Page 107 of A Cup of Autumn
“Back in town to visit your family?” she asked.
“I’m here for a short visit.” He wanted to stay, but he had to fulfill his contract. Leaving the other university in the lurch wouldn’t be good for anyone involved, especially the students in the two courses he taught.
She picked up the rag. “Enjoying Boston and your new job?”
“Yes, I am.”Here goes nothing.He remembered what Callie had said a few minutes ago. “But I have my heart set on a more permanent position in Silver Falls.”
Raine’s eyes widened. “You’ve been there less than a month.”
“It’s long enough for me to know.”
“But everything you want is in Boston. Shouldn’t you give it more time?”
“Boston’s a great city. So much history and things to do. I love the job and university, but I was wrong. Not everything I want is there.”
She started to speak and then stopped herself. She tried again. “I don’t understand.”
“Teaching at a tier-one university is no longer my dream. I have loftier aspirations.”
“Are you sure?” The concern in her gaze matched her voice. She clenched and then flexed her fingers. “When some people give up their dreams, they regret it later.”
“Not me. I’m not giving up my dream. I have a new dream. A better dream.”
She studied him. “You sound certain.”
“I am.” He took a step toward her. “I know what matters now. I only hope I haven’t burned any bridges here.”
“Wait? Here here?” Her confused tone matched the questions in her eyes.
“‘Here here’ which, if you haven’t figured out, happens to be wherever you are.”
A slow smile spread across her face. Her eyes brightened, and she stood taller.
Based on Raine’s reaction, he hadn’t burned his bridges and still had a shot. Excitement pulsed through Keaton. He wanted to high-five someone. Later. When he saw Garrett or Brandt.
She raised her chin. “I’ve heard employers will overlook short stints when hiring for a desired position if the candidate comes with a solid explanation and excellent references.”
“My explanation is simple.” He locked on her gaze. “I had blinders on. Couldn’t see what was right in front of me. I believed being a tenured professor at a tier-one university was the only way I could be happy. I was focused on reaching my career goals and keeping up with my siblings. I made decisions with my head when I should have been using my heart.”
“That’s a lot to unpack, but you sound certain.”
“I am. I’m ready to move forward.” He caught himself. “Or back. Depending on your perspective. But I’m committed to following my heart from now on.”
“A big step.”
“A worthwhile one.” Keaton took a breath. He needed to control himself before he spewed his heart all over the place and made a big mess. “Today, I had an interview at Summit Ridge University.”
Her eyes widened. “Forget big. That’s a ginormous step.”
He nodded. “One reason I’m here today is to lay out my plan for growth and improvement.”
“Taking the analogy all the way, I see.”
“That’s what professors do…at least this one does.”
“Go on.”
“I should have never left Silver Falls or you. I’m sorry.”
