Dean Ward was one of the university’s better administrators. She treated her faculty with respect and as fairly as she could, with the little leeway the provost and president allowed, but she was also too ambitious for anyone’s liking. She wanted Arts & Sciences to “drive the university” in all areas, which really just meant that the largest College in the university had the most faculty and the highest number of majors, taught the biggest classes, and had the most service assignments. Unfortunately, none of that translated to higher pay. As far as Deja was concerned, it was a prime example of the academic racket; the extra work was taxing and demoralizing, and everyone was overworked, but none of that would matter when she went up for tenure. Deja was heading toward total burnout not even halfway through her probationary period, and even though she tried to hide it, she wasn’t that good of a liar. Still, whatever Dean Ward was about to dump into her lap, she couldn’t say no, because the Dean wrote her annual evaluations, including the third-year review. She’d also have a large say in her tenure decision when the time came, so staying in her good graces was more important than avoiding yet another work stressor in her life, even if it meant yet another service assignment.

“Hi, Dean Ward,” Deja said in her brightest voice.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Alejandro and Mike walking from the auditorium. She looked away quickly and focused on Dean Ward’s face. But Dean Ward had also spotted Alejandro, and she rested her hand on his shoulder. “Oh, Alejandro, perfect. There you are.”

He turned to smile at the Dean and then Deja as he stepped out of the moving human traffic to stand next to Deja. Their arms brushed.

“What’s up?” he asked Dean Ward casually. Deja couldn’t even imagine being so informal with her.

“I’m putting together a subcommittee on outreach to students of color for the Arts & Sciences Diversity Committee, and I was wondering if you two were interested in being co-chairs.”

Deja sucked in a harsh breath. Her brain was whirring as she mentally envisioned her schedule bursting into flames. She wanted to say no. She should have said no because she literally did not have time for yet another service commitment, but of course, she said yes, and enthusiastically at that. She was going to drink two glasses of wine tonight. At least.

Alejandro also said yes.