Chapter 57

“Yes?” said the professor, again sounding, um, professorial. On Doug, as Todd had said, it would’ve sounded bitchy. Maybe these two were an ideal pairing, after all.

“Um,” said Doug. “Uh,” added Doug. “Um,” repeated Doug.

I sighed. I shook my head. “Do you have dinner plans?” I blurted out.

The professor cocked his head. “You’re a bit young for me, don’t you think?”

I pointed at Doug. “Not me. Him. And he’s way old.”

Doug rolled his eyes my way. We both turned and looked at the professor. The professor looked from me to Doug. I looked at Todd. Todd shrugged. The other patrons stopped eating and drinking and waited for a reply.

Ten seconds later, the professor replied, “I’ll pick you up at eight.” He then turned and headed for his table by the window.

Doug looked about ready to faint.

That was a far better cry than firing me on the spot.

* * * *

“Well?!” I shouted at him the next morning as I stood outside the coffee shop, waiting for him to open it up.