Page 104 of A Cup of Autumn
“Everything,” he admitted.
“You’re living the life, bro.” Pride filled Flynn’s voice. “You’ve dreamed about teaching at a prestigious university.”
True, but… Keaton adjusted his hands on the steering wheel. “Funny thing about dreams. Sometimes, they come true, and you realize what you wanted wasn’t what you really needed.”
“How can a dream not be what you need?” Flynn’s confused tone suggested his brother was brushing his fingers through his hair. Something Keaton was guilty of too.
“It happens to everyone, Doc.” Callie’s tone was full of amusement.
“Not me,” Flynn shot out. “I’ve gone after my dream and gotten exactly what I wanted. Couldn’t be happier.”
“Then let me add ‘at some point’ to my statement,” Callie corrected.
“An excellent corollary.” Keaton had a feeling Callie saw right through each of her brothers in ways Mom and Dad didn’t. “Your turn is coming, Flynn. It happened to Garrett. And now me. Callie was always pursuing the dream of her heart, so she bypassed what happened to him and me.”
“Forget this nonsense.” Flynn’s voice sharpened. “What are you doing right now?”
“Driving.” A horn honked behind him. “Stuck in traffic.”
“Where are you?” Flynn asked.
“Washington.”
Callie’s squee would have burst an eardrum if Keaton’s phone had been against his ear.
“Wait.” Flynn paused. “Washington D.C.?”
Keaton’s older brother must be exhausted. He was smarter than this. “State.”
“For how long?” Callie sounded either breathless or excited. Perhaps a combination of both.
“Not long.” Unfortunately. “I’m taking the red-eye on Sunday night, so I’m back on Monday morning in time for my class. I had an interview at Summit Ridge University today.”
“Wait. What?” Flynn asked.
“Seriously?” Callie laughed. “This is awesome.”
Keaton agreed with his sister. “Yes, it is.”
“I don’t understand,” Flynn said. “Your job in Boston—”
“Is fantastic, but it’s not what I want any longer.” Saying those words felt oh-so right. “I have my heart set on a different position. A permanent one. I hope I get it.”
“I happen to know that position is still open and hasn’t been filled.” Callie sounded like she was smiling.
Her words brought instant relief.
Keaton lifted his right hand off the steering well and pumped his fist. He hadn’t been in touch with Raine per her wishes. That had been the hardest thing he’d ever done. Much harder than packing his office at his old university and leaving for the last time.
So many what-ifs had run through his mind as he made plans for this trip. The same as they did now. Keaton swallowed. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” She didn’t miss a beat answering. “Some have applied, but no one has succeeded.”
His stomach tightened. “Some?”
“One, who realized he should’ve never left, er quit. But she wouldn’t consider his, um, résumé.”
Flynn groaned. “What are you guys even talking about?”
