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“All of you need to have one of these. Here.” He hands his to Skylar who stands smiling and nodding like she’s a politician’s wife.
“Jenners, Michael, try one.” Richard motions to them. Each reluctantly takes one from the server. Even he must feel the bad vibe from us. He turns and offers Jett and me one.
“No, thank you.” I bring the whiskey to my lips as Michael, professor in the History Department, holds his hand out to me.
“Well… this is news.” He smiles. “I mean, your groundbreaking grid project, and the Nobel nomination.” He nods, his voice projecting over Miles Davis, and I can’t help but grin at his pathetic attempt at ass-kissing.
“Thanks, Michael. I’m as surprised as you all are. Richard, I thought you were waiting until the end of the semester.”
“Why wait? You’ve been vetted and approved. Diane is ready to travel, and quite frankly, so am I. My kids and grandchildren are going to join us in Greece.” Richard pops the whole tart into his mouth. He does look more relaxed than I’ve seen him in years.
“It’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you, Brett,” Skylar gushes, putting her hand on my forearm. I look down at it, wondering how I was able to stomach her, much less put my dick in her.
“Agreed. You need anything, I’m your man…” Michael keeps on ass-kissing. I completely tune it out, along with all the other sucking up around me as my gaze shifts over his shoulder.
Jordan’s dad David, and I’m assuming his wife, are heading this way. This ought to be interesting. Considering the mood I’m in, it’s a good thing Jett’s standing next to me.
My mind goes to Alex and her beautiful face, and I blink. Shit is getting complicated, and lines have been blurred. Fuck that, they’ve been full-on railroaded over, and with Richard leaving next week…
“I hear we have a new head dean. Congratulations.” David Staple pats Richard’s shoulder so as to maneuver his way in.
“Let me get a couple of bottles of Cristal champagne. Put it on my tab,” David yells to the bartender. Turning, he looks up at me as if I should be impressed by him.
I’m not, not even a little. In fact, that same surge of wanting to beat the shit out of his son doubles when I look at him.
My hand tightens on my drink, and I take a deep swig before I motion to Jett. “David Staple, my brother Jett. I think you know everyone else.” David smiles tightly as he holds out his hand, which Jett ignores.
“Actually, we’ve met. I defended the star in the last movie he produced,” Jett states as David laughs uncomfortably.
“And worth every penny I paid you.” He smiles, turning to Richard.
“When are you announcing? I know the board will want to throw a party. After all, we have one of the most sought-after scholars and leading experts as our new head dean. That’s something that deserves to be publicized.”
Fist in the face, just one good punch…
“Well, I’m officially retiring on Friday. I thought we could have faculty and students come out onto the field and announce it there.”
“Victoria and I would love to host the party at our place.” David grins, and I cut Richard off before he can accept.
“Thank you, but that’s completely unnecessary. Richard’s the one who will be missed. A celebration of all he’s done is definitely needed. Thank you for offering.” The sound of the champagne popping covers most of Jett’s laughter as he excuses himself.
“I need to go find my wife. Richard, I’m thrilled for you.” He holds up his drink as I shoot mine again, already feeling the bourbon going to work. The warmth flows down my throat as I smile at David and his wife’s stunned faces.
“Well, as long as it’s before we leave, I’d be delighted.” Richard takes a glass of Cristal from the tray the server has brought to us.
“We’d still love to have Dean Powers—”
I take the stupid glass of champagne that a server is handing me because I can’t completely spit in their faces.
“I appreciate it, but with all that’s going on, I think I need to focus on how I’ll ever be able to fill this man’s shoes,” I say, smiling at Richard’s own weathered eye raise.
“I’d like to make a toast.” David takes a glass. “To our new head dean and all the great things to come.” He holds his up as I smile and start to drink, letting everyone talk around me.
“Brett?” David moves to my right. “A word, please.”
“Yes?” I stare straight ahead, getting ready to get the fuck out of this area because I see my brother and Raven talking with Reed and Tess Saddington across the room, and would much prefer their company.
“I’m sure there was some kind of misunderstanding with you and my son Jordan, as I hear he was passed over for joining your team.”
