Chapter Forty
After his Wednesday genetics class, Alexandre found a message from Chris in his inbox.
Dear Alexandre,
I hope this finds you well. On behalf of the University of North Dakota Biology Department, I am pleased to offer you a full-time position as an associate professor.
An attached contract outlined the terms of the role.
Alexandre read the email three times and let out a whoop. He did it! The biology faculty had unanimously voted to hire him.
Then he sank back in his chair, his elation fading at what he was about to do.
Afterward, he texted Luc.
Hey, I know you’re still pissed. I get it. I’m sorry. Any chance we could meet up tomorrow?
Luc responded an hour later.
Hey. Yeah. Let’s.
· · ·
The following afternoon, Alexandre sat with a brown ale at the bar of a local brewery. He saw Luc walk in and stood to greet him.
“I’ll get the double IPA,” Luc said. “I’ll probably need it for what you’re about to tell me.”
Alexandre winced. “Sorry.”
Luc settled onto the stool next to him. “You took the job, didn’t you?”
“I did. I’m telling my boss tomorrow.” Once Luc had his beer in hand, Alexandre recounted his time at UND, from the enthusiastic faculty to the new zebrafish facility.
When he finished, Luc shook his head. “I still think you’re making a mistake.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime—”
“Enough. I’m sick of hearing about this ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance. Just because this job appeared doesn’t mean you should take it. Ali could be working for a bigger PT practice or opening her own. I could be making loads more as an engineering manager at a big tech company.”
“Do you ever wish you were? Honestly.”
Luc turned his glass in his hand. “I miss the salary and stock options. I’ll always be grateful that tech set us up financially.
But I don’t miss the actual job, commute, or insane workload.
Ali was taking care of Kaia and doing everything around the house while also working full-time.
None of us were happy.” He sipped his beer.
“When I was younger and unmarried, my top priority was making and saving money. Now time with Ali and Kaia is more important. Speaking of, after all the life you’ve lived and everything you’ve experienced, do you really want the same thing now as you did twenty years ago? ”
Alexandre caught the skepticism in Luc’s voice. “Well, I’d be set up for success—”
Luc’s withering look cut him off. Now Alexandre stared at his pint. It was a fair question. Did he, at forty-two, want the same thing he did at twenty-two?
Instinctively, the answer was yes. He did.
But did he have the relentless drive, infinite energy, and unyielding optimism he’d had years ago, before he’d learned he couldn’t bend life to his will by hard work alone? Alexandre gulped his beer.
“Will you be teaching?” Luc asked.
“Not really.” He didn’t have to look up to feel Luc’s disdain.
“What about Mei?”
Alexandre startled. “What about her?”
“She didn’t factor into your decision? You obviously care about her, and she cares for you.”
“I do care about her. A lot.” Alexandre’s face was on fire. “Sorry. I know this is awkward.”
Luc smiled dryly. “I’ve had some time to get used to it.”
“How’d you know something was going on between us?”
“I have eyes, you know. The two of you aren’t exactly slick when it comes to hiding your feelings. Plus, Mei told Ali you were seeing each other.”
“She did? What did she say?” His heart ached just thinking about Mei.
“Not much beyond that. What happened?”
“We blew it. Or maybe I did.” Alexandre tapped his coaster on the bar. How had they unraveled so spectacularly? “In Hawai‘i, we made that pact. I was going to encourage Mei to get out of Livin, and she was going to help keep me from getting sucked back into research. I guess we both failed.”
Luc gave him the side-eye. “Well, she didn’t fail.”
“She didn’t?”
“Nope.” Luc smiled triumphantly. “She quit.”
“No way.” Alexandre recalled the quiet pride in Mei’s eyes when she told him she was presenting at Livin Forum. Now she was giving that up?
“Yup. Her last day is tomorrow. We’re so proud of her.”
“Does she have a new job?”
“Not yet. Either way, she’s brave enough to do what’s best for her, even though it’s scary. Unlike some people.” Luc checked his phone. “I have to head out. It’s almost time to get Kaia from school.”
Alexandre nodded. What made Mei quit? He had so many questions. When Alexandre glanced up, his throat caught. Luc was frowning with resignation.
“I’ve loved having you back here. So have Ali, Kaia, and Mei, even with whatever’s going on with you.
But never mind us. You’ve been happier than I’ve ever seen you.
I just wish you could see that.” Luc looked away.
“I don’t agree with your choice, but I’ll always be here for you. Even if you’re in North Dakota.”
Alexandre swallowed hard. “Thanks, Luc.”
After Luc left, Alexandre stayed at the bar, dazed. His brother’s implicit question lingered: What kind of life do you want?