I have to hold back a laugh at his easy question. “Supercells have a deep, persistent mesocyclone and a different vertical velocity. I could give you a math lesson, but I’m not sure anyone else in the room wants to talk about orders and powers.”
“Probably not.” His own laugh is deep and low. “Maybe you can save it for after the group discussion. I’m very fascinated by this subject, and I’d love to hear more, Dr. Monroe.”
His smile isn’t cocky. It’s not smug.
It’s not evenI told you so.
Proudmight be the right word, and he follows it up withanother nudge of his knee. With a wink, pretty blue eyes twinkling in my direction.
“I’ll find you when we’re finished here and we can discuss it in greater detail,” I say, directing my attention back to Dr. Schneider.
“Very interesting observations, Ms. Monroe,” he says.
“Dr. Monroe,” Sebastian corrects.
“My apologies. This next question is for Mr. Dunn. You’re on television, correct?” Dr. Schneider asks.
“I am indeed, sir. Senior meteorologist at ABC. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to explore deeper issues related to our weather systems and climate change as a whole. I—”
“I’m very curious.” Dr. Schneider scoots his chair forward. “Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?”
Sebastian’s smile twists to a frown. “I saw Keanu Reeves at a fundraiser. He was a nice guy.”
“Fascinating. Ms. Monroe, what was your dissertation on while you attended UCF?”
The change of pace throws me off. It takes me a beat to realize Dr. Schneider is talking to me. When I do, I almost fumble my words. “Radar signatures in tropical cyclone tornadoes and nontornadic supercells.”
“And Sebastian, do you fly private when you’re sent across the country to cover weather events? Or commercial?”
“I’m not sure how that’s relevant to our current conversation, unless you want me to analyze private jets and their massive carbon footprint.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ve never met someone who’s been inPeoplemagazine, and it’s fascinating. Ms. Monroe, your research as a woman in this field is—”
“No,” Sebastian says. Firm, concise. A dagger in my chest. “We’re not doing that. You’re singling her out. You’re asking her questions you aren’t asking the rest of us, and it’s uncalled for.”
“It’s only because she doesn’t have the notoriety that—”
“Dennis.” Sebastian looks past me to the man on my other side. “How many followers do you have on social media?”
“Ten on LinkedIn,” Dennis admits. “One is my mom.”
“Quincy.” His eyes cut over to me. “How many followers do you have on social media? Across all platforms?”
“Um.” I play with the sleeve of my blazer. Too many people are looking at me. “Three million.”
“You want to talk about notoriety, Dr. Schneider?” I swear the building shakes under the weight of Sebastian’s stare. “Quincy’s online presence is substantial. Her ability to foster an environment that promotes both learning and safety is remarkable, and she’s done more for the meteorological community than almost everyone in this room.” He pauses for a breath. Clenched fists, chest heaving as if he’s going through battle. “If you’re going to talk to her like she’s not the distinguished meteorologist she’s proven to be, like she doesn’t have the same credentials you have, I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration for this position. It doesn’t hurt my ego to say she’s a better scientist than me, and I don’t want to work for an agency who doesn’t support hiring the most qualified person for the job.”
The interviewer’s table explodes into hushed whispers. There are raised voices and the disgruntled slam of a fist. Dr. Schneider scoffs and stands, storming to the exit. He throws the door open and I jump, only relaxing when the back of Sebastian’s hand brushes against mine.
I keep my face neutral. I don’t show any surprise, any anger. I’m an emotionless well unaffected by the things said about me.
A deep inhale, followed by a slow exhale. I blow out another long breath, all while Sebastian’s hand stays right there, exactly where I need it the most.
“Dr. Monroe. Please accept my apology on behalf of my colleague,” Dr. Matthews says. “His behavior was inappropriate, and he will be removed from the hiring committee effective immediately. If you are selected for this role, I want you to know you will not be asked to associate with him. He’s based in our Jacksonville field office—though I don’t know for how much longer—so you will not be required to see him again.”
“Oh.” I trace over the graph printed on my stack of research notes, hours of time I won’t get back. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“I think we’ve heard enough for today.” Dr. Matthews stands, the interview finished. The rest of the men follow him. “We’ll be in touch in the coming weeks.”
