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Dean Armbruster grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I can’t wait to wipe the floor with the Social Sciences department.” After a moment of awkwardness, he added, “John, this is one of our new associate professors.”
“John Conningsworth,” he introduced, stepping inside to shake my hand.
I struggled to contain my enthusiasm. “I know who you are, sir! I practically worshiped your publication on the benefits of nitrogen dating compared to carbon. I’m Taylor Fox.”
Sam’s smile slipped. “I thought Professor Fox was a man. No offense, of course.”
“None taken! I get that a lot.”
“Your office is next to mine,” John said. “If you ever need an afternoon pick-me-up, I have an espresso machine that is better than anything you’ll get in the faculty lounge. How’s it feel to move up from UC Davis to the big leagues?”
“I’m nervous, but excited!”
“Welcome aboard.” He looked back at the Dean. “I’ll see you there tonight?”
“Don’t be late,” Dean Armbruster replied. “Last time I had trouble saving you a seat.”
John glanced at me. “The paleontology department does Tuesday trivia every week at a local bar. We usually win…” He swung his eyes back at the Dean.
“So I mistook Macedonian history with Romanian,” Dean Armbruster said, rolling his eyes. “That mistake shall not happen again, I assure you.”
I smiled and waited for them to invite me. The seconds ticked off on the antique clock on the Dean’s wall. When neither man said anything, I leaped headfirst into the silence.
“I would love to come! Even if you don’t want me to play, I can watch. I’ll buy the first round for everyone.”
“That’d be lovely,” John replied with a warm smile. “See you there, Taylor.”
He left, and I turned back to the Dean. “I hope I’m not being rude by inviting myself along. I love trivia—I’m a big Jeopardy fan. It’s not the same without Alex Trebek, but I still tune in every night!”
“Not rude at all,” Dean Armbruster said, but his tone contracted his words. “We meet at a bar called Tommy’s at six.It’s about a mile west of here, near downtown.”
“Thank you so much! I can’t wait. And like I said, the first round is on me.”
I gave him a friendly wave and left his office, content that I was going to make some new friends tonight.
