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ChapterThirty-Two
Though Rick was grateful Olivia had helped clear his name, it didn’t change anything between them. The damage had been done. Not only had she dumped him when he was at his lowest, but she also considered him so unworthy that she didn’t even want to spend her last week of field school with him.
He set his guitar on his cot and strode away from camp, wanting to put some space between himself and Olivia. When his phone buzzed, he removed it from his pocket grudgingly.
Dr. Roth had texted him. We should chat. How about a drink at Spyros?
Despite his sullen mood, Rick wasn’t about to turn down an invitation from his boss. Sure. Be there in ten minutes.
By the time he reached the restaurant, he’d calmed down a little. Dr. Roth was seated at a table on the patio, drinking a beer. Rick joined him and ordered one for himself, but he was unsure of how to start. Should he apologize for lying about the gate? Bring up the Grant issue?
Fortunately, Dr. Roth took the lead. “How are you doing?”
Heartbroken, but I’ll survive.
Rick managed a weak smile. “Better, now that Marisol came to you and confessed.” He looked up as the server set down his beer. “Thanks, Kostas.”
“No problem, Mister Rick,” the boy said. “Nice and cold, the way you like it.”
Dr. Roth waited a minute before speaking. “Why’d you do it?”
“Cover for Marisol, you mean?” Rick asked.
“Yes. You put your reputation on the line for a student you’ve known for all of five weeks. Why bother?”
Rick took a pull of his beer. The cool, refreshing ale went down so easily he could have drained it in a few swallows, but he needed to pace himself. “What I did wasn’t just about her. It was about every student who’s been intimidated or felt like they weren’t good enough. I didn’t want her to leave this field school feeling like she’d failed, just because she made a mistake.”
Like Olivia, back at Clear Lake.
“That’s a noble gesture, but what about you? What about your future? And don’t say it doesn’t matter because we both know that’s not true. What do you want?”
Rather than make up some bullshit about considering a graduate degree, Rick opted for the truth. “Honestly? To keep doing fieldwork until I’m too old to lift a shovel. Either here in the Mediterranean or back in the States. My plans might change at some point, but for now, I feel like that’s enough.”
His shoulders tightened as he waited for a response, hoping Dr. Roth wouldn’t think less of him for not going the full academic route.
But the professor merely shrugged. “It’s more than enough. If you wanted to get a doctorate, I’d tell you to go for it, but I sense your heart wouldn’t be in it.” He gave a rueful smile. “Besides, academia has its own burdens. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone unless they’re sure it’s the path they want.”
Rick might have wanted it when he was nineteen, but his life had followed a different course. It was time he started respecting himself for the choices he’d made. “Thanks. I appreciate your take on things.” He cleared his throat. “Given the job I’ve done this summer, I’d also appreciate it if you could recommend me to your colleague in California. I have a lot to offer.”
“Indeed you do. Can I ask you, though—what really happened at Palaikastro? From what I’ve seen, you’re not the type to go on a drunken bender and show up for work hungover.”
An unexpected laugh broke free of Rick’s throat. “You’re right. I’ve never done any of that—not when I was on the clock. My only mistake was chasing after the wrong woman and pissing off her father.”
Dr. Roth chuckled. “Ah yes, I can relate. I’ve been there myself.”
I’m sure you have.
“I’d like to help you out however I can,” the professor said. “So, I tell you what—not only will I call my colleague, but I’ll also write you a letter of reference for any job you’d like to pursue in the future. Finding someone with your integrity is rare indeed.”
His words boosted Rick’s confidence even further. “Thanks. For what it’s worth, I’d jump at the chance to work with you again.”
“I’d be glad to have you on board. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Grant. Olivia and Marisol told me he’s been bullying the students. But when I spoke to him about it just now, he claimed the two women were overreacting.”
Rick frowned. “They were being honest. Grant’s attitude has been toxic from day one. I’m sorry I didn’t bring it up sooner.”
“Don’t apologize. I should have paid more attention. I’d like to meet with the students and get their feedback—maybe one night after dinner. They deserve to be heard.”
“Great idea. But what about Grant?”
