Chapter 29
Mia
Tying Up Loose Ends
The next morning, I hover at the doorway, then peek inside to make sure my impromptu visit isn’t interrupting a meeting. Great! She’s alone!
Knock! Knock!
Dean Smith shifts her eyes towards the doorway, squinting over her glasses. “Mia? Do we have a meeting?”
I step inside the dean’s office, “We don’t, but I’d like a minute of your time.”
“Just a minute, I’m quite busy,” she replies.
I’m not surprised by her frosty tone and curt reply since she knows I haven’t filled out the internship form yet. The dean doesn’t motion towards the chair in front of her desk, so I remain standing.
“I want to let you know that I won’t be applying for the Baskins, Thompson, and White internship.”
Her lips tip into a frown. “Oh? Do you know that only a select few students get offered that internship?” she asks in a scolding tone.
I make direct eye contact. “I know. May I be honest?”
She nods.
“Working on that community outreach project made me realize something. I thought I wanted to land a position at an elite law firm, but I don’t. I want to work for a firm that represents common, everyday people. I have you to thank for opening my eyes.”
A surprised expression flits across her face. “I see. And how does your co-lead from the gala project factor into this decision to not apply for the internship?” she asks in a shrewd tone.
I laugh. “He’s another reason why I didn’t apply. I’ve fallen in love with him and now I can’t see myself anywhere else but being at Otto’s side.”
The dean grins. “Sounds like the project was beneficial on several levels.”
A smile fills my face. “I guess I need to thank you for that as well.”
Her expression turns serious. “Mia, I had the same decision a long time ago, and I chose my career over a relationship. I have regretted that decision ever since.”
My eyes widen at her honesty, then I turn on my heel to leave.
“Thank you for stopping by and letting me know about your decision in person. Most students would have just sent an email.”
I glance back over my shoulder. “I felt that I owed you an explanation since you were so kind to advocate on my behalf for that internship.” A smile breaks through Dean Smith’s stormy expression. “By the way, you and Dean Hutchinson make a cute couple. Maybe it isn’t too late for a relationship.”
I hear her laughter as I exit the office with a spring in my step and happiness in my heart.
~*~
When I get back home after class and a long day at the bakery, I check my email Inbox. Now that the fundraiser is over, my email volume has gone down dramatically, but there’s an email waiting for me that makes my heart flutter. Like a teenager, I giggle and start reading it.
Subject: Bowling and Buffet
Dear Ms. Robinson,
Would you be available on Friday evening for a romantic evening of bowling, followed by a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet? I may also need to connect my lips with yours, please wear red lipstick.
Looking for Chapstick and my bowling ball,
Otto
P.S. Pete has given birth. We now have twelve goldfish in the tank.
Grinning, I immediately shoot back a reply accepting Mr. Stagmeier’s lovely invitation, then go to bed dreaming of my date with Mr. Hockey Stick.