Page 3 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
“Those certainly are forms of submission, depending on one’s mindset.” Mr. Reevesworth tapped his fingers together again. “Imperfect, usually, as there’s often very little trust involved. And parenting, well, although I was fortunate in one of my parents, I’ve seen enough over the years to know that those relationships are often not as they seem either. Parents all too often forget that there are two humans in the relationship. Often among people there is submission, but choice-less, desperate submission.”
“You sound like you don’t like people very much.”
“All those relationship judgments would be culturally dependent in perspective.” Mr. Reevesworth smiled and tilted his head to the side, watching Collin. “I enjoy beautiful things. In truth, I’m enthralled with beauty. And order. And enchanting chaos. There are far too many relationships and far too many people in this world who are damaged and unrepaired. They have no trust in themselves or in others.”
Collin narrowed his eyes. “And what does that have to do with our interview?”
“Everything.” Mr. Reevesworth took another sip of his coffee and set the delicate cup back down on the saucer. “You’re in school, yes? Your third year?”
“Yes.”
“But you’re twenty-four.”
“I started later than is traditional.”
“Why is that?”
Collin looked away. “I have a feeling you already know.”
“I have a good idea. I’d rather hear it from you.”
“Excuse me, sir, but this is the least traditional interview ever.”
“Thank you. I do consider that a compliment.”
Collin folded his hands in front of him, leaning on his elbows. “My mother had cancer. I stayed back to help her and to look after my sibling.”
“And how is she doing now?”
Collin smiled. “Really well. She finally got tenure at her university after the chemo was finished.”
“My congratulations to her. Coming back from something that serious is not easy.”
“No. It wasn’t. We’re all proud of her. But if you’re trying to date her through me, give it up. She swore off all men.”
Mr. Reevesworth shook his head. Even his eyes seemed amused. “Although my husband might enjoy female partners now and again, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you, Collin. I have only ever pursued men.”
Collin shifted in his seat. The smile at the end of Mr. Reevesworth’s comment both warmed and unsettled him. He reached for his coffee. It had to be expensive. Best not to waste it. And cream had calories.
“I’m much more interested in you, Collin.”
And there it was again. The sense that Mr. Reevesworth’s interest went far beyond whether or not Collin could show up every day at 8:30 a.m. and make copies properly. “Didn’t you just say you have a husband? What would he think?”
“He would tell me to bring back something pretty and intelligent—and trainable.”
“Trainable.” Collin straightened his spine. “Is that why you were talking about submission just now?”
“Partially. To go much further, my lawyer would insist that you sign an NDA, and I happen to agree with him. But I will tell you this much.” Mr. Reevesworth leaned forward and laced his hands together, his elbows resting on his knees. “My husband and I enjoy adopting young men into our family. We support them, we train them, we enjoy their company. We demand excellence from them, in every way, in every part of their lives. If they need medical care, we see to it. If they require physical training to reach perfection, we guide and support them. If they need assistance in selecting a career, we consult and guide. Each and every one will see a therapist, regularly, for which we will pay. And then, when these men are ready, we release them to the world, the better for our mentorship.”
Collin sank back in his chair, back still straight. “That sounds…” He blinked a few times. “That sounds impossible. What do you get out of it?”
“Companionship. Satisfaction. Pleasure. Entertainment. Minions happy to serve us in taking over the world.”
Collin laughed despite himself. “You don’t look like Mr. Despicable.”
“For which I am grateful. I wouldn’t be overly fond of running a lab full of yellow minions.” Mr. Reevesworth smiled. “What do you say?”
“I don’t think I know you well enough. You’re asking for a lot more than an employer.”
