“There’s need for a new position at the firm across the borders. Here in the states and international. We need a learning and development manager who would work with students from universities who come to us for work experience, and graduates who do their internship and training at our firms. We thought you’d be the man for the job. Essentially we need a teacher, preferably a college professor with the type of experience you’re packing. What do you think about that?”
Pa stares at me with expectancy. I know what it means for him to ask me this. I know how disappointed he was when I didn’t become an attorney.
What do I think?
My interest is definitely piqued. That’s one hell of an opportunity and I’d be an idiot if I didn’t consider it. But… I’m not sure about it. Training the workforce is different to working in an academic environment. I’ve been used to that and I love working in a school.
“It’s very interesting,” I say.
The tension leaves his face and for the first time in my life I actually take note of how bad my father wants me to agree with him and accept this offer. “Well, I’ll take that as something, mi amo. I won’t tell you it will be the same as working at the university. It won’t, and there will be a lot of travelling. On average there maybe a few weeks out of any given month where you’ll have to travel to Italy, or London or any of our other international locations. That might be a good or bad thing in your eyes.”
I hold my breath.
Jesus, just when I think life can’t get any more complicated it does.
In some ways, this job is comparable to the position I’m going after at Raventhorne. As the Head of the Law Department I wouldn’t really be teaching as much as I currently do. The bulk of my job would be making sure the teachers were doing what they’re supposed to do. At the same time I’d hang on to my areas of specialty like company law and the other niche subjects I’ve worked hard to be good at.
Then there’s Paige… I really must be crazy if I’m putting her in the mixture of this contemplation. Travelling may mean not seeing her.
“Is this something I can think about, Pa?”
He sits back against the wicker chair. “Of course. James it’s a good opportunity. What are you not sure about?”
I feel bad for looking obvious in my uncertainty. I can’t help that though. Not today, there’s too much on my mind. “I’ve always seen myself in a university teaching or guiding the teachers in some way. That’s why I’ve been going after the position at Raventhorne.”
“I get it. But forgive me for saying this, your talents are wasted at that place. That is my own opinion. Something new and different but in the same category you love isn’t always a bad thing. It’s still teaching James. This is a good opportunity with good pay. I’ll tell you now that your uncle is very keen on your agreeing to this and will double whatever you’re getting at Raventhorne, or more if that’s what it takes to get you.”
I bite the inside of my lip. That is quite a bait. Money isn’t however going to be the thing to lure me in. I have enough money.
Pa knows that, he’s just trying to sweeten the deal.
“How long until I have to decide?” I ask.
“The sooner the better, but this is something we hope to put together next year. We knew how you’d feel about uprooting in the middle of a school year, so we will wait. I would like an answer though, by Christmas at the latest. That would give you time to really think about it and give me time too, if you turn the offer down, to find someone else. I’m hoping you’ll say yes, however. It would be nice to have you be part of the business.”
I nod my head in respect. It all sounds interesting.
Maybe I’m really crazy, after all. It’s a good offer, and I was the one who nearly lost my job today.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell him.
It’s always good to have choice even though I know where my heart lies.
I want to be at Raventhorne, but I know I’ve already complicated that choice by getting involved with Paige.
Every time I’m with her, something happens to me, and I want more. It’s not a fling. I don’t think I ever intended for it to be that.
And,now I’m asking myself that question again. How can I be head of my department when I’m sleeping with one of my students?
I’m buying time with this game. I don’t know how it will all play out, but I’m still playing the game.