Page 67 of Seeds of Love
Instead, I clear my throat and step back. “We should probably head back. Write up our findings. You know, actual research stuff.”
“Right,” she says, and I must be imagining the hint of disappointment in her voice.
I’m haulingass across campus, my UMS hoodie doing jack shit against the Colorado wind. March here is like nature’s mood swing – one minute it’s spring, the next it’s trying to freeze your nuts off. Alfie warned me this morning to wear a real coat, but did I listen? No, because I’m a dumbass who thought “it looks sunny” meant “it’s actually warm.”
The air’s so crisp it could snap a frozen twig, which is exactly what my fingers feel like right now. I’m dreaming about the library’s heating system like it’s a tropical paradise when?—
“Freddie! Just the man I wanted to see.”
Fuck me. I know that voice. I turn to see Dr. Reeves striding toward me, his silver hair catching the sunlight like some corporate supervillain’s origin story. Don’t get me wrong, I respect the hell out of him. He’s been in my corner since I switched to environmental science. But right now, all I want is to get inside and thaw my hands before they fall off.
“Dr. Reeves,” I nod.
He claps a hand on my shoulder with the kind of grip that says “you’re not going anywhere, kid.” Students hurry past us, hunched against the cold.
“I’ve got some news you might be interested in,” he says, steering me toward a bench. His tone is the same one Dad used to use when he had a “great investment opportunity” to tell hisbuddies about. “I’ve put your name forward for an internship at EcoTech.”
I blink, my frozen brain taking a second to process. “You... what?”
Dr. Reeves chuckles like I just told a particularly clever joke. “Don’t look so surprised, my boy. I haven’t forgotten how you helped defuse that protest situation last year.”
Right. That situation. The one that cost me Alex’s trust and probably a piece of my soul. Good times.
“You’ve got a good head on your shoulders,” he continues, “and that’s exactly the kind of thinking EcoTech is looking for.”
“That’s... quite an opportunity, sir,” I manage, because what else can I say?Sorry, I’m trying to be less of a corporate sellout these days. Also, the girl I’m in love with would probably never speak to me again.
He leans in close enough that I can smell his coffee breath – it reminds me of my high school math teacher, and I have to refrain from leaning away. “Between you and me, if you keep your grades up, you’ve got a very good shot. It’s a competitive program, of course, but I have a good feeling about you, Freddie.”
His voice drops even lower, as if we’re plotting a heist instead of discussing my future. “You understand how the world really works. I reckon you know how the game gets played.”
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Do I understand the game? Because lately, it feels like I’m playing Monopoly while everyone else is playing Chess.
“I’ll be in touch with any updates,” he says, standing with military precision. His scarf probably costs more than my monthly rent. “It could be your fast track to the big leagues.”
“Actually, sir,” I say before he can leave, the words tumbling out before I lose my nerve. “I’m curious about the company’s environmental stance. I’ve heard some things…”
Dr. Reeves turns back, his expression softening into something almost paternal. “Ah, you’ve been listening to thenews. Let me guess – a certain young woman’s influence?”
I try not to react, but something must show on my face because he chuckles.
“Freddie, let me be frank with you.” He sits back down, gesturing for me to join him. “Yes, mining is messy. Yes, there have been... incidents in the past. But that’s exactlywhywe need people like you.”
I raise an eyebrow, and he leans forward, his voice shifting into an earnest tone that’s either incredibly genuine or so well-rehearsed it could win him an Oscar.
“The consulting division you’d be joining? They’re the ones fighting for change from the inside. Working on sustainable practices, environmental protection, restoration projects. We can’t shut down every mine in America overnight—the economy would collapse. But we can make them better, safer, cleaner. And still make a profit. It’s a win-win, you see, yes?”
He lets that hang in the air, his words thick with quiet conviction, the faint scent of his cologne mingling with the sterile office environment. His eyes meet mine, piercing, waiting for the right reaction.
“You understand the real world, Freddie,” he continues, his tone softening, coaxing. “You know change doesn’t happen through protests and petitions. It happens through people like you, working within the system to reform it.”
“Yes, of course. I understand. Thank you so much for the opportunity, sir, really.”
He stands up again. “Oh, and Freddie?” He pauses, turning back with a knowing smile. “Their starting salary for graduates? Let’s just say it’s highly competitive andimpressive.”
Fuck. I could fix everything. Take care of my family. Make Dad proud.
He gives me what I think is supposed to be an encouraging look but comes across more as a “mob boss considering whether to make me an offer I can’t refuse.” Then he’s gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my slowly freezing extremities.
