Jeremiah continues talking. My mind has drifted elsewhere while he rambles on and this feeling isn’t new. The only words I’ve managed to comprehend are “successful business” and “inspiration.”
“…My personal favorite feature of his was last March’sThe Business Codeissue where he goes in depth on how the impact of internet shopping has affected every medium in business.”
I almost roll my eyes.
No shit, internet shopping has changed every element of business. Anybody over the age of fourteen could tell you that.
Dad could count to ten with his eyes closed and these people would praise him for it.
Before Jeremiah can continue with his compliments of my father, a deep umber hand pats his shoulder. “Jeremiah, please. Let’s not talk everyone’s ear off less than an hour into the mixer.”
The woman smiles, her skin creasing slightly. She’s older than us, I’m sure, but her facial lines describe sophistication and elegance, rather than age. She holds herself upright, too, spine just as straight as mine—if not more.
When I look at her, it’s not the feeling of someone trying their hardest to impress. It’s someone that embodies professionalism and poise. She is what my father wishes he and I could be.
“Dr. Adebayo!” Rosalie’s voice returns. She pops up, keeps the popcorn cup behind her back, and smiles. “It’s so great to see you!”
“And you, as always, Rosie.”
I’m grateful for this woman. Because of her, Jeremiah stops rambling about my father, and Rosalie’s energy returns.
My roommate’s hand lingers on my bicep for what feels like hours. “This is Locke. Locke, this is Dr. Adebayo. She’s the head of the engineering department.”
I give her a small smile. I know of her by name, just from reading about the department online, but never seeing what she looks like. There’s a high likelihood she knows me by name, if she’s been made aware my father’s connections to Brookstone and the program.
She chooses not to mention it. Just offers me an identical, courteous smile.
“Very nice to meet you, Locke. I see you’ve met Jeremiah as well.” The same hand pats his shoulder again. His posture is more disciplined. He doesn’t lean towards me enthusiastically or stare down at Rosie.
“Locke and I were just getting acquainted.”
I fidget with my glasses. By that he means, he barely scratched the surface of what he wants to say about my father and was going to suggest we hang out later. At Dad’s office. That’s always where people choose.
Dr. Adebayo lets out a small, seemingly knowing laugh. “I’m sure. However, I wanted to introduce to a colleague of mine.” She points over to where a gathering of pale men in suits are nodding too often to be truly productive or attentive. I’m sure they’re talking about business ventures or software solutions none of them are actually passionate about.
I side glance Rosie for a second to gauge her reaction. I know exactly what “colleague of mine” implies, and from how her glossy lips press together, she does, too.
Jeremiah’s eyebrows raise. “Of course! I would be more than happy to go speak with him!”
He and Dr. Adebayo provide brief goodbyes before she nods silently and walks towards the back of the room.
Before Jeremiah follows, though, he throws Rosie a look of triumph. “I’m sure we’ll have an amazing time discussing the internship. At least Adebayo is good for one thing.”
Rosalie grunts, and the girl I’m familiar with returns. “Dr. Adebayo has more talent in her left earlobe than you have in your entire body. Show her some respect before you go over there and mingle with her friend.”
I see the light in his eyes die. I stifle a chuckle.
Rosie’s arms come from behind her back, crossing in front of her chest, the cup of popcorn dangling from her hand.
“At least I’m mingling. You can stay over here and watch from afar, princess.”
He spits the words out quickly. If he thinks speed will make them sound menacing over the shaky sound of his tone, he’s mistaken.
Rosalie doesn’t reply vocally. She just sneers, rolls her eyes, and nods towards Dr. Adebayo standing on the other side of the room.
A weight lifts from my chest when Jeremiah stomps off. The anxiety of prying eyes is still lingering, but when it’s just us, I’m better at regulating myself.
“I hate that asshole.” She grumbles under her breath. I raise an eyebrow. I wasn’t necessarily a fan of his either, and there’s more to their history than a ten-minute conversation can give away. Lots more, by the way she’s rolling her eyes. “He is so annoying. I’m so sorry he came over here and tried to talk your ear off.”
