Chapter 23
23
Bryce - 19 years old
I plant my feet on the floor and make my way to the bathroom. Today is a busy day for me. The visiting students from RadTech are meeting up for brunch, after that we’ve got the international trade workshop on campus, and then I have to meet Professor Schulz in his office. For some reason he wants to meet with me; I hope I haven’t fucked up.
I close my eyes the moment the shower head starts spraying hot water on me, and my mind examines my relationship with Haruki. No matter how you slice it, once the novelty wears off, being in a situation like ours sucks. I wish I had a time machine so we could move along faster to Christmas. Haruki is going to be flying into Radinger and meeting my dad properly as my serious “girlfriend” for the first time. Lily also wants to tag along, but other than the dinner I promised both of them, I’m going to rent us a place to stay and keep her to myself for the week that she’s going to be in the US.
We need some quality time, and we need it fast. Aside from my studies, which I actually enjoy, I have no desire to do anything anymore. All I do is wait for my phone to vibrate, hoping it’s Haruki texting or calling me. I’m like an addict who’s itching for his next fix.
As if on cue, the iPhone that’s sitting on the edge of the bathroom sink lights up. I feel my heart sinking when I see that it’s just a picture I’m tagged in. @callmebrycesimmons missing you buddy, the caption says. In the photo, Cameron and Logan are hanging out at Logan’s apartment that’s way too swanky for a college kid. Logan has his hand wrapped around Penelope’s waist—his new girlfriend.
Ever since I introduced them at a party, Logan and Cameron have been getting close. Now that I’m gone, the two of them seem to be hanging out nonstop. I guess Cameron found his new in to the rich kids of RadTech. Logan is more loaded than me, and way more connected. He didn’t go to Elsham Cove High, he was way too bougie for that. The more he hangs out with Cameron, the cooler he looks. Mutualistic symbiosis, I guess. Good for them.
Haruki
Tell me once you’re heading back home. I’ll stay awake and wait up for you.
Sure thing. Three hours tops. Love you.
Haruki
Love you, too.
As I put my phone in my jeans pocket, I hear someone call out my name.
“Professor Schulz,” I greet the middle-aged man standing in front of me. He motions for me to go inside his office, and I do, hearing the door close behind me.
“Take a seat, Mr. Simmons, please,” he says. “How are you enjoying Berlin and the university so far?”
I put my backpack on the wooden chair to my left and lean back on my seat. Professor Schulz makes himself comfortable sitting on his swivel chair on the other side of his desk. “It has been amazing. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I always enjoyed your lectures when you were a guest professor at RadTech, and I’m enjoying your lectures and workshops here.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Simmons. You are a great student and you provide very good insights. You’re always eager to learn and I appreciate that quality.” I feel a smile forming on my face, and it’s a genuine one. Unlike other lecturers, this guy actually makes his classes interactive. “Tell me, what are your plans after your bachelor’s program is finished at the Radinger Institute of Technology?”
A nervous laugh bursts out of me. Haruki and I decided to put a pin on future planning until she’s done with her bachelor’s degree. I know my dad expects me to get an MBA before joining his company. But what do I actually want?
“I’m not sure yet. My freshman year is just wrapping up, sir. So I still have three more years to figure it out.”
“One of the research staff at RadTech told me that your father is Arthur Simmons. The Simmons in Ryker and Simmons Capital Group. The company focused on media investment banking. Is that correct?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. Everything that I do in this life is to distance myself from being labeled as my father’s spoiled child. For some reason, this professor’s opinion matters to me. I don’t want him to put me in a damn box. “That’s correct,” I answer, my voice coming out harsher than I intend it to.
“Hmm.” He puts his arms across his chest and leans back on his chair, his eyes studying me from behind the thick glasses sliding down his nose. “You don’t intend on continuing his legacy?”
“Not really,” I say as my hand rests on the back of my neck. “He wants me to, but I’m not interested in what he does.”
“And what is it that you’re interested in, Mr. Simmons? I know a lot of young people who would kill to have a guaranteed spot working for a company such as Ryker and Simmons.”
“I really liked your lecture on entrepreneurship, Professor Schulz. Less bureaucratic, more nitty-gritty.” He tilts his chin upward and I get the feeling that he’s not satisfied with my answer, so I continue, “Don’t get me wrong.” I shake my head. “I think the landscape is fascinating with how the market is evolving, and I’m definitely interested in the entertainment sector within the media industry. But I’m not interested in looking at everything from an investment banker’s point of view. Like I said, I like the dirty work on the other side.”
A smile breaks out on his face. “I’m starting a new master’s program here at the university. It’s still in its early stages, but it should be up and running by the time you graduate from Radinger. You’re smart, Mr. Simmons. If you do end up not following in your father’s footsteps, you are very welcome to apply for our entrepreneurship program. I think it might be right up your alley.” I match his smile with one of my own. “In the meantime, I would like to introduce you to one of my PhD students, if you are willing. His name is Jakob Ackermann.”
“And why is that, if I may ask?”
“He’s trying to start his own company in the interactive home entertainment sector. E-sports and whatnot. He’s got the nitty- gritty part down, but he needs some insights when it comes to securing funding and the politics surrounding it. I have a feeling you two might be able to learn from one another.”
After shaking my professor’s hand and closing the door behind me, I shoot Haruki a text.
What about Berlin?