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Chapter Eight
She loved him. She’d always known he was the most important man in her life, the only one who helped her unconditionally. And he hadn’t hesitated to confess she wasthe woman I’ve cherished for years and couldn’t forget.
How could she keep him? How could she get rid of her odious fiancé once and for all?
Susan changed into a nightgown and sprawled on top of her bed, hugging and punching her pillow. Royce’s words of encouragement echoed in her ears. No negative thoughts for tonight. She touched her lips, smiled ecstatically, and replayed their kisses until she drifted off to sleep.
In the morning, she texted him before even getting out of bed.
Wonderful night. Have a good day. L…
TheL…was forlove.However she didn’t have the guts to write the word yet.
The response came right away.
I dreamed about you. Have a great day. Love.
And another text right away.Deleting your texts as a precaution.
Amazing Royce. He thought about her wellbeing in everything he did. She showered and donned one of her professional outfits, brown pants, yellow shirt with a printed brown scarf tied as a tie, and a brown blazer.
“’Morning, Mae. Your coffee smells good.”
“’Morning sweetie. You look lovely. It’s good to see you smiling for a change.”
“I’m starting my new job today. We have several meetings. I’m so excited, Mae. I want to make it a successful career.”
Mae handed her a cup of coffee and a plate of scrambled eggs with a slice of toast. “I’m sure you’ll be good at whatever you do. Are you having Kasem and Royce for dinner?”
Susan’s smile faded. “No please. I don’t want anyone for dinner. Don’t bother cooking. I’ll take you out for dinner and give you a tour of Cincinnati.”
Mae sighed. “What will I do all day if I don’t cook?”
“Oh dear, you’re right. Mae, go change right away. I want you to drive me to UC. You’ll keep the car and discover the city at your own leisure.”
“What if you need to leave the campus?”
“I won’t. I’ll call you when I need to come back.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were both in the SUV, Mae driving and Susan giving directions. Susan showed her how to reach the underground parking. “I have a sticker on the window, so you won’t have trouble crossing the gate to enter. Now park the car. I have a free hour before my first meeting. I’ll give you a tour.”
She led her mother to the fourth floor where the faculty members had their offices. On their way to her office Susan paused several times to introduce various professors. “Dr. Stacy Canelly. My mother, Carol Chen. Stacy’s office is next to mine.” They chatted for a minute.
“Dr. John Malvin, meet my mother Carol Chen. John was my mentor in psychology during my PhD.”
“Mrs. Chen, you raised a wonderful daughter. Everyone loves her here.”
Mae smiled to her ears. A minute later, they stopped again. “Dr. Joe Tristan, our Dean of Education. My mother, Carol Chen.”
“Mrs. Chen, we were so delighted to hire Susan. She enjoyed such a good reputation. The whole staff wanted her back. She’ll be an asset to our program.”
“Dr. Tristan, I’m very proud of my daughter. I’m sure she’ll be very successful at UC.”
Finally, they reached Susan’s office. Mae insisted on snapping a picture of Susan sitting behind her desk.
“You were absolutely right to return to the States. They value you so much here.”
Susan gave her a tour of the School of Education, the amphitheater, a few smaller classes, the library, cafeteria, and canteen. When she checked her watch, Mae said, “I’d better run away and let you work.”
