“Miss Matthews, I’m impressed with how you have been able to move on from your earlier indiscretion to be able to make Oakley shine and allow the university to showcase their star player,” Dr. Haynes said, almost beaming. “I have also checked in with the coach, and he is equally happy with your performance.”

Aw, shucks!

“We both feel confident that you are on track to graduate early like you have planned. I’m very proud of how you took a chance on this opportunity, even though I know it wasn’t your first choice, and you figured out how to excel.”

“Thank you, Dr. Haynes! I really couldn’t have done it without your guidance,” I gushed, trying to sound humble, but actually feeling myself.

“But if you really want to prepare for your desired career path, maybe I could speak to some connections about having you work with them on some projects. I’m representing a new company your father might actually be interested in. We professionals are always looking to wet our beak.”

I swallowed. Dr. Haynes was going to let me work with some of his clients? This was the best news ever. I squirmed in my seat with excitement.

“Yes! I would actually really love that. Thank you!”

“Any time.”

Dr. Haynes’s glowing review gave me the courage to ask if I could bring my parents by on Friday and introduce them. He readily agreed, and we set a time before my phone alerted me to my next...meeting...with Oakley.

Let’s do this thing.

* * *

The lunch room was buzzing with activity. I didn’t have a meal plan and rarely came here during the school year. I preferred to plan my meals out for my food journal and avoided eating in front of others if I could manage it.

The room was smaller than I expected. It was set up like a food court, with various options lining the wall, and tables and chairs were crowded together in the center. I scanned the room for Oakley and smiled when I found him sitting at the edge of the room by the exit leading outside, giving us a view of the city street.

His eyes were on me as I walked over. The backpack I wore reminded me that this was strictly professional. I had typed up a list of speaking points for post-game interviews and also scheduled him a photo op with a famous alumni known for his nonprofit work.

“Hey there, Solver,” he said with a smile. Oakley then pulled out a lunch box. I’d expected us to have to buy a burger drowning in grease, but it appeared that he packed us both a modern bento box. When he took off the plastic lid, I took note of the smoked salmon, cucumber, boiled eggs, pita crackers, and what looked like some sort of dill cream cheese dip.

“Wow,” I said before sitting down. “Thanks for making lunch.”