The crisp morning air carries the faint scent of freshly cut grass as she makes her way toward the College of Fine Arts.

”Good morning.”

Bette looks up to find James waiting near the entrance, an iPad tucked beneath one arm and a travel mug of coffee in the other.

Bette smiles. ”Morning.”

James falls into step beside her as they continue toward the building. ”Everything’s set for the faculty meeting,” he says, glancing down at his iPad. ”Coffee, refreshments, presentation equipment- they’ve already opened the conference room.”

”Excellent.” Bette nods appreciatively. ”Thank you for taking care of all of that.”

”My pleasure.” They walk in silence for a few steps before James clears his throat. ”So…” he begins carefully. ”As much fun as it is getting out of the office every once in a while…”

Bette glances sideways at him.

”…answering your phones, managing your calendar, coordinating meetings…” He gestures toward the iPad. ”…it might get a little difficult if I’m also responsible for setting up faculty meetings and making sure your classroom is ready for your lectures twice a week.”

Bette slows slightly.

James smiles. “You’re going to need a graduate teaching assistant.”

Bette exhales through her nose. ”Right…Shit. I didn’t even think about that.”

James is already tapping away on the screen. ”I’ll add it to your list.”

Bette laughs. ”Of course you will.”

”Done.”

Bette smirks. ”Thank you.”

”That’s what I’m here for.”

They climb the broad stone staircase leading to the College of Fine Arts.

”So…” James says. ”You nervous?”

Bette smiles without looking at him. ”Not even a little.”

James chuckles. ”I don’t know if I believe that.”

Bette only smiles as they step through the front doors. The lobby opens into a soaring three-story foyer bathed in natural light pouring through skylights overhead.

Student artwork fills nearly every available wall. Bette instinctively slows and studies each piece as they walk, taking in the range of talent and the missed opportunities.

James watches her silently. “I see your wheels turning…”

Bette smiles to herself. ”Just excited to get started.”

James presses the elevator button. ”The faculty meeting is in the Dean’s Conference Room.”