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His nostrils flared as he sniffed at the carrot. “Go on, now,” I encouraged him. “She won’t be happy with either one of us when she comes back and realizes that you lost weight. You don’t want to disappoint her, do you?”
I knew that it wasn’t possible for the horse to really understand me, but he bent his head and ate the damn carrot.
Picking up the phone, I called Kim. I had some apologizing to do.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Jillian
“Ms. Quinn, given the most recent publicity, how do you expect your clients to view you as a professional given the mistakes that you’ve made?” Dr. Ross looked down her pointed nose at me as she tapped her fingers on the table.
It was a wildly inappropriate question. I’d defended my dissertation to the board flawlessly, but I knew that this would come up. It had been three weeks since the disaster with Joyce Reid, and even though critics were tearing her apart and her ratings had dropped after several celebrities had refused to interview with her — Cindy’s work no doubt — the popularity of Joyce Reid didn’t mean much to the board. All they saw was the damage to my reputation, and even though they’d have no choice but to pass me, they could turn their backs on me and discredit me.
“The interview was unfortunate, but I believe I handled myself well, and the public is defending me,” I said calmly as I folded my hands. I’d rehearsed this moment so many times in front of the mirror. “We’ve all made mistakes, haven’t we?”
“I don’t believe that any of us have rashly made such an important decision like marriage at such a young age,” Ross said frostily. “Nor did we embarrass ourselves by letting some con artist fake a divorce.”
“I don’t believe it’s my actions that are in question here, Dr. Ross, but rather the publicity of my actions. Misjudgments in love do happen. You married a man who ran off with his secretary last year.” The woman across from me flinched, but I plowed on. “A cliché I’m sure you should have seen coming. Dr. Patterson’s kid had to be bailed out for drunk driving, only one of a series of misfortunes to befall him.” I turned to look the man beside her in the eye. “And, Dr. Isham—”
“Yes, I believe you’ve made your point,” Isham said quickly as he raised his hand.
“Those mistakes aren’t even a blight on their reputation here at the university. You bringing up my mistake at my orals is inappropriate and suggests that you’re threatening to deny my credentials at the school.” I kept my voice even as I stared at the woman. “The situation has resolved itself, and I’m pleased that Reid’s viewers are rallying around me. I believe the latest headline suggested that I was professional even in the face of my own humiliation. Now, who doesn’t want to work with someone like that?”
There was a moment of silence. “Ms. Quinn, you’ve done very well here,” Isham said finally. “We’ll need to convene, of course, but I expect that congratulations are in order. Yes? We are pleased to have such an distinguished woman in our midst, and you’ll be a credit to our program once you’ve completed your internship.”
Everyone at the table, even Dr. Ross, nodded. Pleased, I stood up and shook their hands. “Thank you so much. I’ve waited a long time to hear that.”
As I walked out, I tried not to jump with glee. It was over. Another chapter of my life was behind me, and I was another step closer to well and truly starting to focus on my career.
And my divorce.
I hadn’t heard a single thing from Brendan or Gordon, but I wasn’t deterred. Now, I had the time to get my own divorce attorney and get the ball rolling.
“Jill.” A cold voice greeted me in the hallway. “I hope you do not mind that I was unable to be on the board today. I was asked to exclude myself from your defense given our previous relationship. I trust that Dr. Ross was acceptable in my place?”
Don. I’d almost forgotten about him. After his last email, I’d sent him my rejection as easily as I could. I knew that his feelings weren’t involved, but I didn’t want to upset him. At the time, I had thought Brendan and I would make it.
Even now, I knew I hadn’t made the wrong decision about Don. I forced what I hoped was a pleasant smile. “Of course not! I understand completely, and Dr. Ross was tough, but they all seem to be in agreement. I’ve passed with flying colors.”
His eyes widened even as his cheeks reddened. “Is that so? I was afraid that recent events might damage your reputation here.”
Was that anger I heard in his voice?
