His Love Lesson

by Nicki Night

  “Is your family coming up for your graduation?”

  “Of course, but they’re only staying one night. I’m going to take them sightseeing the day before and they have to head back home after graduation.

  “Would it be okay if I took you to dinner after graduation to celebrate?”

  “Oh! You don’t have to do that, Hunter, but it would be nice.”

  “Ha! I think you’re going to enjoy it.”

  “So are you asking me out on a date? Because when we went out before, it wasn’t a date.”

  “Oh! You’ll no longer be off-limits. This will be a date for sure. I want a kiss at the end of the night and all.”

  Chey’s laugh generated from her core. “Okay, Professor Barrington!

  “As for now, Ms. Rodgers, get to work on that final project. It better be worthy of an A!”

  “Trust me. It will be! Have I ever submitted anything less?”

  “Ha! I can’t argue with that! I’ve gotta run. Talk with you later?”

  “Sure.”

  It felt good to talk with Hunter like an old friend again. Chey sighed, let her head fall back against the couch and allowed the sadness envelop her. She had fallen for Hunter, even in the distance. She’d come to love living in New York. Too bad she was about to lose both.

  The lyrics to a gospel song that her mother often sang about encouraging yourself popped into her head. Chey had come a long way in the past year, blasting through challenges that she’d never imagined before. She’d gotten up the courage to walk away from a bad relationship, move to a new city, go back to school, ace her classes and almost finish a book she’d wanted to write for years. Chey was a new woman—one who accepted and faced challenges fearlessly. She wasn’t going to lie down and become a victim to her circumstances now. New York was where she wanted to be and somehow she was going to find a way to stay.

  Marching to her room, Chey retrieved her laptop and headed back to the living room. For the next few hours, she finished her final projects for both Hunter’s class and her chemistry lab. Then she applied online for more jobs. Her target was Estelle London—the company she dreamed of working for—but there were others. Chey visited the websites of all the cosmetics companies in the city—large and small—and submitted applications. She then reached out to recruiters to help her in the process. By the time she was done, she had several appointments set up with recruiters who specialized in her industry. If she ended up having to go back home to Virginia, at least she could say that she’d done all she could to make her dream work. The moon had taken over for the sun by the time she was finished. The next morning she was going to find a church to attend, take her plan to the altar and ask God to help her make it happen.

  Between her savings getting low and her part-time job not paying enough, she would need to land a higher-paying job by June in order to stay. Then she wouldn’t have to say goodbye to New York or to Hunter.

  Chapter 29

  Today was the day. Hunter left work early to head to the university for his review with the department. The semester had officially ended the day before and he had already posted his students’ grades online. He smiled at the thought of how proud he was to give Chey a well-earned A. She had done an exemplary job on her examination of how intellectual property can affect a corporation and its employees. Hunter also knew that she was personally invested in the project because of her desire to create products for an industry giant such as Estelle London.

  As good as that made him feel, he couldn’t shake the anxiety that cloaked him as he thought about his upcoming meeting. Hunter reached the university with plenty of time to spare so he could settle down before the review. Dipping into the coffee shop right outside the campus grounds, Hunter ordered a medium black coffee, sat in one of the comfortable chairs and perused emails on his cell phone.

  “Hello, Professor Barrington.” At the sound of her voice, his body awakened. He looked up and Chey was standing in front of him, holding a small cup, looking as if she’d just stepped off the runway of the natural-beauty fashion show. Her style had become a little edgier since she’d been in New York. She now looked sexier than ever in jeans that accentuated her beautiful curves, a fitted T that said I Woke Up Like This and a leather jacket. Her smile was by far her most attractive accessory.

  “Hello, Ms. Rodgers.” Remembering what it felt like to hold her in his arms, Hunter wanted to reach out and touch her. It took superhuman restraint to sit there and only caress her with his eyes. “What brings you here on a Friday afternoon? Classes are over.”

  “I have a meeting with my lab professor. He’s offered to provide me with more insight on some industry trends that would be helpful in my job search.”

  Excitement lurched in Hunter’s chest. “You’re staying in New York?” Hunter hoped he didn’t cramp his cool with the eager way that question came out.

  “If I land a job or that opportunity with Estelle London. I’ve been applying everywhere and trying to stay encouraged.”

  Hunter looked at his watch. “What time is your meeting?”

  “I’m early. I wanted to sit and chill for a while before meeting up with him. I really love this coffeehouse. During the semester, I did my homework here all of the time.”

  Hunter pulled a chair over so she could sit. Chey placed her cup on the bistro table in front of them.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  “Today is my review.”

  Chey’s mouth formed an O. “That’s right! Good luck! How do you feel about it?”

  “Good, but you never know. I did my best this semester. I tried to give my students my all and make the work as close to the real world as possible. Hopefully, my effort will speak for itself.”

  As those words left his mouth, Hunter felt another presence and looked up into the eyes of Kenya. It was obvious that she wasn’t happy to see him there with Chey, but what could she say? They’d hardly spoken since their last discussion. Kenya looked away without speaking, lifting her chin slightly higher. Hunter turned and continued his conversation. Once they were done with their coffee, they walked back to campus together.

  As they were about to go in separate directions, Chey stopped. “Good luck, Hunter.” She straightened his tie and fixed his collar. Hunter lifted his chin to allow room for the adjustment.

  Hunter could imagine her doing that to him every morning before he left for work. Suddenly, living alone seemed like a desolate existence. Chey’s presence would add zest to his life.

  “Thanks. Am I all good now?” he teased, referring to her adjusting his tie.

  Chey stepped back. “Let me see.” Her eyes washed over him from head to toe. She pulled on his lapel. He stood taller. “I think you’re ready.” Her brilliant smile flashed and stirred something inside him.

  “Thanks again.” They gazed at each other for another moment. Hunter focused in on her lips. He knew they wanted to be kissed. He wanted to kiss them. “See you at graduation.” He pulled himself out of her world.

  “Okay.” Chey started toward the science hall.

  “Don’t forget you promised me a date,” Hunter called after her.

  “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

  Hunter watched her make the trek across the grass. It was time for his meeting. Hunter arrived at the conference room to find several individuals, including Martin and Kenya. It had never dawned on him that this would happen in front of a full review board.

  “Good afternoon, Hunter.” Martin stepped up and shook his hand.

  “Good afternoon, Martin.” Hunter followed his informal lead before addressing the rest of the individuals. The group consisted of the second in command right under Martin, Ed, someone from HR, another colleague and Kenya.

  Martin gestured for Hunter to sit on the opposite end of the table facing the group before taki
ng his seat in the center. A large pile of files sat before him. Hunter felt as though he’d entered into an interrogation. Clearing his throat, he sat erect.

  “I’d like to start off by saying how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to teach at Dunford University this past semester. If I am selected to continue my work here, I will be sure to represent the university with dignity and integrity while giving the students my all.”

  “We appreciate that, Hunter,” Martin replied. “Let’s get started.”

  Martin began with a thorough introduction of everyone in attendance and stated each reviewer’s purpose for being there. Then he explained the process, which entailed regular interview questions and a review of the statement of purpose they’d asked Hunter to complete regarding his desire for working at the university.

  The board kept the questions coming, with everyone asking several. Kenya kept a professional demeanor during the entire process. They moved on to a review of Hunter’s curriculum and syllabus and then shared their examination of the students’ assignments, which they had asked Hunter to submit prior to the meeting. This part was also arduous, but Hunter understood the intent. They wanted to make sure he graded students justly and showed no favoritism.

  After a short break, they reassembled and continued to share their findings on the students’ work, its relevance to the real world and Hunter’s grading system. Then they took another short break. By now Hunter had loosened his tie and opened the top button of his shirt. He assumed that he was the only person who felt that the room was stuffy.

  Finally, the board presented Hunter with an official offer letter for the position of assistant professor outlining salary and benefits. They asked Hunter if he needed time to review the offer. He informed them that he would have their signed copy on Martin’s desk by Monday morning. Hunter shook hands and accepted congratulations from his new coworkers.

  “The next thing we need to do is get you on the board,” Ed said as he patted Hunter’s shoulder. “Welcome to the staff.”

  Kenya was the last to approach Hunter as the room cleared. Taking his hand, she grinned. “You are certainly a man of dignity and integrity, Hunter. Welcome to Dunford University. I hope we can work on being friends again.” They shook and Kenya headed out the door.

  Hunter felt as if he’d just come up for air. This was finally over. It felt great to achieve something he’d sought for so long. On his way home, he called Blake to share his good fortune and ask if he’d heard anything back from his friend who worked for Estelle London. Unfortunately, Blake hadn’t heard anything and they agreed to meet up later for drinks to celebrate.

  Now all Hunter had to do was wait for Chey to officially graduate. Once she was no longer a student at Dunford, they were free to pursue one another. Hunter had made plans for an official first date that he hoped Chey would never forget.

  Chapter 30

  This was a day that Chey had dreamed about for years. Between her and her parents, she didn’t know who was more swollen with pride. Her dad, Ray, couldn’t stop smiling. Her mother constantly fussed with the dress Chey wore as if she were ten. Deanna wouldn’t stop hugging her. She wanted to be completely swept up in the excitement but couldn’t help feeling a little down about the fact that she still hadn’t landed a job.

  The day before, Chey had showed them as much of New York as she could before sending her parents off to dinner and their first Broadway show ever, while she and her sister hung out over at Chelsea Piers. She’d saved and planned to give her parents this experience ever since Hunter mentioned Broadway months ago. Her graduation would be their grand finale before they all headed home. When they were gone, Chey intended to spend the weekend packing items in her apartment that she didn’t use frequently. She didn’t want to be overwhelmed with packing everything at once. Regardless of how things turned out, Chey wanted to at least be prepared.

  Even though Chey had to be at graduation early, her parents and sister had left with her, deciding to tour the campus and take in local sights. The graduation was taking place inside the athletic center.

  Chey joined her classmates. By the time she reached their sitting area, tears were streaming down Chey’s smiling face. This had been a long time coming and it felt amazing. She set aside all anxiety about moving back home and relished the moment. Going home didn’t mean she couldn’t continue to seek jobs in New York. She could always come up for interviews and move back once she landed something. That was exactly what she would do.

  Music blossomed through the center while administrators and dignitaries flowed to the stage. The commencement was long, but Chey didn’t mind. She couldn’t see them but wondered how many times her dad snoozed and had been jabbed in the ribs by her mother. Finally, the time came to call the graduates. Chey took a deep breath. Her cheeks stung from smiling so long and hard, but she continued to smile all the way across the stage. She heard Deanna yell when her name was called. She was called up again to receive an award for graduating with top honors. Chey was certain that the piercing whistle came from her father. She laughed and cried at the same time.

  When it was over, Deanna made her take dozens of selfies outside the building, some with the two of them and some with her parents. They could never get her father to look right into the lens. He couldn’t understand why they couldn’t just take pictures the old-fashioned way.

  Deanna poked Chey and tilted her head. Her heart lurched when she saw Hunter walking her way.

  “Hey, Hunter.” Deanna greeted him first.

  “Good to see you, Deanna.” Hunter embraced her. “Hello. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers.”

  “Yes, son, we are.” Ray gave him a firm shake.

  “Hello, there—”

  Chey interrupted her mother. “Mom, Dad, this is my professor and friend, Hunter Barrington.”

  “Oh!” Patricia nodded knowingly. Ray looked him up and down.

  “I just wanted to say congratulations.” Hunter took Chey into a respectable, friendly embrace.

  “Thanks!” Chey noted how good he smelled.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers. Deanna, it was good seeing you again.” With that, Hunter turned back to Chey. “I’ll wait to hear from you. I’ve made a reservation. Call me once you’ve seen your family off.”

  “Will do! See you later.”

  When Hunter walked off, Patricia cast Chey a sideways glance. “Nice-looking friend!”

  Chey smiled and rolled her eyes. “Don’t start, Mom!”

  Ray shook his head and then took Chey by the hand. “Sweetheart. We were a bit nervous about your decision to move here, but we didn’t want to stand in the way of your dreams. I just want to let you know that I’m proud of the woman that you’ve become.”

  Chey’s smile resembled a frown as she fought the urge to tear up. Her heart was filled as she took in her father’s words. Patricia hugged her, punctuating her agreement with what her husband had said.

  “I’m so proud of you, honey,” she said, blinking back tears of her own.

  Chey took her family for a quick casual bite to eat before heading over to their hotel to retrieve their bags from storage. When they were safely en route to Virginia, Chey returned home, showered and slipped on a blue knee-length strapless dress as she awaited Hunter’s arrival.

  Chey’s phone rang and she hesitated to answer when she didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hello.”

  “I’m looking for Chey Rodgers.”

  “This is Chey Rodgers. Who’s calling, please?”

  “This is Elizabeth Graziano calling from Estelle London Incorporated.”

  Chey froze. She cleared her throat. “Hello, Ms. Graziano. How can I help you?”

  She smiled as she spoke to deflect how nervous she was.

  “We received your application and samples fo
r the paid apprenticeship program and I would like to schedule an interview with you.”

  Samples? I didn’t send any samples. “That’s wonderful. You said samples?”

  “Yes. The, uh...” the woman paused as she recalled the names “...Revivify skin cream and Blossom Rose lotion. Those are yours, right?”

  They certainly were hers. The lotion had been named after her grandmother Blossom. Revivify was the name she’d given to her rejuvenating skin cream, but how had she gotten ahold of those? Chey certainly hadn’t shipped them. They had to have come from the shop, but her parents hadn’t said anything about anyone placing an order. She figured they would have mentioned it since they didn’t ship to New York often, if at all.

  “Yes, ma’am. Those are my products.”

  “Well, wonderful! When can you come in for an interview? I’ll be honest—at this point, we’re just looking to go through the motions. We were quite impressed with your product.”

  Chey wanted to scream. “Does Monday work?” She found herself walking circles in the floor.

  “Can you be here at nine thirty?”

  “I sure can.”

  “Okay. Let me give you the address.”

  “No need, Ms. Graziano. I know exactly where you’re located.”

  “Okay, then. We will meet on the thirtieth floor! I look forward to meeting you Monday, Ms. Rodgers.”

  When the call ended, Chey jumped up and down. Her dream was unfolding right before her eyes. When she finished her celebratory dance and shout, she wondered how her products had gotten into Ms. Graziano’s hands. She dialed her parents. There was no answer. She dialed Deanna. Still no answer. She assumed they were in an area with poor reception as they traveled home. She’d call them back later.

  There was a knock on the door. Someone must have let Hunter in the building. Chey blushed at his dreamy gaze when she opened the door. His eyes ate her up as if she were a piece of pie. Without even saying hello, he pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth until she was left breathless. The air even felt lighter after his kiss. Hunter swooped down on her neck and kissed that, too, making Chey squirm with delight.