.Already refreshing my email!
Michelle covered her mouth with her free hand, as if anyone were here to see the giddy smile on her face. After another fortifying swallowof whisky, she composed an email on her laptop and attached the first three chapters of the book she was now callingA Light in the Storm. She hit “Send” before polishing off her drink.
On the cushion beside her, her phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Got it, from Audrey, followed by a string of enthusiastic emojis.
Thank you, Michelle sent back, then put down her phone and went inside for a shower, determined not to spend any more time tonight thinking about Audrey or her reaction as she read Michelle’s new chapters.
“Who are you texting with that goofy grin on your face? Have you met someone in Vermont already?”
Audrey looked up to find her brother watching her with a knowing smile. “No. It’s just ... it’s Michelle.”
Erik’s eyebrows went up. “Michelle, as in the infamous Dr. Thompson, who I had to listen to you moon over basically the whole time you were here as an undergrad?”
She picked up her beer, almost wishing she’d lied about who the text was from, except she and Erik told each other everything. But her feelings about her burgeoning friendship with Michelle were a little bit delicate, probably because her feelings went a lot further than friendship. “Yes, that Michelle. We’re sort of friends now. I told you that.”
“And what is she texting her new BFF about on a Saturday night that’s got you looking so giddy?”
“She sent some pages for me to read. She’s writing a book.” Audrey heard the pride in her voice, but shewasproud of Michelle, dammit. She had real talent, and it was unbelievably exciting to watch her rediscover her passion for female artists through this project.
“Well, that’s more boring than I expected.” Erik swatted at a mosquito that had landed on his arm. They were sitting on Audrey’s back patio together, trying to enjoy what remained of the sunset, but itwas annoyingly buggy out here tonight. Since this was his weekend off from the hospital, he’d come up for a quick visit.
Audrey shrugged. “Not to us history nerds.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad you’ve found your people. Still, you had a certainlookwhile you were texting with her. Are you crushing on her again?”
“Maybe a little,” she admitted, knowing he’d see right through her if she denied it. “But it’s fine. She’s completely professional, and I’ll get over it. Right now, I’m just really happy that we’re becoming friends.”
“I know how much you admired her, so I get that it must be cool to be friends with her now, just ... be careful. She’s got to be older, right? And getting involved with a coworker while you’re still fighting for a permanent position doesn’t sound like a smart move.”
“It’s not, and I don’t plan on getting involved with her, even if she was interested, which she’s not,” Audrey said. “Career comes first for me. You know that. I don’t have room in my life for a serious relationship withanyoneuntil I’ve secured a permanent job.”
“Oh, I bet you could make time if you met the right person. Isn’t that what they always say? We find love when we least expect it.”
“Wouldn’t know. Never been in love.” She’d dated a lot in her early twenties, but she always kept things casual, so her relationships usually fizzled within a few months. Most of the people she dated were part of her academic circles, and for the most part, they’d all been as focused on their careers as she was. No one was looking to settle down before they knew where they’d end up living, once they’d finally landed that elusive tenure-track position.
“I thought I was in love a few times, but ... I don’t know,” Erik said. “Looking back, I don’t miss any of those women as much as I probably should if it had really been love, right?”
“You seemed genuinely in love with Mayumi. I mean, you weredevastatedwhen she broke up with you,” Audrey reminded him.
