As the son of a politician, Nicolas learned to please a crowd. The group elected him to lead the presentation for their final project. Everything they’d worked for was riding on it.
“I’ve checked the battery power, and it’s holding the energy we’ve stored longer than we could’ve imagined. It’s been there for twenty days,” Sophia said.
“That’s perfect,” Davi said. “It means Rory fixed the calibration we struggled with.”
“Great job, Rory,” Jeff said.
“Thank you.” Rory’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. “I couldn’t have done it without Davi’s wiring skills. I’ve never been good with the wiring portion of this project.”
“Give yourself more credit,” Jeff said. “You’ve been a valuable member of the team.”
“Thank you.”
“He’s right,” Sophia said. “You’ve pulled your weight on this project and we’re lucky to have you.”
Rory’s heart soared. Warmth enveloped him as his team complimented his achievements. He was contributing to a major project, and they noticed.
“Well, I say we call it a day. We’ve done so much,” Jeff said.
“Why don’t we go for drinks?” Sophia suggested.
“That sounds great,” Nicolas said.
“A nice Friday night at the club, sipping drinks and dancing. I’m in,” Davi said.
“Thanks, but I’m going to grade some papers and head home,” Rory said.
“That’s right. The department has you teaching two lower-division courses. How is it?” Sophia asked.
“It’s really not bad. It helps me pay for college and live on my own. I’ve started looking for work. Nothing yet, but I’m hopeful,” Rory said.
“I wish you the best,” Jeff said.
“I’d like to move out of my apartment and find a house. It’d be nice to have a yard and a garage to tinker in. I’d like a big kitchen too, so I can bake large cakes.”
They all gaped at him. Rory shifted his feet.
“Why are you staring?” He averted his eyes.
“I think that’s the most you’ve shared since we started the program,” Jeff said.
“I’m sorry I’m not too open. I just…”
“We understand,” Sophia said. “You grade those papers, and we’ll take a rain check. You’ll have to come out with us to celebrate when we finish.”
“It’s a deal.” Rory smiled.
*
RORY STAYED ONthe San Jose State College campus until five, then headed back to Gilroy. The half-hour drive was pleasant. He listened to the radio and relaxed.
Rory walked into his apartment.
“Home sweet home.”
A small tabby cat trotted out of the bedroom, stretched, and leaped onto his shoulder from the couch.
“Hi, Mina.” He scratched her chin. “Did you have a good nap?”
