"So, Abby" He sighed as he leaned back in his chair, one arm propped on the desk as he brought his thumb to his lips and smiled at me. I squirmed slightly in my seat, my childhood crush and star was never supposed to be my interviewer. "When James told me a few days ago that you were going to be interviewing at my University I couldn't believe my luck." He seemed actually pleased that I was here and I felt my brow furrow in confusion.
"You felt lucky?" I asked slowly "That I, Me, Clutzy Lutsy, was going to try and come work for you?"
He threw his head back to laugh like I just told the funniest joke he'd ever heard and I felt myself flush red again but this time in anger, I ran my hands down my pencil skirt as I stood and then clenched them by my sides. his laughter cut off as he saw me stand and he asked me why with his confused expression.
"Listen, I don't need to be pitied here, if you're just doing this because we grew up together or because my brother is your best friend then I don't want it. I don't want this job bad enough to put up with you mocking me. I know, you know that I'm a mess, the unlucky Lutsy, but I've worked hard on my education and career to get me where I am today and I'm more than damned qualified for this position. I am not the same clumsy little girl." I felt the righteous indigitation rolling off of me in waves and my chest was heaving.
He smirked as he leaned forward, crossing his arms over top the surface of his desk and his eyes scanned the coffee stain on my shirt again, "I wouldn't have you any other way, Abby" he bit his lip and I felt it was only to keep himself from laughing.
"Ugh, you're acting as if we're still teenagers and you can James can just tease me however you please!" I threw my arms up in defeat as I plopped back down on the cushioned chair "I haven't even seen you in years and yet it's like you never left for college." I rolled my eyes.
Charles sat up straight and fix his suit jacket as he cleared his throat "I assure you Dr. Lutsy the only thing that landed you this interview is that we are aware you are highly qualified and we followed your career and papers closely while you obtained your PhD in History and lost languages." He fixed me with a serious stare and I felt my face flush "You're extremely capable of the position and it is yours once we finish the paperwork and my connection with your brother is merely a coincidence."
I sat up straight again as he seemed to be more of the Dean right now then the boy I had known "I appreciate the vote of confidence, Sir." I smiled at him "and I assure you that you won't be disappointed in your choice for my being the head of the History department." I blew a tendril of hair out of my eyesight as I laughed slightly, feeling at ease now "I thought it would be strange to work with someone I knew so long ago but we can keep this professional I'm sure." I smiled fully at him now.
He smiled back at me, his dimples showing as one side of his mouth lifted more than the other "Completely professional, Dr. Lutsy, I assure." He flipped open a packet of papers on his desk and cleared his throat "So, shall we get started with some of the questions to be sure your time here is smooth?"
I nodded and looked down as I prepared to listen and answer his questions.
"Alright, any boyfriends?" He grinned as I narrowed my eyes at him.