hearing other people coughing, sniffling, or even pages turning from other books besides mine. There are too many distractions in one small area. I prefer either complete silence or being outside where nature surrounds me.”
His cackle seemed like my comment amused him. “What if I told you I had a perfect place for you to be able to focus? Would you be interested?”
I shrugged, scanning our perimeter like other options would suddenly emerge out of thin air. “Sure.”
He motioned for me to come with him by shifting his shoulder in another direction. “Follow me.” While I attempted to stand, he reached out his hand to offer me assistance. I didn’t think anything of it. I mean, we were in public, and he was only offering a kind gesture.
The old brick faculty building was off-limits to students on weekends. Even when it was open, you’d need a key or code to get inside any of the offices. I followed behind Professor Willis until we came to the door with his name on it. He punched in a few numbers and the sound of a latch was all I heard before he pushed it ajar. He turned right, extended his reach and switched on the lights. At the far end of the rectangular shaped room was a large desk with a sofa table behind it. Above on the wall were several credentials including his degrees. The entire left part of the room were floor to ceiling bookcases, and on the right was a long leather sofa. It had a dark colored throw and a few toss pillows arranged in an orderly fashion atop. I took a few steps in the room before asking, “Are we stopping by here first?”
He sat his water down on his mahogany desk and leaned on it, crossing his arms as he replied. “No. This is where you’re going to study. You said you were interested in helping me, so why not take advantage of the quiet atmosphere? Even when I’m in my office, I won’t be a distraction. You can take the couch. The side table lifts to hold a laptop, and feel free to help yourself to the mini-fridge I keep in the closet. Don’t get too excited, it usually has a few bottles of water, and sometimes on rare occasions, leftovers from takeout. My wife is into shakes, so I have to sneak real food whenever I get the chance.”
I snickered, imagining him sucking down a green breakfast beverage and gagging. “I don’t blame you. I’m a country girl who likes her red meat. If I couldn’t have a steak once a week there would be a big problem on campus.”
He must have liked what I said, because he broke into a laughing fit, finally stopping to motion for me to sit. “Make yourself at home, Miss Healy. I have a few papers to grade and then I’ll be out of you hair.”
“You’re leaving me here? Is that allowed?”
“As long as you have an authorized pass, you can come and go as you please.” He reached in his desk drawer and pulled out a laminated card on a lanyard. “You have to keep this on you at all times for security purposes. I’ll add you to the list under my account. If anyone gives you problems you tell them you’re assisting me. The dean and I go way back, so you shouldn’t run into any snags.”
“I appreciate this,” I said while watching him bring the item to me. I placed it around my neck and glanced down at it.
“I’ll have one printed with your name on it. It will take a couple of weeks. The administration isn’t very quick about requests.”
“I won’t take advantage of your generosity. When we go to retake the test, I’ll be ready.”
“I’m not concerned regarding your ability to ace my exam. You’re one of the smartest students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching.”
I was flattered by his assumption, though I didn’t feel like I deserved the praise. My cheeks began to flush so I looked away, unable to admit he’d gotten to me. “Thank you. I’ve worked extremely hard to get this far.”
“Ditto.” When I turned to search his face for an expression I found amusement. “Sometimes the things we want in life aren’t at all what we first assumed.”
His cryptic comment left me wondering what he meant, though I kept my curiosity at bay. “I better get back to my studies. I’m sure you don’t want to spend your