Chad nodded, unsure where this was going. Emerson's seminar was legendary, a launching pad for numerous successful authors over the years.
"The department has been impressed with your work, Chad. Your publications and your rapport with students. We'd like to offer you the position."
He blinked, stunned. This was totally unexpected. “But I don’t have the contacts Professor Emerson has. He’s even close personal friends with Stephen King!”
“He thought you might be worried about that. He said he’s more than willing to mentor you, including some introductions to his networking contacts.”
Chad gulped. The word ‘Mentor’ was stuck in his mind, and this just brought it to the forefront. Could Professor Emerson be the mentor future Bri was referring to?
He stared at Dr. Thornton, his mind racing. This had to be it… the opportunity Brianna had hinted at. But was heready for such a responsibility? Professor Emerson's shoes were impossibly difficult to fill.
"I— I'm honored," he stammered. "But are you sure I'm the right person for this?"
Dr. Thornton's stern expression softened slightly. "Professor Emerson specifically recommended you, Chad. He believes in your potential."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut. Emerson, the literary giant, thought he had potential? And he wanted to mentor him? It was almost too much to process.
"I understand this is a big decision," Dr. Thornton continued. "You don't have to answer right away. Take some time to think it over."
Chad nodded, still dazed. "Thank you. I appreciate that. How long do I have to decide?"
"Let's say by the end of next week," Dr. Thornton replied. "We'll need time to make other arrangements if you decline."
As she turned to leave, a thought struck him. "Dr. Thornton, wait. I don't need time. My answer is yes."
She raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain? This isn't a decision to be made lightly."
Chad thought of Brianna's cryptic message from the future. "I'm sure. It feels right."
A rare smile crossed Dr. Thornton's face. "Excellent. I'll inform Professor Emerson. He'll be in touch with you about mentoring arrangements."
After she’d left, Chad sat back in his chair, his head spinning. Had he just altered his future? Or had he simply fulfilled it? The lines between fate and free will were becoming increasingly blurred.
He turned back to his computer, brought up his email, half-expecting to see another message from future Brianna. Thescreen remained stubbornly blank. Whatever connection they'd had seemed to be severed, at least for now.
With a sigh, he returned to grading papers, but his mind kept wandering. What would this new position mean for his career? For his life? And what about Professor Emerson? If he was indeed the mentor Brianna had mentioned, what would happen to him in the coming years?
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Chad went through the motions of teaching classes, but his thoughts were elsewhere. By the time he got home that evening, he was mentally exhausted.
13
Aknock at his door was a bit of an unwelcome distraction. But maybe he had a package to be signed for, or it could be someone he could deal with easily and get rid of.
He didn’t expect to see Brianna standing there. Chad hesitated a little too long, and she jammed her hand on her hip.
“Well, are you going to invite me in, or what?”
“Um… of course. Come in.”
He stepped aside to let Brianna enter. After the bizarre events of the past day, seeing her in the flesh felt surreal.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Brianna said, eyeing him curiously as she walked past. "Everything okay, Mad-hatterson?"
He closed the door, trying to compose himself. "Yeah, just... It's been a weird day. What brings you by?"
Brianna flopped onto his couch, making herself at home. "Can't a girl check on her friend without an interrogation? You sounded pretty freaked out on the phone yesterday."
He sat down across from her, studying her face. This was Brianna. Same heart-shaped face, same auburn hair, same light-green eyes and sassy attitude, but not the future version he'dbeen emailing.How much should I tell her?"About that," he began hesitantly. "You're going to think I’m crazy…”
