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“Yeah, I have a couple more tests to clear, but the doctor said I’m probably in remission.”
“That’s…” I couldn’t even think of a word for it.
“I know. Carrie and I haven’t stopped crying since we left the doctor’s office ten minutes ago. Mom’s at church praying because she knew I had this appointment this morning and she doesn’t get cell reception there, so she didn’t answer when I called her.”
“I’m so fucking happy for you, man,” I said.
“Thanks. Hey, Mom’s calling me on the other line. I have to go.”
“Okay, let’s talk more later.”
“I love you, Mikey.”
“Love you, too.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Jolie
“Dr. Gizzard,this is excellent work and the committee agrees with me.” Dr. Matello peered at me over his glasses, the most recent version of my dissertation in front of him. “I mean it. This is fantastic.”
“Th-thank you.” I was shocked because technically, I wasn’t doctor anyone yet, but the underlying meaning of his words didn’t escape me. I’d been expecting another excruciating round of revisions, so the fact that I was done was a wonderful surprise.
“I made a few extremely minor changes—one was nothing but a comma—and you’re good to go. Let’s get this baby ready to print and prepare for your defense.”
“Are you sure?” My voice was a whisper of disbelief.
“You’re ready. I’m ready. It’s time. Make sure you invite all the people important to you because your defense day is going to be a big deal for you.”
“Then why do I feel like puking?” I muttered, clasping my hands in front of me.
“Ah, we all feel like that.” He waved a hand. “Sometimes it’s rougher than others, but it’s essentially a done deal, Jolie.”
“Thank you,” I said warmly. “I mean it. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You’ve been an amazing student, mentee, and friend. You also saved my ass with everything you did for Dr. Camalleri. She was driving me nuts, and when you stepped in to help with the analysis, it freed up my time to do all the other things I need to do.”
“I was happy to help,” I said, hoping I sounded sincere.
“You’re a terrible liar,” he said, laughing. “But I appreciate it nonetheless. And a few weeks from now, you’re going to be ready to take the science world by storm.”
“I don’t know about that,” I said. “I don’t have a job yet, and money is becoming a problem. My parents can’t help me forever.”
“Speaking of which,” he said. “I have news. There’s going to be a spot opening up here. Dr. Camalleri is leaving us and I’d like you to take her place.”
My mouth fell open. “Really?”
“It doesn’t pay a lot, but it’s enough to survive and there are benefits like health insurance.”
He went on to give me the details, and my head spun with excitement. He was right that it wasn’t exactly what I’d been looking for, but I enjoyed teaching and I loved being in the lab. Getting paid to do those things would be a bonus.
Even though it meant staying here in St. Louis when I’d just started getting used to the idea of moving. In fact, I had an interview in New York City with my old professor a few days after my thesis defense.
“I can’t give you an answer just yet,” I told him since I felt like I owed it to myself to explore some options before committing to anything. I also wanted to be honest with him because he’d been good to me. “I have an interview coming up that I’d like to see through.”
“I would have been surprised if you gave me an answer right away,” he said, smiling. “Besides, I talked to Joe Kincaid about you just yesterday.”
I stared at him. “You know about my interview in New York?”
