“It’s Alis Gilmore.” I’m sitting straight and looking directly at Abigail, trying to convey confidence. I expect to see a shocked expression on Abigail’s face, but all I see is relief. Relief?
She lets out a breath. “Oh thank God. I thought you were about to say Savannah Martin and then I was going to have to ask what the hell is wrong with you.”
That catches me by surprise. “Savannah Martin? Where did that come from?!”
“Oh, please, Dexter.” Abigail waves her hand as if to say,seriously? “You think everyone hasn’t noticed her flirtatious behavior toward you since you arrived? I’ve never seen a woman touch a man who is not her significant other more than she touches you. She’s a smart girl, an incredible political science professor, but she’s not subtle about wanting you. That woman couldn’t play coy if her life depended on it.”
I laugh, “She is definitely forward.”
“I respect that,” Abigail says. “But I also think a woman should know when to accept defeat. Here I was thinking you had finally caved to her advances. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“That will never happen,” I affirm. “The only woman I’m interested in pursuing is Alis.”
Abigail smiles, “Alis. She’s such a lovely young woman. You two would be beautiful together. I assume the interest is reciprocated?”
“I believe so, yes,” I nod. “But she’s adamant about not crossing the professor/student line. I’ve explained to her that it won’t be an issue because she isn’t my student, nor is she my employee. Sure, she grades for me, but that’s it. She doesn’t report to me, nor will she ever, so this isn’t a problem. Also, she’s thirty. I’m thirty-six. Sheacts like our relationship would be something taboo, and her fear is misplaced.”
Abigail nods in agreement, then says, “I’m sure she has other reasons for being hesitant to get involved with anyone, not just you.”
“You mean Sunny?” I ask. Now Abigail dons the surprised face I expected when I first mentioned Alis’s name.
“You know about her daughter?” she asks.
“Yes, I’ve actually met her. She’s hilarious!” I say, thinking back to the day at her apartment.
Abigail’s eyes grow even wider. “You’ve met her? Well, that was unexpected. She rarely ever talks about her daughter. Am I assuming correctly that you know the history there?”
“I do,” I nod. “She’s been through a lot, and I respect the hell out of her for coming back to finish school almost a decade later. She’s inspiring. Makes me want to be with her even more, if I’m honest.”
Abigail places an elbow on her desk and leans forward, chin resting on her hand. “You’re serious about her? This isn’t casual?” she asks.
A smile spreads across my face. “Very serious. I’ve been captivated by her since the moment I met her, and that hasn’t happened with anyone else. I wouldn’t play games with a single mother. I want to be with her.”
“Have you told her this?”
“Not in so many words. Whenever I’ve tried to broach the subject of us as more than friends or colleagues, she shuts me down before the conversation even begins.”
“And you’re sure she wants this?”
“I think so. I really do. I wouldn’t be here talking to you if I didn’t. I truly believe that the professor/student status is her only hangup, and it’s as if she refuses to hear me when I say it won’t be an issue. I honestly don’t know if I’m ruining my chances by talking to you about her, but nothing else has worked so this is my Hail Mary, if you will.”
Abigail smirks and sits back in her chair. “Could go either way. But I commend your effort, nonetheless.”
“Thanks?” I laugh. We’re silent for a moment, and then Dr. Matthews says, “Well?”
“Well, what?” I ask.
“Are you going to finalize the syllabus so we can get this ball rolling or are you going to sit on your ass and talk to me about your feelings all day?” I know she’s poking fun at me, but she’s also completely serious.
“Sorry, Abigail,” I say as I wipe my hands down my thighs and retrieve my bag from beside the chair before standing. “I’ll get right on that and have it to you by lunch.”
I turn to leave when Abigail says, “And Dexter?”
I look back at her, waiting to hear whatever pearls of wisdom she has for me.
“Good luck with Alis. She’s a great girl, and you both deserve to be happy.” The warm expression on her face is more than encouragement from my boss. She truly does care.
“I appreciate it,” I say. Then head to my own office to polish off this syllabus.
