AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I slip off the tailgate and stand. “I decided, Caleb.”
He closes the distance between us, tugging me close to him. “I didn’t think you’d do it,” he whispers into my hair.
I half-smile as I recognize the words I told him once, a while ago. “Me neither.”
Caleb pulls back just far enough for me to see his face. “Will you move the horses to Winters Stables instead of the track? They’ll get ridden daily and go out in a big pasture. And you can think about it more, before you decide.”
I nod. “Okay.”
There’s a flash of relief on his face. Something that won’t totally change. If I’m being honest, I experience it too. I don’t have regrets about my decision, and I’m determined not to have them. But it was a big decision to make. Knowing I won’t have to put on a brave face for the sale of the horses I’ve known since they were foals is a relief.
“How long are you here for?” Caleb asks.
“Not long. I’ve got a meeting with the dean, a tour of campus, and then I have to drive back to Landry for the night feeding. I’m working at the paper tomorrow. And I have a lot to do over the next few weeks.”
He studies me. “You’re sure?”
I don’t need to clarify what he’s asking about. I nod. “I’m sure.”
It’s a relief, honestly, to have finally made a decision.
* * *
The Dean’s Office is cold. A blast of air conditioning permeates my clothes, forming goosebumps on my skin. I step toward the large desk decorated with a vase of daisies. A rotating fan sends their sweet, floral scent straight at me as I approach the stern-looking receptionist.
“Hello. Can I help you?” she asks me, glancing away from her computer screen.
“Hi. Yes. I’m Lennon Matthews. I have an appointment with Dean Williams.”
The woman nods, her stoic expression unchanging. “I’ll let her know you’re here.”
“Thank you,” I reply.
“Would you like some tea? Water?” she asks.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
She nods, then returns her gaze to the computer.
I glance at the paintings lining the walls before taking a seat on the very edge of one of the velvet topped chairs along the wall. I stare at the empty seats across from me and fiddle with the hem of my shirt. I’m wearing a nice pair of shorts with it, but I suddenly worry I should have worn a skirt. Or a dress. My advisor at Richardson Community College would regularly show up for our meetings in jeans and a faded T-shirt. This is much nicer than I was expecting.
“Lennon Matthews?”
“That’s me.” I stand and shake the hand of the woman who called my name. Her tight bun is paired with a friendly smile.
“Wonderful to meet you, Lennon. I’m Dean Williams.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” I reply.
“My office is this way.”
I follow her down the hallway to a nondescript wooden door. The interior is elegant, filled with more oil paintings complemented by dark wooden accents.
Dean Williams takes a seat behind the desk that takes up most of the space in the room and gestures for me to sit in the chair angled across from her.
“How are you, Lennon?”
“I’m good, thanks. You?” I reply stiffly.
