The Waitress With a PhD Who Silenced a Arrogant And Rude Billionaire
Chapter 28
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"I don't know, but I hope not. For both our sakes."Meanwhile, Camille threw herself into her dissertation. With the financial pressure gone, with her mother properly cared for, she could focus. The words came easier now. The research felt fresh and exciting again. She worked at the kitchen table while her mother watched television, the sound of Gloria's laughter and the scratch of Camille's pen creating a domestic symphony she'd missed.One evening, about six weeks after that first dinner, Theodore called. "Are you busy tomorrow?""Working on chapter seven. Why?""I'd like to take you somewhere, if you're willing. It's a surprise, but a good one. I promise."Camille hesitated. Surprises from Theodore could go either way, but she'd learned to trust him at least a little. "Okay. What time?""I'll pick you up at 10:00."The next morning, Theodore arrived in a modest sedan, not the luxury car she'd expected. He wore jeans and a green shirt, looking relaxed and happy."Where are we going?" Camille asked as she got in."You'll see."They drove for 30 minutes, leaving the city and heading into the suburbs. Finally, Theodore pulled up to a modern building with large windows and a sign that read:Riverdale Community Center."What is this?" Camille asked."Come see."Inside, the center was bright and welcoming. Theodore led her down a hallway to a large room filled with computers, desks, and bookshelves. A sign on the door read:Adult Education and Literacy Program."I've been volunteering here," Theodore explained. "Teaching financial literacy classes, helping adults prepare for their GED. It's been eye-opening.""You're teaching?""Turns out I'm decent at it. Who knew?" He smiled, and there was no arrogance in it, just simple pleasure. "But that's not why we're here. I wanted to show you this."He led her to a small office at the back of the room. The nameplate on the door read:Camille Johnson, Director of Language Programs.Camille stared at it, uncomprehending. "What?""The center needs someone to develop and lead language programs: ESL, conversational language classes, cultural integration support. They need someone who understands linguistics and loves teaching. Someone like you.""Theodore, I can't. I'm working on my dissertation.""The position is part-time, 15 hours a week. You could still finish your degree. And it pays well enough that you'd have financial security." He looked at her earnestly. "I know you miss teaching. I know you miss being in the academic world. This isn't the Sorbonne, but it's a start."Camille walked into the small office. It had a desk, a bookshelf, a window overlooking a small garden. It was perfect."I didn't want to presume," Theodore continued. "So I told them I knew someone who might be interested. The job is real, the posting is public. You'd have to interview like anyone else. But I thought—""—You thought I'd want this," Camille finished."Do you?"