Valorous(95)

“No, we won’t.”

“Flynn, you’re not being realistic.”

“Yes, I am. I want to be wherever you are, and I want you wherever I am.”

“So what does that mean for my job in New York?”

“If you want to go back, I’ll go with you.”

“Your life is here.”

“My life is wherever you are.”

“What about when you have to go on location to film?”

“I’ll set up my schedule so I only film in the summer so you can go with me.”

I turn over to face him, my hand flat against his chest. “You’re talking crazy now.”

“No, I’m not. At this point in my career, I can do whatever I want to. I don’t need to shoot three films a year anymore. One is plenty, and I can do it in the summer so you can teach.”

“What’ll you do the rest of the time?”

“Produce other projects. Maybe check out the theater. There’s lots I can do from New York.”

“You’d be bored out of your mind.”

He nuzzles my neck and sets off another attack of goose bumps. “Not if I have you in my bed every night. I could never be bored.”

My cell phone rings, and I reach for it on the table. The display shows a 212 number I don’t recognize. “This could be it.”

“Take the call, sweetheart. Do whatever you want to. We’ll make it work.”

I draw in a deep breath and accept the call. “This is Natalie.”

“Natalie, this is James Poole, chairman of the board at the Emerson School in New York.”

“Hi, Mr. Poole. How are you?”

“I’m doing fine, and hope you’re well?”

I squeeze Flynn’s hand. “Yes, I am.”

“Very good. I’m calling with what I hope you will think is good news. The board of directors has voted to reinstate your position, effective immediately, with back pay, of course. And to address your next question, Mrs. Heffernan has decided to retire.”

I find it interesting, in light of what Leah told me earlier, that they are spinning Mrs. Heffernan’s departure as retirement rather than dismissal.

“I understand that you may feel less than inclined to accept our offer in light of what’s happened, but we all hope that you’ll consider returning to your class and serving out the remainder of your contract as planned. We’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you from the parents of your students. You’ve made a big impression on them.”

“That’s nice to hear.”

“I’d just like to say… I’m very sorry for the way this was handled. Mrs. Heffernan’s actions do not, in any way, reflect the feelings of the board of directors. We believe she acted far too hastily and before she had all the information. I hope that no matter what you decide to do, you’ll accept our heartfelt apology that this happened in the first place.”

“I do. I accept your apology. Thank you.”

“And how do you feel about returning to your class?”

“I’d love to return to my class, but before I decide anything, I need a few days to talk it over with my husband and figure out our plans. I hope you understand.”

“Of course. Please, take your time and let us know your decision when you’re ready. Again, my sincere apologies and best wishes to you no matter what you decide. On a personal note, you have my admiration for what you’ve endured and how you’ve persevered.”

“Thank you,” I say softly, moved by his kind words even if part of me suspects he’s far more concerned about dodging lawsuits than he is about me. “One question…” I figure I’ll never be in a better position to bargain, so why not go for it?

“Of course.”

“I have an elderly twenty-pound dog named Fluff who sleeps all day. I wondered if I come back, if the board would permit her to sleep under my desk. No one will know she’s there, and she’s great with children. She loves them.”

After a hesitant pause, he says, “I’m sure some accommodation could be made.”

“Wonderful. Thank you so much. I’ll be in touch.”

“I look forward to hearing from you.”

We say our good-byes, and I return the phone to the table. “Could you hear all that?” I ask Flynn.

“Yep, and I’m very happy for you that they have realized the error of their ways.”