The waitress sets down my whiskey, sliding the glass over the wood surface of the table, creating the only noise, making the moment awkward as hell. I quickly take a sip, ignoring the silence and I hate that everyone knows what happened a month ago.
It’s been a fucking month. Get over it.
One-date Dane is losing his fucking touch over a four-nightstint with two people I should have never fucking started anything with.
I round my palm over my collarbone, right at the base of my neck and stretch from side to side. The tattoo still feels tight and the sensation is a blinding reminder of the permanent ink I put there from Ethan’s mark on me.
He branded me, or I branded him on me, I suppose. It’s my own fault. All of it is.
“Are you ready for class,ProfessorCampbell?” Mimi asks and I’m thankful yet again for the question that pulls me out of my thoughts.
“I am, actually. I’m really excited. It’s a big change, something totally different. I just hope I don’t fuck up these kids for life.”
Hudson chuckles and adds, “You’re going to be the best thing to ever happen to them. You bring something new and fresh and I’ll put money on the fact that these kids look forward to your class. College is boring. Dull professors, redundant lessons. What you’ll bring will be an energy they aren’t expecting. I can’t wait to see how your semester turns out.”
“Thanks Hud.” I clink my glass against his.
And I hope he’s right, because I need something to look forward to, and something to take my mind off everything else.
28
DANE
“Professor Dane Campbell here to see the Dean,” I say to the distinguished lady at the front desk. She peers up at me, removing her bifocals and she stands with a smile.
“Professor Campbell, I’m so pleased to meet you. I’m Miranda, the Dean’s personal assistant. He mentioned you were coming and to bring you back the moment you arrived. Follow me,” she says as she waves her hand toward the hallway.
The University is as I expected it to be, a modern campus, part of it newly constructed and the older buildings completely remodeled. The Dean’s office was part of the historic building that was built on campus so it remained intact with just a few upgrades. Dark Oak lines the floors and walls with glass panels and prestigious awards displayed throughout.
Polytech University isn’t known for its sports teams or athletics, but has a plethora of academic awards including all the most modern awards for any school of innovation with a strong focus on robotics and engineering.
Hence, why I’m here.
My code was the first AI code to ever integrate into standard systems, creating a brand new way for computers to think andact. Add in my ridiculously high IQ and extroverted personality, I’m a bit of a unicorn in the engineering world.
It’s also why the Dean is paying me triple the salary of most of his teachers. He felt like my name alone would bring in students to apply for the MBA course.
And he was right.
They had a record number of applicants and have a waitlist for next semester. I just never promised him more than a year because I’m not sure I could stay still that long.
“Here we are,” She gestures through the doorway as she holds it open and I smile thanking her as I walk through it.
“Please let me know if there is anything you need, Professor Campbell. We’d like you to consider more than just one year here at our University and want you to feel at home.”
“Of course, thank you Miranda.” I nod and continue walking into the Dean's office.
“Ah, there he is!”
“Dean Reynolds,” I reply, holding out my hand as I take a step toward him.
“Oh, enough with that. You’ve always called me Tom.” He reaches for my hand, gripping it firmly, pulling me in for a small hug.
I’ve known Tom from before he was the Dean of Polytech, when he ran CodeCanvas, one of the companies that purchased my program. We worked together to integrate it into their systems and got along well. I wouldn’t say we’re friends, per se, but we definitely go way back and I trust working for him.
After he took over as Dean he mentioned in mixed conversation how exciting it would be if I came to teach. How the students would flock to the school for someone like me. It was just a quick mention in passing over drinks with mixed company, but everyone agreed with him that it would bring in more interest from the students.
I still don’t understand my fame. I never have. I guess I’ve never cared much. People seem to love the idea of meeting me, maybe because I was so young when I created the code that ‘changed the world’ or how much money I got for it. I’m not sure, but even with my extroverted personality I’ve hated that kind of attention. Mix that with the shame of what it’s grown into, some days I have more regret than pride.
