After (The After Series)

What? Why? A million fears seize hold of my mind, and then I remember that
Hardin’s father is the chancellor. I relax a little, only to have my nerves take over
for different reasons. What could he possibly need? I know college doesn’t work
the same way as high school, but I feel as if I am getting called down to the
principal’s office, only the principal happens to be my . . . boyfriend’s? . . . dad.
I pull my bag onto my shoulder and make my way across campus to the
administration building. It’s a long walk and takes me over a half hour. I give the
secretary at the front desk my name and she quickly picks up the phone. I can’t
hear anything except “Dr. Scott.”
“He is ready for you,” she says with a professional smile and points to the
wooden door across the hall.

---

I go over, but before I can knock, the door creaks open and Ken greets me
with a smile. “Tessa, thank you for coming,” he says, guiding me inside, then
gestures for me to sit down. He takes a seat in the large swivel chair behind an
oversize cherrywood desk. I feel much more intimidated by him in this office
than I ever did at his home.
“Sorry for calling you out of class. I didn’t know how else to reach you and
you know reaching Hardin can be . . . difficult.”
“It’s okay, really. Is something wrong?” I ask nervously.
“No, not at all. I have a few things to discuss with you. Let’s start with the
internship.” He leans forward and puts his hands on the desk. “I’m happy to say
that I talked to my friend at Vance, and he would love to meet with you, the
sooner the better. If you’re free tomorrow, that would be best,” he says.
“Really!” I shriek, my excitement bringing me to my feet. Feeling awkward to
be standing, I hastily sit back down. “That’s so great, thank you so much! You
have no idea how much I appreciate it!” I tell him. This is such great news, I
can’t believe he would do this for me.
“It really is my pleasure, Tessa.” He raises his eyebrows with interest. “So,
shall I tell him you will come tomorrow?”
I really don’t want to miss any classes, but this is worth it and I am ahead
anyway. “Yes, that will be great. Thank you again. Wow,” I say and he laughs.
“Now for the second thing, and if you say no, that is perfectly fine. It is more
of a personal request, or favor, I suppose. Your internship at Vance will not be
affected in any way if you decline,” he says and I grow nervous. I nod and he
continues. “I am not sure if Hardin has told you that Karen and I are to be
married next weekend.”
“I knew the wedding was coming up. Oh, and congratulations,” I tell him. I
didn’t know it was that close. My thoughts travel to when Hardin crashed their
home and drank almost an entire bottle of scotch.
He smiles kindly. “Thank you very much. What I was wondering was if there
is any way . . . that you could possibly . . . convince Hardin to come.” His eyes
leave mine and he stares at the wall. “I know this is overstepping my boundaries
here, but I would hate for him not to be there. And honestly, I believe you are the
only one who could convince him to show up. I have asked him a few times and
he said no immediately.” He lets out a frustrated breath.
I have no idea what to say to him. I would love to get Hardin to his father’s
wedding, but I doubt he will listen to me. Why does everyone seem to think he
will? I remember when Ken told me he believes Hardin is in love with me—a
thought that’s as absurd as it is untrue.
“I will certainly talk to him. I would love if he went,” I tell him in all honesty.

---

“Really? Thank you so much, Tessa. I hope you don’t feel pressured to say
yes, though I look forward hopefully to seeing you both there.”