Page 86 of A Cup of Autumn
A pickle?“Anything I can do to help?”
“You applied for a position that’s supposed to start next semester. But another professor needs to take a medical leave. We’re not prepared to fill the first position, but I was wondering…hoping…you would fill another position through finals this semester. We should know in November about the first position, which you’re in consideration for.”
His heart stilled. He forced himself to breathe. “How many classes?”
“Two. Undergraduate.”
He’d done that before. “When do you need me?”
“Yesterday.” Dr. Gomez’s laugh sounded forced. “The thirty-first at the latest so you’re ready to teach on November first.”
Next Monday. “That’s quick.”
“I realize this makes for a sudden relocation, so I won’t make you decide on the spot, but I need a decision by Thursday morning, or I’ll move on to the next candidate.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the time.”
“Looking forward to working with you, Keaton. Goodbye.”
The line disconnected.
Keaton stared at his phone. This should be a no-brainer decision. Why hadn’t he said yes?
A twinge of doubt was his answer.
Not about the job. He’d researched the department. They would never offer him the position if he wasn’t qualified. The university was everything he wanted. Yet something held him back.
No.
Not something.
Someone.
He glanced through the coffee shop’s front window.
Raine.
Did he want to leave when things were going so well?
That was the question. One he never thought he’d be considering, yet there it was. And as soon as he finished his study session with Brecken and Timmy, Keaton knew who to ask for advice.
*
In Margot’s guestbedroom, Keaton set up his laptop. He had thirty minutes until they left for paint night. He clicked the link for his family’s meeting room on Zoom. Mom, Dad, Flynn, and Callie were there.
Garrett entered the room and unmuted. “The gang’s all here!”
Keaton stared at his family’s faces. He was so lucky to have them.
Dad loosened his tie. “What’s going on, Keaton?”
“I got a job in Boston. Not the one I applied for but a temporary one for this semester. But I’m still in the running for the one starting in January.”
“If you’re already there, wouldn’t that make getting the other position easier?” Mom asked.
“No idea.” But that made sense. “Both are temporary.”
“When does it start?” Garrett asked.
