I don’t come in here often, but I know where to go. The floors leading to the pool are freshly waxed and shiny. My black Oxfords squeak with each step I take. My pulse kicks up the closer I get, and my stomach is doing flips. Part of me hopes to see him, the other part hopes I’m able to just leave the coffee and go.

I want him to want to talk to me. Come to me and not feel obligated. I’m not here bringing him an iced coffee to make him talk to me. I simply want him to have a great start to his day, and if a little coffee helps with that, then so be it. However, I wouldn’t be mad if he saw me, and realized it was me doing this. Maybe then he’d finally believe I care about him.

The air is humid and warm, and the scent of chlorine encompasses the room when I walk through the door. There are eight lanes, and it doesn’t look like anyone is here except him. He’s in the lane closest to the door, currently underwater and swimming laps. His gym bag and towel are on the bleachers to my left.

My gaze never leaves him as I stride over to the bleachers. I watch him for a couple of laps, and he thankfully doesn’t see me. Watching him swim is enrapturing. His form is amazing and the way he glides through the water is effortless. His body was made for this.

I set the coffee down next to his bag before turning on my heel and leaving. It’s still cold as shit outside, so I’m glad the walk from here to my office isn’t too far.

Students are already trickling on campus, probably on their way to their first class of the day. A couple of them stop and say hi to me, or wave when they see me. Truthfully, I don’t have too many problem students this year. It’s been nice.

Mary, one of our newer administrative assistants, looks up from her desk when I walk in, smiling wide. “Good morning, Dean Philips. How are you doing?”

“Morning, Mary. I’m doing great. How ’bout yourself?”

“Doing well. Thank you for asking.”

I flick on the lights in my office, shutting the door partially. Then I walk over to the windows and open the blinds. Despite the chilly temperatures in the air, the sun is still out and shining. Sliding into my chair and powering on my computer, I get to work answering emails and addressing any concerns that came up over winter break.

I have back-to-back meetings today and hardly notice how much time has passed until a soft knock comes from my door.

“Come in!”