Page 43 of Crystal Iris
“The baby looks too big,” says a girl with a colorful scarf.
“He does look a little disproportioned. This is probably an early work of da Vinci. He would later master a few things, including the chiaroscuro technique.” I go on about the painting for a while.
I feel better with my first class behind me. I check my phone.I made sure it was tucked away at the bottom of my bag during class so I could focus. No new messages.
I start typing again:Back in the countryside yet?I hit send, put my phone away, and head to the meeting.
Every year, the dean gives his annual talk, and each year, a little more of my soul dies with his hours-long speech.
George sits next to me. He’s always friendly, often finding me at lunch to share his latest papers. He’s a bit of a show-off, but I like him—he makes me laugh. Plus, he has great taste in clothes. Today, he’s wearing a beautiful wool vest that I’m sure has to be vintage. A Scottish flat cap completes the look.
“How are you?” he asks me.
“I’m good. My first group seemed enthusiastic. Yours?”
“Yeah, but they all do on the first day. Then they slowly start to drop out.”
I laugh. “True. How’s the renovation going?”
“The contractor is out to get me, I swear. Every day, he comes up with something else that needs to be done. It’s a money pit, but I can’t help it—I love that house.”
Bethany looks back at us. Our lack of respect for the dean is bothering her.
“Sorry,” I whisper to her and wink at George.
We’re on the hundredth slide when I excuse myself to the bathroom. I check my phone again.
Just arrived. The weather is not much better here.
We’re talking about the weather now?I reply.
You are tough to please, aren’t you, firecracker?he sends immediately.
Firecracker?
Seems appropriate.
You don’t know me well enough to give me a nickname.
I just did.
I send an emoji:eyes rolled.
He sends one back:smiley face.
Do you ever come to the country?he asks.
I’ve been to California.
California doesn’t count.
There was grass, and trees… and wine.
I live in Montana. California is a whole different beast.
Never been.
He sends a photo of his horse by the mountains.
