Chapter Nine
Vivien
“Sir, Miss Williams and I need to speak with you,” Caleb says as he knocks on Dr. Shalin’s open door. My eyes are glued to Caleb’s fingers interlaced with mine. I gently tug them away.
“Please do take a seat.” As we sit, Caleb presses his hand against my back, gently guiding me to sit.
Dr. Shalin gives us an appraising look. My fingers play musical notes on my thighs as I wait for the storm to strike.
I’ve worked hard, and although I’m at the tail end of the project, I’m not afraid to lose it.
My heart would crumble if Caleb lost his career over me.
“Over the past week, Vivien and I attended a wedding, during which I have admitted my feelings for her. We will be getting married soon.”
“About damn time,” he blurts out, slapping his hands on his desk.
“Excuse me?” Caleb questions.
“We’ve all been taking bets on how long it would take for you to crack.”
“I don’t understand. You knew?”
“Vivien is one of the brightest, most talented biologists to ever come through here. I’ve had her in many of my classes over the years, and never has she had so many mishaps, mistakes, and complaints until now.
” Caleb always made me nervous. A shiver would run through me when he passed by me, but now I’m not intimidated. I’m aroused.
“In fact, she never has. After one day of observation, the problem was clear. The tension between you two was so damn combustible we thought the entire complex would explode with just the right spark. It was only a matter of time. Although I’m glad that you two decided to at least wait until you were out of the building to explore your relationship.
It wouldn’t be too safe if you went and let your animal instincts loose in a lab. Anyway, I wish you both the best.”
“Does this mean we’re not in trouble?”
“There are no rules being broken. Even though you’re technically her superior on this project, I’m her instructor and the one giving her the final approval for her degree.
Since she’s done an exemplary job given the situation, I’d say she’s already passed and will receive her diploma.
Although I’m sure now that the initial conflict has ebbed, I bet we see the biologist I expected when I brought her in. Am I correct, Miss Williams?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s good. Now, if you two will excuse me. I have a meeting with the dean.” We both stand up and walk out of the office and see the entire crew standing there with a big About Time banner and confetti cannons going off as cheers erupt.
Caleb waves his hand down at them to silence their cheers.
Once they’ve all settled, he says, “Thank you. Apparently, everyone was aware of our feelings before we were. You could have told me sooner, damn it. Anyway, thank you. Now, get back to work. We have a lot to catch up on, and I want to see what you’ve been doing in my absence. ”
They all laugh, and we walk down the steps to meet the happy, yet dispersing crowd. It feels good for him to press his hand to the small of my back in front of everyone.
“We’ve received data from over twelve different species this week,” Heather says.
“That’s great news. Now, Ms. Williams, let’s get to work so they don’t ask us too many questions.”