Chapter Twenty-Eight
Alexandre set aside the presentation he was revising for his genetics class and texted Mei.
How was meeting your new boss?
He didn’t have high hopes for Erika, considering Mei’s loathsome former manager, James, had handpicked her. Mei’s reply came a moment later.
Not what I expected. She gets how much I do for Livin and even hinted she could give me a raise, so it’s tempting to stick it out more. But she won’t change our goals, so I’ll still be cranking out content for god knows how long.
Alexandre scrunched up his face. He knew all about false hope. Back in Oregon, he dug in whenever anything remotely positive happened, like publishing an article in a third-rate journal, or getting new filters for the zebrafish tanks.
His phone buzzed with another text from Mei.
Ugh, remind me again why I need to leave!!!
Alexandre typed his reply.
Even though Erika seems okay, James still leads marketing and that whacko, Julian, is still running the place. Nothing’s going to change.
Mei wrote back a minute later.
Thank you!! I needed that. This is why we have our pact. Have I mentioned how excited I am to see you?
Alexandre smiled at Mei’s reference to their weekend plans. Not that he hadn’t been thinking about them. He’d suggested meeting in the city, but Mei had insisted on coming to the Hudson Valley. I’m less likely to work if I’m not at home, she’d said. Alexandre wasn’t going to argue with that.
He checked the clock. Time to meet with his own boss.
Dr. Johnson greeted him from behind her oversized wooden desk. “Welcome back, Alexandre. Did you have fun in Hawai‘i?”
“I did.”
“You look like it. You have that vacation glow.”
Vacation glow or love glow? Alexandre flushed as his thoughts strayed to Mei. He cleared his throat. “You mentioned you wanted to go over my evaluations. Is there anything in particular we need to discuss?”
“Yes. Overall, I’m pleased with your student feedback. I rarely see such positive comments after just one semester.”
Alexandre released the breath he’d been holding. He hadn’t realized he’d been nervous. “Thank you. I tried to make every class as interactive as possible, and I adapted my lesson plans based on my students’ comments.”
“I saw a few areas where you can improve next semester, specifically around real-world applications.”
“I noticed. I take that criticism seriously.” Alexandre winced.
A few students wrote that he talked too much about research—three people even said he cited his own research way too much—and wanted to know how to use what they learned in other settings.
“I’ll make sure to highlight different fields, like healthcare and pharma.
I can also schedule a few guest lecturers from other professions.
I’ll poll my classes and see what they’d like. ”
“That sounds like a good plan.”
“It helps to have such vocal students.”
“That’s just as much a testament to you as to them.
You gave them a safe space to open up, and they did.
” Dr. Johnson rifled through a sheaf of papers.
“I want to read a few comments that stood out: ‘I really appreciate how Professor Brodeur is open to different learning styles. I have severe anxiety, and even though I try, I have a hard time speaking up in class. I like how Professor Brodeur lets us message him questions during class and includes office hours and emails in class participation. I’m more confident in written and one-on-one interactions.’ ”
“I’ve learned that not all students feel comfortable raising their hands. Some people freeze when I call on them, even if they’ve done the work and know the answer. Not everyone grew up in a culture where they had to be the loudest one in the room.”
“You’re creating a more inclusive classroom.”
“I’m trying to.”
Dr. Johnson reached for another paper, then broke into a wide smile.
“This one is too good not to read out loud: ‘Professor Brodeur’s class is lit. It hits different. I’m only taking mol bio because my parents are making me become a doctor, and somehow Professor Brodeur made it interesting with videos and improv games. ’ ”
“I’m glad I made an impression on them. And that my class ‘hits different.’ ” He couldn’t wait to tell Mei. “Shouldn’t it be ‘hits differently’?”
Dr. Johnson laughed. “Your guess is as good as mine. Either way, it’s high praise. After next semester, if you’re performing just as well, I’d like to consider you for our admissions and planning committees. You embody so much of what I seek in educators.”
“Thank you.” A swell of pride rose in Alexandre’s chest. “I’d like to work more closely with you on shaping your department.”
“Our department,” Dr. Johnson corrected him. “It’s just as much yours as it is mine.”
“That’s true.” Alexandre felt her words sink in. His boss was right. He wasn’t an adjunct or a visiting professor. He was a full-time biology professor at SUNY New Paltz. It was time he started acting like one.
Alexandre opened his laptop to take notes. “I’m committed to being the best teacher I can possibly be. Do you have any more feedback that can help me as I’m planning for next semester?”
· · ·
The following afternoon, Alexandre waited outside the train station, shifting from one foot to the other. Even though he and Mei texted all the time, Hawai‘i felt like a fever dream. Would the magic from that trip exist in the real world?
Alexandre scanned the passengers exiting the platform. Then he spotted Mei in a black parka and chunky gray scarf. He trotted toward her, and they embraced tightly.
“So glad you’re here.”
“Me too,” she said, and brought her lips to his.
Any fears Alexandre had melted away.
They drove off, past snow-dusted mountains and frosty fields. They wound their way down narrow country roads, until Alexandre turned onto a crunchy gravel driveway. Tiny white fairy lights twinkled in the trees. Up ahead, warm light spilled from a log cabin.
“What is this place?”
Alexandre smiled at the wonder in Mei’s voice. “A farm brewery.”
Inside, a fire crackled on a stone hearth. A host led them to a cozy wooden table. Their knees brushed as they took their seats. They perused the menu, then ordered farmhouse ales and a cheese board.
Mei’s eyes sparkled as she took in her surroundings. “This place is adorable. I love it.”
A warm glow filled Alexandre’s chest. “I haven’t been here before, but I thought you might like it.”
A waitress arrived with their ales in tulip-shaped glasses. Mei held hers up. “Well, cheers to us.”
They tapped their drinks together. As she sipped, Mei giggled.
“What are you laughing at?” Alexandre couldn’t help but smile. Mei looked almost bashful, her eyes lowered, her cheeks pink in the firelight.
“I don’t know if you remember this, but when I was at your place during the hurricane, you were telling me about hikes and restaurants you’d found nearby. At the time, I figured you’d take dates there.” Her mouth twisted ruefully. “I was wishing we could go together.”
Alexandre reached for her hand. He stayed quiet. Mei looked like she needed a minute to let any lingering guilt about Joey wash over her.
Her lips tipped up and she met his eyes. “Did you ever feel that way, too? Months ago?”
Alexandre sipped his beer, considering her question.
“I don’t think so.” He saw Mei’s face fall.
“Not because I didn’t want to! I sure as hell did.
Believe me, I spent months trying not to think of you in any romantic way.
” A little smile bloomed on Mei’s lips. Alexandre squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“You felt so out of reach. I didn’t want to get my hopes up about you. Or anything.”
“How about now?”
Alexandre looked into Mei’s big brown eyes, her own hopefulness shimmering in them. He admired the graceful shape of her mouth as she sipped her ale. Gosh, she was beautiful.
Alexandre cupped Mei’s face in his hands, bringing his lips to hers. “I think you know the answer to that.”