Page 25 of Mr. Brightside

Dr. Deshong peers at me over her glasses, no doubt trying to work out how I could possibly come up with a way to finance my education in the twenty-four hours since she broke the news.

“I’ve seen the financial aid office work its magic over the years,” she offers reservedly. “It may be worth your time to make an appointment—”

Fueled by the familiar prickle of shame whenever the topic of money comes up, I raise both hands to cut her off. “I appreciate your concern. But I’ve got it under control.”

She nods in slow motion, accepting my answer even when it’s clear she doesn’t understand the solution.

“Okay,” she declares, spinning in her chair to grab a file from the bookshelf behind her desk. “Onto the next order of business then.” She grins before opening the manilla folder in front of me.

“Each year, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hires a student ambassador to represent Holt State at a number of community functions and admissions events. I nominated you, and yesterday I got the call that you’re their top choice.”

What? This is the first I’m hearing about any of this.

“You’d be required to have an elevator pitch to share at most events. Just a few remarks about your experience at Holt. It’s not so much about regaling the university,” she rolls her eyes to show her disdain before continuing, “as it is about showing a candid look at a successful student. It’s an excellent way to network, both across the university and in the community. It’s a prestigious position, and you’ll receive a stipend for the semester. It’s not nearly as much as you’re worth, but I think you’d get a lot out of the experience.”

Again with the money talk. The emphasis she keeps placing on it puts my financial situation into context.

“I didn’t want to say anything yesterday on the phone, what with the assistantship news and the uncertainty about your enrollment status.”

My jaw ticks as I remember just how close I was to losing this opportunity.

“But I think you’d be perfect for the job, and it’s something I could see you really enjoying, too.”

I give myself a moment to gather my thoughts and regain my composure. My education and my career path mean everything to me. And they almost slipped out of my grasp.

“I appreciate your vote of confidence. I want to think about it and make sure I understand the commitment, but it sounds like something I’d love to do.”

“I understand. I’ll forward you the email with all the details. They don’t need an answer until the first week of classes anyway. No need to rush to any decisions with a commitment like this.”

I bite down on the inside of my cheek to keep from smirking. If she only knew the rash decisions I’ve rushed into over the last twenty-four hours…

“Oh shoot,” she mutters as an alarm dings on her computer. “I have to be on a call in five. I hate to rush you out—”

“No worries,” I insist, rising to my feet and gathering my bag. “We’ll catch up once the semester begins.”

“Yes! Lunch the first Friday of classes?”

That’s our regularly scheduled catch up time. I’m grateful that some things won’t change, even if I’m not her GA anymore.

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

I pull the door closed behind me as I leave her office, then slide my phone out of my pocket to check the time. I’ve got a text message from Jake waiting for me, which has me grinning like a fool in the stairwell as I pause on the landing to read it.

Jake-Work: Do you have plans tonight?

Cory: I don’t. Did you have something in mind?

Jake-Work: I do. I’d like to take you out on a date.

My stomach somersaults as I read the sentence again.

A date.

I guess that makes sense. We’re going to be married soon, so we probably should go through the motions of getting to know each other.

Cory: Okay. What should I wear?

Mierda.