When you say that, Kayla shakes her head. "I know I should get to know more about campus. I barely remember the tour that they gave me during my final interview."
You hadn't been given any such tour, of course. Dr. Ellison said, "I trust you still remember your way around campus," and you said, "of course!"
"Perhaps I'll schedule myself a walking tour," Kayla continues. "Force myself to experience campus beyond Gilman Hall and the parking lot behind Gilman Hall."
You lift your cappuccino to her. "Consider this a good start."
"I will." She taps her cup against yours. "I needed the walk, and I appreciate this view of campus." Kayla stretches, then relaxes. "I needed air and sun more than I realized. Like a plant. A professorial plant, I suppose."
Sure
"How're you settling in?" you ask Kayla.
Kayla drums her fingers on the arm of her chair. "The work is stimulating and overwhelming. And I am still not truly home on campus, as I mentioned."
"At least I don't have that issue."
"No need to brag," Kayla says, one eyebrow rising above the rim of her glasses.
"I'm not—" you begin, then realize that she's not serious.
"You mentioned feeling behind especially with your service work?" she continues.