Chapter 2
The researcher
Dr. Gray Whittal...
It did not seem real, but it was happening.
Dr. Gray Whittal. He looked at himself in the mirror while saying it slowly.
His studies were intense these past few years as he neared the end of his PhD.
program. He'd landed the top advisor in his field, Dr. Terry, and had a spot at the best marine studies program in California.
The extra hours, sacrifices involving friends and family, plus extra assignments, finally proved worthwhile.
In one more year, he would officially have the "Doctor. " attached to his name.
Gray took in his reflection again: athletic, thick brown hair, blue eyes, a well-groomed beard.
The beard had become a fixture during his first year of his Master's program.
His young-looking face made him feel like an impostor at conferences and meetings.
It helped him look the part—more experienced, more serious. It also helped him hide.
He quietly completed tasks, dealing with diagnostics or tidying equipment areas when others sought recognition.
But he wasn't seeking recognition; he kept his focus on the goal.
Deep down, he wanted to be the youngest researcher on staff—an ambitious dream, but one he was determined to achieve.
He'd pushed through his Bachelor of Science degree, finishing it in three years by doing summer sessions.
Now, at 24 years old, his final year would be the test.
Growing up, his parents hadn't pushed him. He'd been good at team sports, earned decent grades, and had a core group of friends. The only nudging he got was his mom's occasional comments, "When are you going to bring someone home?" But there had been no one.
With relationships, Gray knew he was a long-term kind of guy; he wanted something serious.
Regardless, whenever he proposed a committed relationship or cohabitating, he received the same response: "We're young!
" Oh, of course he enjoyed having fun, but he craved someone who could appreciate quiet evenings and share in adventures.
Someone who understood his craft or, ideally, understood its value to him.
Within the department, dating was risky.
Too often, couples who swore they'd never bring drama into the lab did exactly that.
Inevitably, one or both would leave, and there'd be tension and the lingering resentment of colleagues who felt caught in the crossfire.
No, Gray would steer clear of that. He had gone out with his lab coworkers a few times.
And one of his coworkers had gotten tipsy, trying to convince him they should be a couple.
He had cut off that notion immediately. Maybe meeting someone in his field, not too close to his everyday work life, was the answer.
But a long-distance relationship wasn't his goal either; he wanted someone nearby, someone to spend time with.
He sighed, turning back to his reflection. Focus on this final year, he told himself. The rest will fall into place.
Switching off the bathroom light, Gray crawled into bed, his thoughts drifting to the future. He had big goals, and in a year’s time, he would make them happen.