“That she is. But here’s the thing: People who become institutions bring something larger than themselves to the places they touch. Ms. Dotty is no different. And she’s of the opinion that what Victory needs is your energy. She’d like us to have the opportunity to snag you while we have the chance.”

I swallow hard. If this is going where I think it’s going, I’ll scream—internally. “Meaning . . . ?”

“Meaning if she retires now, we’ll have enough space in the budget to offer you a position. And we’d task you with helping us overhaul the curriculum.”

“Goodness, I’m flattered, Greg. I never imagined this would be a possibility.” Truly.

“Well, we’re excited to bring you into the fold. I’ll need time to work out the details, but I can send you the particulars of the position next week.”

“When would I need to decide?”

“Ideally, by the middle of next month. That way, we can get our ducks in a row in time for the fall semester.”

One the one hand, wow. On the other hand, ugh. This is the kind of decision that could change my future. It’s not one to be considered lightly. Yet with so little time to decide, that’s precisely what I’ll be doing. “Thank you. I’m honored that so many people have this much faith in me.”

“And we’d be honored to have you. So please think it over while I finalize the specifics with the board.”

I rise from my chair, then shake his hand. “Will do, Greg.” Before I leave, I have to ask: “My mother didn’t contact you or anything, did she? About making me a job offer?”

His eyebrows shoot up. “No, not at all.”

“Right, right. Of course not.” I shake my head.

Still, she’s going to be delighted by this news. That makes one of us, at least.

Chapter Twelve

Dean

The warehouse facility that houses Axe & Snacks sits on a newly developed plot of land on New York Avenue close to the Maryland-DC border. It’s slick and rustic at once, a feat accomplished by narrow lanes of reclaimed wood in the axe-throwing area and black-stained oak everywhere else; chain-link fences and chandeliers live in harmony here. I may not be thrilled about our chosen activity, but I can’t quibble with the venue. Solange came through for us.

Thankfully, she’s the first person to arrive after me. That’ll give us a chance to work out any last-minute details. I catch glimpses of her as she weaves her way through the crowd, then she glides to a stop in front of me.