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Oliver leaned closer. “And if I’d dropped by, explained why I didn’t show…”
They shared a wistful grin.
“It’s a miracle we’re even here,” mused Georgie.
Grateful for lessons learned and second chances, Oliver raised his beer. “A toast: to us, together on an actual date!”
Georgie picked up her wine. “Yes! The first of many.” She clinked Oliver’s glass and joined him, downing a quick sip.
Her merry countenance lingered, watching him take another bite of nam jeun, the medley of exquisite flavours prompting his closed-mouth grin. As he reached for a serviette, his backpack fell off the back of his chair, triggering a gentle reminder. “Oh, before I forget…” Oliver wiped his fingers and unzipped the main compartment, extricating a 5”x5” cube wrapped in frog-covered paper. “This is for you.”
Setting down her glass, Georgie’s eyes lit up as he passed the surprise gift across the table. “Oliver Jönsson!” Her hands plummeted under its weight. “What’d you do?”
“It’s only small. I saw it and thought of you.” Oliver ran his finger along his bottom lip in anticipation, hoping she’d like it.
“The paper’s too cute to tear.” Carefully slicing through the tape with her unused knife, Georgie folded back the wrapping and pried open the box, her parted lips widening into a smile. She reached in and pulled out a small alabaster pyramid. “OLIVER!”
“I thought it might help ward off migraine attacks. You could keep it near your bed.”
Georgie ran her fingers along the amber stone. “It’s so elegant. I love it!”
Thank god. Oliver grinned. “A local sculptor makes them. If all else fails, it’ll make a great paperweight.”
“You are beyond thoughtful. Thank you!” She placed the pyramid on the table, giving it an affectionate pat. “How is work by the way?”
“Hectic. Amalia’s off to Spain for a conference.”
“Another one?” Georgie picked up her wine. “Man, I wanna be her when I grow up! Flying all over, seeing the world, meeting cool people.”
“She’s headed to Egypt afterward. If she has her way, Toronto will be the first stop for a special exhibition of Cairo’s most impressive antiquities.”
“Spain and Egypt?” said Georgie. “Don’t mind me, I’ll be here swallowing my envy. It must be so rewarding to rack up all these exciting accomplishments.”
“But aren’t you on the cusp of one as well?” he asked. “The department head promotion?”
“Maybe.” Dipping her chin, she sipped her wine.
“Is this ‘maybe’ related to the setback you mentioned before?”
The muscle in her jaw tensed. “I…messed up.” Georgie returned her wine glass to the table. “At the museum, as it happens. When I left your exhibit early.”
“You had a good reason,” said Oliver.
“Not according to my boss. As a result, he gave the Vimy Ridge school trip I’ve been working toward for years to another teacher. His buddy Brian, in fact.”
Jaw dropping, Oliver bristled. “How can he get away with that? Is there a way to have his decision overturned?”
“Not really. He told the school board about my early exit, and they made their ruling without speaking to me or finding out what really happened. It’s wild how a split-second decision can change your entire path.” Georgie scrunched the napkin in her lap. “And it’s frustrating because my teaching record is exemplary. I’ve worked my ass off for years. Now I just feel like I’ve been taken for granted.”
“Fuck, that’s not fair.” Oliver fumed. “You deserve so much better, Georgie. And as for that principal, he sounds unethical and unprofessional.” He shook his head. “The board can’t simply ignore all the excellent work you’ve been doing, right?”
“I hope not. I’ve been going above and beyond, doing everything I can to keep my name in promotion discussions. I’m tutoring additional students, helping out more often in the library…”
“Helping me with the presentation.”
Georgie nodded.
“Don’t worry.” Oliver leaned in. “I won’t let you down. We’ll do such a spectacular job that Amalia’s reference will be one they simply cannot ignore.”
