PROFESSOR - Section 3

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She read the email a second time, frustrated. Hitting the lock sequence on her work computer, Lilly pushed away from her desk and rose. “I’m headed out.” 

Her shift supervisor glanced up from his own desk, but he was in the middle of a call so he just waved her on. Lilly hurried to her car, annoyed that she was late for the first meeting. She let the car idle as long as she dared in the cold December temperatures, rubbing her hands together while she waited. 

When she arrived, Professor Doughan sat at a small table, his laptop open in front of him. He took a sip from his cup and Lilly assumed it was coffee until she got close enough to smell the cider’s pungent aroma. “Sorry I’m late.” 

She could tell by the slight crinkling of his brow that it bothered him, but he shook his head. “No problem, take a seat. I haven’t seen Christine yet.” 

“She’s not coming.” Lilly settled in the chair across from him. “I just got an email before I left work. Her mother fell ill and she’s headed to Utah to take care of her for a few weeks. She sent me the spreadsheet she used last year to track the vendor stalls. I will make a copy and start calling.” 

“She’s not going to do that part?” He watched her set out her pencil and notepad. 

“I guess I could ask if she will.” Lilly hadn’t thought about it. The vendor stalls were one of the largest money earners of the event so it was key to their success. “I’ll see if she has time to get it done, but I’d rather not wait, in case her mother is in serious condition.” 

“Without a cell phone, it’s going to be a little difficult to coordinate vendors and everything else.” He considered. “I can probably handle that part.” 

“Let me ask Christine first.” Lilly huffed. She flipped open her pad to the plans she’d already started writing out and jotted a reminder. “Now, there are generally a couple different parts to this event. We need to deal with entertainment, food, vendors, games, and decorations.” 

“I’ve already discussed the venue with the dean. He agreed that the side lawn really restricted our exposure and he’s willing to give us the main lawn if we’ll make some concessions.” 

“Concessions?” She didn’t like the sound of that. 

“Like, the university gets three vendor spots to do with as they please, no fees and no percentage of sales.” 

“They do realize that this is a charity fundraising event, don’t they?” 

He settled back in his chair. “Why did you join this board? I looked back at the minutes and you joined less than a month after I joined.” 

“Are we going to rehash this?” She stared him down. “I was madly in love with you and stalked you all over. Yes, I joined the board initially because you were on it. I tried to join the zoo board as well, but they didn’t have any openings.” 

“Why are you still on the board if you’re done stalking me?” The question was serious, but she couldn’t see any hints of anger in his expression. 

“It’s been a few years now, and I actually love the work they do. I feel like I’m doing something small to help our society’s youth realize that they do matter and they are needed. Plus it looks good on my resume to say that I worked on a non-profit board for the last two and a half years.” 

He seemed surprised at her bluntness. “I’m glad to hear that. The cause is just, and they need dedicated members who believe in our goals. Suicide prevention isn’t easy.” 

“What got you into this?” 

“My sister took her own life when she was younger. She got involved in a bunch of chat groups online and she’d stay up all hours of the night with people she considered to be her friends. I don’t know exactly what happened, I just remember that she pulled away more and more. She and I weren’t really close, she’s about your age, actually, so quite a bit younger than me, but it was pretty heartbreaking when my parents called to tell me.” He shook his head. “If I can do something to help other young people find a path out of the darkness, I have to do it. I researched a bunch of other groups, but this is the one that stood out to me.” 

Lilly struggled for a response. “I’m sorry for your loss.” It seemed trite, but she didn’t know a better phrase for her feelings. She wanted to comfort him, but that wasn’t possible. “Let’s eek out every penny then, to help the cause.”  

Professor Doughan’s relaxed grin returned and Lilly felt her constricted chest loosen at the sight. “Alright, so are we okay with the university’s concessions?” 

“I don’t see an alternative, unless we counter their offer with a minimal vendor fee and no percentage on their profits.” 

He nodded. “That sounds reasonable. I’ll ask him tomorrow.” 

He moved down his list, interjecting his thoughts from attending the previous year. Lilly could see that he wanted a few major changes, but after listening to his explanations, she could also see the value. True to his degree, the man began crunching hypothetical numbers half-way through the night projecting them to reach sixty thousand in net profit based on his changes. Lilly couldn’t say that she was quite as optimistic, but what he wanted wouldn’t cost them much, so she was game to try. 

The pair met twice more before Christine returned home. She agreed to handle the sound, lighting and entertainment, not wanting to take on the vendors alone, so Lilly turned her attention to last year’s spreadsheet and started at the top. William took over the layout work for how many vendors they could fit within the new space and what types they would put where. 

By the end of the month they had a concrete plan in place. 

“I’d like to meet Sunday, before our first meeting with the rest of the committee.” Christine said, starting to pack up her things. “I want to make sure we’re on the same page when the rest of the group starts asking questions.” 

“I agree, but I have to work Sunday until about seven.” Lilly glanced toward William, “Is that too late?” 

“Uh,” He tapped his pencil against the table. “I usually don’t do this sort of thing on Sunday, but I understand our limited timeframe. If we can just avoid making a habit of it, I’d appreciate that.” 

“Right, sorry.” Christine said. 

Lilly could see that she was missing something, but she often was where these two were concerned. Christine and William had known each other for years and their prior knowledge often left her in the dark. She refused to admit her lack, however, and kept her frustrations to herself. “So where should we meet, the coffee shop?” 

William’s pencil tapped a little harder. “Would it be okay if we avoided restaurants or stores this time as well? We can meet at my place. I’ll make snacks.” 

Chrstine shrugged. “Sure. Can you text me your address? What time are we thinking?” 

“I could be there about seven thirty.” 

“Seven thirty would be fine with me.” 

Christine rose. “Seven thirty then. Thanks guys.” 

Lilly watched her leave, lips pursed. “Professor Doughan, why is Sunday not a good day for you?” 

“Please don’t call me Professor unless you’re a student in my class. You’re not even a student. Just call me William, or Will.” 

Lilly chided herself for the small thrill she felt at his words. “Okay, William, then what is it about Sundays?” 

“It’s my Sabbath,” he said simply. “I try not to cause others to work that day, and I do my best to focus my thoughts on worship and God. I’m not great at it, and this is definitely a worthwhile cause, but I don’t want to make it a habit.” 

“Ah.” She didn’t really understand, but Pamela was religious too and she’d learned to accept the quirks that came along with that. “Well, then, I’ll see you Sunday.” 

“How many jobs do you work?” 

Caught off guard, she stared at him, trying to understand the question. “Two, at the moment. I’m looking for a third though, if you hear of an opening.” 

“Full-time or part-time?” 

“Part-time, of course.” 

“Why not get one full-time job?” 

“Because I’ve got no skills worth hiring for 40 hours a week.” She grinned, pushing her notebook into her purse. 

“I doubt that.” He closed his laptop and followed her lead in rising and tossing his trash into the garbage. “See you Sunday.” 

* * * 

Tapping her foot, she listened to the ring over the pay phone. Finally, the line clicked on the third ring. “Hello?” 

“Andy! Hi, how was your project yesterday.” 

“Lilly? It went okay. Why didn’t you come?” 

“Sorry. I ran out of gas money, but on the positive side, I got a new job that pays better and it’s closer to—where I’m staying.” 

“You could have called or something.” The pre-teen pout in her words had the opposite effect to the one she’d intended. 

“I am calling. I couldn’t get to a phone yesterday. Remember, no gas?” 

“Still.” She held a grudge, just like their mother. 

“Is Beth there?” 

“She’s here, but she’s in the same room as mom.” 

“So?” 

“Mom’s still mad at you. I think she disowned you.” 

Lilly huffed. “Stop that. She hasn’t disowned me. I moved out because I’m old enough to and not for any other reason.” 

“Are you pregnant?” 

“Andy! What would make you even ask that question?” 

“Mom says that’s why you keep skipping out on your promises, because you’re ashamed of your choices.” 

Lilly bit her tongue hard enough to bring out a tear. She forced out a breath. “Please get Beth.” 

The phone dropped to the counter with a loud bang and she heard distant voices. After a few harsh words Lilly couldn’t quite make out, though she could guess, Beth’s footsteps neared. 

“Hey sis.” 

“You doin’ okay?” 

“Never better.” 

“Is she getting grumpy with you, too?” 

“No. I’m the all-star.” 

“That’s because she doesn’t know you’re dating Phillip.” 

“I broke up with him.” There was a coldness to the words that warned Lilly. 

“What happened?” 

“It’s not a valid conversation topic at the moment.” 

“Okay. Want to meet up after school on Thursday? I got a new job and if everything goes okay for the next three weeks, they said they could guarantee me 35 hours a week, and potentially more.” 

“Does that mean you can start going to school?” Beth’s enthusiasm rose. 

“Well, not yet, but it means I’m one step closer.”  

She heard her mother’s voice in the background. “Ah, gotta go. The date and time specified sounded appropriate. I hope it works out for you.” She covered the mouthpiece. “No, mom, she’s not giving me her due date. Lay off already. Bye sis, have a great night.” 

“Bye Beth. Thanks for believing in me.” 

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