Page 38 of Hannah.
Conrad shrugs, expression serene and unbothered. “Oh, you know, the usual academic chaos. It keeps things interesting.”
“What are you studying, by the way? I don’t think I’ve asked you,” I inquire, watching Conrad as he stands in front of me, skillfully maneuvering the long pole through the water.
“I’m doing my MBA,” Conrad replies, a hint of pride in his voice. “I spent a few years dragging out my bachelor's degree, so I only got started on my master’s this year.”
“Oh, and are you gonna work in management or something?” I ask, trying to understand his future plans.
“Yeah, most likely at my family’s trust,” he says, shrugging slightly. His muscles flex with each movement, and I can see the concentration on his face as he navigates us through the tranquil waters.
I decide to lighten the mood a bit. “Who’s your family, by the way? You know about mine, but I know nothing about yours. Are they secret agents or something?” I say with a playful grin.
Conrad chuckles, followed by a shrug. “Oh, just a bunch of barons who enjoy hunting, drinking, and pretending to work between social activities,” he says with a wry smile, though I sense a touch of bitterness behind his words. His eyes briefly meet mine before he looks back to the water, adjusting our course.
As we glide past the majestic buildings of Cambridge, the spires and gothic architecture reflecting in the water, I feel asense of awe. The willow trees line the banks, their branches dipping into the river, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Students and tourists alike stroll along the cobbled paths, adding to the vibrant yet peaceful ambiance.
Despite his smile, I feel I touched a sensitive subject, and decide not to press on. Instead, I glance around the picturesque surroundings. “And what’s your favorite part of the MBA so far?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation to safer grounds.
He seems to relax a bit. “I’d say the strategic management classes. They’re challenging but incredibly rewarding. Plus, the professors are top-notch,” he says, his voice carrying a bit more enthusiasm as he pushes the pole again, the punt gliding smoothly under his control.
“That sounds interesting,” I reply, genuinely intrigued. “Do you have any particular project or paper you’re working on right now?”
“Actually, yes,” he says, brightening up. “I’m working on a case study about sustainable business practices in family-owned companies. It’s fascinating to see how different generations approach sustainability.” He shifts his weight, the punt rocking gently.
“That does sound fascinating,” I agree, feeling the earlier tension dissipate. “Maybe you could share some of your insights with me sometime. It’s always great to learn new perspectives.”
“I’d like that,” he says, his eyes meeting mine with a sincere smile. “Maybe over coffee sometime?”
“Sure,” I say, returning his smile. “I’d like that too.”
The Thursday afternoon unfolds in the gentle rhythm of the punt, the river meandering beneath. I close my eyes and let the sun warm my face, the buzz of the other tour takers surrounding me.
I crack one eye open when Conrad speaks again. “So tell me, Ms. Hannah, have you let your sister know you’ve been hanging out with her ex and his handsome friend Conrad?”
His question makes me crack a quick laugh. “Ha. No, I haven’t. Elise is busy one hundred percent of the time, and I’m positive she wouldn’t care anyway. She has a serious boyfriend.”
“It’s a small world,” he muses. “What were the chances of you running into each other here? Johan said you befriended Astrid before he even realized you were attending the school.”
“That’s right,” I say, leaning back against the edge of the punt, the sun warming my skin. “Have you been friends long, you and Johan?”
Conrad grins. “Since we were freshers, yes. When I met him, Johan was a bit of a lone wolf, you know? Single, focused on his studies to the point where we called him a boring brainiac. But then he started hanging out with me, and things changed for the better.”
I chuckle, imagining a studious Johan buried in books. “Really? I can’t picture that.”
Conrad nods, “Oh, believe me, he was the quintessential academic. But he had this fire in him, especially for archaeology. The guy could talk your ear off about ancient civilizations.”
The punt glides along the riverbanks, passing by willow trees that dip gracefully into the water. I shift my gaze from the scenery to Conrad, engrossed in his stories.
“He was passionate, but once he met me, he learned how to balance it,” Conrad continues, a small smile pulling at his lips at the nostalgic memories. “Despite his brainy pursuits, he always made time for us. Whether it was late-night chats at the pub or impromptu trips, he was there.”
I mirror his smile, but there’s a sadness inside of me. I realize I’ve missed a chapter of Johan’s life, and as much of my thoughtsas he occupies, I don’t know him that well at all. “Sounds like he had a solid routine.”
Conrad agrees, his eyes reflecting fond memories. “Then Astrid appeared on the scene, and it’s been mostly the three of us. But, you know, love has a way of changing things.”
I wince at the mention of love and almost ask Conrad if he thinks that Johan loves Astrid. Of course, I know the truth after their fight and immediate makeup at the party, but something tells me that Johan hasn’t been open with Conrad about his relationship troubles.
The punt glides under an ornate bridge, the sun casting a warm glow on the water. As we navigate the river, I can’t help but wonder if Johan would have committed to Astrid if we had never met.
Conrad notices the shift in my expression. “Hey, don't worry. I’m sure he doesn’t take all of Astrid’s free time. She’ll be able to hang out.”