Page 70 of His Last Chase

“Welcome to Intro to Professional Writing. I’m Professor Robinson. All of you should’ve received the class syllabus via email, if you haven’t please see me after class.” I glanced around and the majority didn’t even have the required course book with them. “I see many of you don’t have your book. Did you not receive your schedules?”

There was no way this many students didn’t receive the proper paperwork prior to classes starting. Something was amiss.

“Well, for today’s class just share with your neighbor.” The back door opened and in walked Dean Mitchell. Odd, he’d never once attended a class of mine. As he made his way toward me and stood in front of the podium, my heart raced. Was I being fired?

“Attention students. Anyone who is not registered for this class needs to leave now.”

Rustling and whispers commenced and then half the class stood and exited the hall.

What the hell was happening?

“Dean Mitchell?”

“My apologies, Professor Robinson. I’ll wait for you in your office. Please proceed.” Dean Mitchell exited via the rear door that led directly to my office. I proceeded to run through the syllabus and the expectations I had for my students and managed to dismiss them a few minutes early.

“Dean Mitchell, what in the world is going on?” I asked, beyond frustrated and confused as I entered the office.

“I’m going to cut right to the chase,” he laughed. “Sorry, that wasn’t meant as a joke. Are you dating a man by the name of Chase Prescott?”

“Yes.” Where was he going with this? “Chase isn’t a student and I’ve broken no rules.”

“No, you haven’t, but pictures of the two of you have gone viral and we’ve had to increase campus security due to the extra bodies we have. Your personal life has now impacted your professional one, and not in a positive manner. This is one of the many negatives to having an open campus.” Dean Mitchell shook his head. “The phones are ringing off the hook. Every news outlet has requested access to come on campus and interview Chase’s boyfriend.”

“Shit.”

“Shit is right. Complete and total mayhem has erupted and the only way to shut it down is to get you off campus.”

“Am I being fired?”

“No. You’re a fantastic tenured professor but I believe for the sake of all our sanity and for the safety of not only our students, but you as well, that you should consider taking a sabbatical. Wasn’t there a novel you’d been working on but hadn’t had the time to finish researching?”

Dean Mitchell was a friend, and I caught his hidden meaning. There was a novel but not one of an academic nature. This was his way of helping me out of a tough situation without losing my job or pay.

“Yes. I believe a research sabbatical is in order. Who’ll cover my classes?”

“Don’t worry about that, we’ve got it under control. And just for the record, Casey, I’m happy for you. I hope you’ve found your forever.” Dean Mitchell stood and patted my back.

“I believe I have. Thank you, Dean. I’m sorry for the challenges my personal life has brought you and this educational establishment. I’ll pack my things.” Why was this so easy? Don’t get me wrong, it sucked and was somewhat embarrassing, but the first thing that came to mind was I’d be able to join Chase on the road.

How was it this easy to give up a job I’d worked so damn hard for?

Love. That’s how.

“Enjoy your sabbatical, Casey.”

“Thank you.”

I packed my personal things, logged off the university-issued laptop and left it in my office. What I didn’t expect to find as I left was Richard standing next to my car.

“I heard what happened, is there anything I can do to help?”

I opened the back and slid the box inside. “Honestly, I’m upset that it came to this, but I’m not upset. Does that make any sense?”

Richard smirked. “Yes, it makes total sense. Having seen you and,” he glanced around, “your partner together, it’s meant to be. You’re in love, both of you, and you deserve to be allowed to build a life together. You’re my best friend and Chase is like a son to me. All I want is for both of you to be happy.”

“Thank you, my friend, but I have a favor to ask.”

“Oh yeah, what’s that?”