The Drive of Life/The Drives of Our Lives

By Joe Reister

The Story

Anthony Ambrosini just crashed into a hell of a mid-life crisis and he brought company.

He and his wonderful wife split last month, his horrible ex-boss started to take over his organization last week, and his terrifying sister wouldn’t stop laughing when he moved into the basement of their childhood home yesterday. Worse, his ‘aunt’ Muriel might be dying again, and he doesn’t know what to do. He does know that his 30-something staff want to remake his organization or take his job, even though they’re dealing with her dumb fiancé and his baby on the way. But the worst might be that his whole future depends on four college students succeeding when they barely finished high school.

Luckily, Anthony’s turned around terrible situations before, convinced dumber people to do what’s best for themselves more than once and knows that he has a distinct advantage as an educated white man in this chaotic world. Unfortunately, this time he’s not sure he can summon the necessary bluster and bravado to make things right again. But you never know. His friends and family might exceed his expectations and help him get out of his own head… For such are the drives of our lives.

Part 1: The First Day of Class

Chapter 1: Good for the Soul

Who knew? Anthony Ambrosini chuckled at a familiar shiny green Subaru Forester all the way down the street. Looks like being an altar boy might finally pay off. He ignored the once familiar Church of St. Francis Xavier behind him and noticed a flash of cherry red in the green car. Took long enough. He squinted in the drizzly, warm rain, keeping his blue tie dry under the city’s shabby bus stop, and double checked his pressed white shirt and crisp black pants. So, maybe today won’t be as bad as I thought. He raised his thick right arm to the incoming driver. Let’s just hope Patrick had his coffee and wants to give an old pal a ride. He noticed the driver’s clerical collar and frowned at the cherry red button shirt coming into focus. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, still embarrassing himself at forty. He raised his hand higher, seeing the priest’s eyes flicker, and stepped back as the Subaru swerved, screeched and stopped 30 feet past him. Did he just drop an F bomb? He grinned at Patrick shoving his head out the window and muttering the same four-letter word that he couldn’t hear but definitely understood. “You should’ve stopped sooner, pal.” He laughed out loud. “I owe you money.”

“You owe a priest money?” a giant man in a sopping, filthy gray long coat said next to him. “Seriously, Anthony?” The man’s face puckered up under a massive tangle of hair and a beard. “Even I pay priests back.”

“No, you don’t.” Anthony matched the puckered expression and handed the man two twenties. “And remember, appearance counts, Isaac.” He nodded big to the giant man and got the blank reaction he expected. “Looking good makes you feel good, and feeling good helps you take on the world.”

“That didn’t work eight years ago, Anthony.” Isaac took the money with one hand and blew his nose with the other. “What’s different now?”

Almost everything. Anthony frowned at the filthier hand. “A shower wouldn’t hurt either.” He pointed to St. Francis Xavier and started for the Subaru. “And try not to drink it, yes?”

“More familiar advice.” Isaac chuckled, noting the open liquor store with the barred windows across the street, and just stopped himself from stepping forward before turning back. “You know you weren’t the worst social worker.”

“Thanks, Isaac.” He pointed to the huddle of wet college students waiting for the bus huddled under the cracked awning thirty feet away. “And stop scaring people.” The rain picked up just then, and he moved faster with a backhanded wave. “It’s not helping, but a shave and a haircut would.”

“Of course, they would.” Isaac grinned, stroking his long beard and mustache, and watched him pick up the pace to the Subaru before turning back to the liquor store. “And anything’s possible.” He chuckled again. “Remember?”

Hard to forget. Anthony frowned at the falling skies and started to feel the rain through his now damp tie, wrinkling shirt and creasing chinos. “Because life is a wonder.” He put on a smile and then whispered. “Whether you see it or not.”

He sprinted the last thirteen feet to the Subaru to catch Patrick laughing at him.

“Isaac there looks about as interested in your advice as he was seven years ago.” Patrick smiled big in his clerical collar and cherry red button shirt, pointing back to the giant man disappearing into the liquor store, and winked. “Proving life is a wonder, huh?”

“You heard that?” Anthony frowned with the increasing rain and rapped his knuckles on the locked front door. “But can’t see that I’m drowning out here.”

“You forget what happens without an umbrella in this city.” Patrick popped the lock and pointed his thumb back to an incoming bus. “I’m happy to give you bus fare if…”

“Shut up.” Anthony shook his head, seeing the last of the crispness in his shirt and chinos, and fell onto something hard and sharp. “What the…?”

“Careful.” Patrick yanked out the top half of a sharp and pointy Spider-Man hidden under Anthony’s butt. “I’ve got little kids, remember?” He dropped the Lego superhero into the mess of toys in the backseat and nodded further back to the liquor store. “And your friend didn’t want a ride?”

“Isaac’s not that kind of friend.” Anthony yanked out a smaller black and white stuffed beagle from the other side of his seat and dropped it in the mess. “Plus, he’s getting a haircut.”

“I’m sure he is.” Patrick yanked the Subaru back onto the pot holed street. “But that was the deal in your social work days, right?” He made a face at Anthony’s now soaking tie, shirt and chinos. “Appearance counts, can inspire a person to feel better about themselves and therefore change their world?”

“Good memory.” Anthony pulled out the lower half of Spider-Man with a face. “Your kids play with Legos in the car all the time?”

“They do.” He gave him a look. “They’re kids.” He tapped the top edge of his collar. “And you’re right about appearance.” He smiled at his own dry, pressed and crisp outfit. “I get all kinds of respect and deference with the collar.”

“Including that shirt?” Anthony cringed at the cherry red. “It’s so, very, very red, Patrick.” He groaned. “And I’m color blind.” He closed his eyes for a second. “And didn’t Vatican II junk that kind of…?”

“Wrong denomination, Anthony.” Patrick pointed to the mess in the backseat. “Or don’t’ you remember pulling Spider-Man out of your butt 30 seconds ago.” He tugged on the shirt. “And people love the red.” He grinned down at the cherry. “Adore it even.” He raised a red arm high to show off the silk. “You should know that I get compliments every time I wear it.” He rubbed the red sleeve onto Anthony’s wet hand. “See.” He laughed more. “That vibe brings happiness to the world.”

“It does not.” Anthony pushed away Patrick’s arm. “Trust me.” He frowned. “It’s too bright, too shiny, and from any angle it looks like you’re bleeding out or worse.” He breathed deep. “I’m surprised Bishop Salerno didn’t kick you out earlier with that kind of thinking.” He sighed. “You didn’t dress that badly back in the day.”

“We all dressed badly back in the day, Anthony.” Patrick stared at how wet he was. “It was called junior and senior high school, and you had a mullet?”

“Playing hockey for the church, yes.” Anthony grinned big. “It was actually encouraged.” He nudged Patrick in the shoulder. “And when Salerno should’ve kicked you out,” He crossed himself. “High school.” He laughed. “You weren’t even a good altar boy.”

“I was better than you, and if you remember, I finished seminary and got married in the same week.” Patrick zipped through a yellow light. “You were at the wedding.” He gave him a look and pointed west. “And got my oldest a job at Taste three months ago.”

“Marie’s still there?” Anthony gave him a look. “Seriously?” He shuddered. “Frankie didn’t drive her out?”

“Frankie’s fine.” Patrick grinned again. “Always has been.” He almost blushed. “And always will…”

“I don’t want to know that you still have a crush on my little sister, Patrick.” Anthony turned all the way on him while trying to forget Frankie’s forever noticed large bosom and small waist. “Seriously, you’ve been married for…”

“Knock it off.” Patrick ignored the look. “And I wouldn’t say Marie loves Taste.” He shook his head. “It’s a hard job after all, but she seems to like it well enough, or at least as much as any eighteen-year-old is going to enjoy rough restaurant work.” He turned back. “And she wants the money.”

“Who doesn’t?” Anthony laughed, adding some kind of rubbery necklace to the backseat mess, but kept his eyes on Patrick. “And how are Gigi and the twins anyway? Good?”

“Great.” Patrick nodded to the giant mess in the backseat. “Gigi is Gigi, and Aldo and Donna rock. We’re living the dream.” He frowned at some kind of black scribble on the dashboard in front of Anthony. “Life is beautiful, right?”

“Sounds like it.” Anthony squinted at the etched in drawing. “Beats the alternative, yes?

“What a lovely attitude.” Patrick stared at the wet clothes again. “You own an umbrella and raincoat once upon a time?”

“Hat too.” Anthony itched his two-day stubble. “One of those old man fedoras, actually.” He shrugged. “Although I don’t know where it is right now.” He scowled at the continuing rain. “I’d say I’m still ahead, though, you know?”

“Of course, you would.” Patrick snorted out a laugh. “But in comparison.” He grinned at his cherry red shirt again. “I’m shining bright, huh?”

“No, and don’t laugh like that.” Anthony frowned. “Ever again.” He shook his head. “That’s the kind of stuff that got you beat up in junior high.”

“That was one punch. From you. In high school.” Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “When I asked Frankie out.” He shook his head, veering around a city bus and pointed back to it. “And when did you start taking public transportation again, huh?” He sped up through another yellow light. “I thought you gave that up at seventeen.”

“With dad’s beater twenty-five years ago, yes.” Anthony smiled. “Good memory.”

“Last I remember you drove a red ID4, dressed in tailored suits and lived on the right side of the tracks too?” Patrick touched Anthony’s damp shirt with the tip of his finger and pointed him to the west side of the city. “Everything all right at home?” He turned. “Or shouldn’t I ask?”

“You shouldn’t ask.” Anthony held his breath. “But sure. Everything’s fine.” He lifted his wet tie from his chest and squeezed it. “Perfect.” He gestured to the sticky mess of the Subaru and pointed to the pockmarked streets. “My morning commute’s the best.” He breathed again. “And tomorrow should be even better.” He turned with a tight look. “Obviously.”

“Okay, sorry.” Patrick held up a hand. “I was trying for subtlety.” He made a face. “Obviously, it didn’t work.”

“Obviously.” Anthony eyed him. “And heck of a job there, Bishop Salerno level stuff.”

“Okay, fine.” Patrick raised his hands in surrender. “You’re right again.” He shook his head at Anthony. “I apologize.” He breathed. “I didn’t want to intrude, but...”

“We’ve known each other long enough for you to intrude.” Anthony looked at him and grinned. “I beat you up in high school, remember?”

“It was one punch, Anthony.” Patrick raised a finger. “One punch, and…”

“You’ve obviously heard that my life hasn’t been great.” Anthony turned to him again. “And I assume Frankie been spreading her usual gossip, yes?” He tossed a newfound book into the backseat. “But I’m happy to give you the real story if that makes you feel better.” He pointed to the clerical collar. “After all, confession is good for the soul.”

“I’ve heard that.” Patrick frowned. “But I’m Epis…”

“Whatever.” Anthony looked past him. “Frankie’s been telling everyone that Lisa and I separated about a month ago, yes?” They shared a nod. “And it sucks, obviously.” He threw up a hand. “But it was mostly expected, mutual, and we’re trying to resolve it without other lawyers.” He sighed and his face sank an inch. “So, I think we’ll get through it without too much trouble.”

“Okay. You’re coping.” Patrick slowed down with the traffic. “I like that.” He turned. “And Lisa’s…?”

“About as well as you can be getting divorced in your mid-thirties after being together for ten years and married five.” Anthony shrugged and gave him a look. “And I’m fine too.” He pointed to the less crowded right lane. “Thanks for asking.” He ignored Patrick’s tight expression. “The problem was that we weren’t fine together.” He shook his head. “And even our therapist agreed that we’ve been having the same arguments over and over again, and that didn’t bode well if we ever became parents.” He caught his breath. “Which we were seriously thinking about, ye?”

“Um. Yes. Okay.” Patrick stopped as an old but pristine white Dodge Dart ran a red light. “Sorry.” He watched the car jerk to a halt in the middle of the intersection and heard a dozen horns a second later. “I didn’t know all that.” He frowned at the trapped Dart and turned back to Anthony. “So, you’re living…?”

“In our old science teacher’s garden apartment, yes.” Anthony blinked at the Dart. “Remember, Muriel Catera?” He nodded to an old woman in the front passenger seat lecturing the young man driving. “Believe it or not.” He turned back to Patrick with a big laugh and shook his head. “She lives in my old house over on Sherman.”

“What?” Patrick frowned, honking his horn at the Dart too, and turned. “I heard Mrs. Catera had cancer aga...”

“She got better again.” Anthony shrugged and watched the Dart shudder through a narrow path of more honking cars. “A few times now, actually.” He raised four fingers and then pointed to an opening on the left. “But what’s cancer got to do with Muriel being my landlady?”

“Not a thing.” Patrick stared at the Dart drive away. “I guess.” He gave him yet another look. “I mean, that’s great news for her.” He nodded and inched forward. “But it must be weird living in your old basement, no?”

“Only a little.” Anthony chuckled and gave him a look back. “I’m surprised you hadn’t heard.”

“Frankie told me about the separation and Lisa getting the house.” Patrick pushed through the interscection. “She didn’t mention Mrs. Catera or the garden apartment.”

“That sounds about right.” Anthony sat up straight. “My sister and Muriel do not get along exactly.” He breathed deep. “Or at all and never really have.”

“That’s too bad.” Patrick noticed Anthony’s expression dip as they broke through the unsnarling traffic to the rest of the city. “You all right there?”

“About that same as I was few minutes ago.” Anthony made a face at the old, half painted bright blue church in the distance. “I’m guessing Frankie didn’t mention that Fillmore University’s Dan Preiss has his eye on RISE UP, did she?”

“What?” Patrick jerked them into the right lane. “I thought you had a five-year deal with them.” He raised an eyebrow. “And that it was going well?”

“We do, and it was.” Anthony pointed to the approaching taller buildings. “But you know how bureaucracies work, and how seriously mucked up university politics is.”

“Church too.” Patrick made a face. “Arguing over office and parking spaces like they’re the a life and death battle.”

“Exactly.” Anthony sighed. “But unlike the church, colleges don’t even pretend to practice what they preach.” He pointed to the old, ivy covered stone and brick buildings coming into focus. “And Dan wasn’t an altar boy like you and me.”

“Okay.” Patrick’s expression tightened. “But aren’t you working wonders and making the colleges happy with increased numbers and better sophomores?”

“Yes.” Anthony nodded. “But Dan isn’t exactly singing our praises, and Fillmore let their reputation go to their heads about twenty years ago, started dropping in the rankings and then began charging too much for RISE UP’s typically local and working-class students.”

“So.” Patrick gave him a twisted glance. “That sucks on top of Lisa and living in your old basement?”

“It’s about as fun as you’d imagine, Patrick.” Anthony breathed deep. “Yes.” He sighed. “Six weeks ago, I was looking forward to the semester, grilling steaks on my back deck and enjoying a Stella with my glowing wife while we talked about finally starting a family.” He almost frowned. “And today I woke up in a lumpy bed, got dressed out of a suitcase and had to bum a ride off of some dork who’s dressed in a cherry red button down that makes him look like he lost a knife fight.”

“Okay. Sure.” Patrick gave him a look. “Of course.” He took a breath. “And that sucks.” His mouth twisted to the left. “Sorry.” He sped through a yellow light. “I wish I could actually do something for you, Anthony.” He swallowed. “But you might want to think about the bigger picture.” He shrugged. “You know?” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, finding a grin, and pointed to the cherry red again. “Gigi really likes this shirt.”

“Shut up.” Anthony turned and almost laughed. “That’s just the joys of a midlife crisis.” He shook his head. “Mine’s a little bigger, but you obviously get the concept.”

“Not at all.” Patrick turned them to half bright blue brick and stone church on the next block. “I’m a lot younger than…”

“You’re thirty-nine.” Anthony took him in. “And look older.” He did laugh. “A lot older.”

“That’s called having twins in my thirties.” Patrick pointed to the backseat mess. “And I feel younger.” He held up a bright cherry red sleeve again and grinned too. “You know, because of Gigi?”

“Please don’t say that again.” Anthony almost shuddered. “I know Gigi and like her.” He raised a finger. “And don’t tell Frankie about any of this.” He eyed him. “It’s like confession, yes?””

“Yes.” Patrick met his look and nodded. “My fake confessions are just as sacred as Salerno’s.”

“Good.” Anthony smiled. “And you’re definitely middle aged.” He squinted at the shirt and poked him in the belly. “And cherry red isn’t as slimming as you think.” He chuckled. “You’re getting fat.”

“Charming as ever, Anthony.” Patrick pulled into the parking lot, stopping in the first spot, and turned right to him. “Think that’s enough to get you through this?”

“Yes, I’ll be all right.” Anthony sat up but shrugged. “Eventually.” He frowned. “It’s absolutely going to suck for a while, though.” He breathed deep. “I have no doubt.”

“You’re right.” Patrick sat up too. “Sorry.”

They both looked past each other for a moment.

“You know that Counseling degree from twenty years ago might finally be paying off, Patrick.” Anthony clasped him on the shoulder. “And I want you to know that with your help.” He grinned again. “I’ve realized as a charming, well-educated American man, that I’m going to be all right with my white, middle class problems.”

“Okay. Funny.” Patrick closed his eyes. “And of course, you are.” He opened them with a look. “Although it’s quite that simple anymore.”

“It never really was.” Anthony kept grinning. “But you know.” He counted to three with his fingers. “I slept in a comfortable bed last night, have clean if wet clothes on now, and you gave me a ride to work though I haven’t seen you in a while and don’t even like you that much.” He chuckled with a wink and poked him in the belly again. “Sure, my life sucks right now, but I’m going to be all right.” His face twisted around as he took in the cherry red again. “And at least I’m not scaring people with that shirt.”

“Funny.” Patrick gave him a look back. “Hysterical even, but you’re in a deep hole…”

“And talking has made me feel better.” Anthony mock punched him in the arm and then opened the car door. “The Episcopalians might want to reconsider the confession and absolution stuff.” He chuckled. “It did more in ten minutes than my therapist did in the ten months.” He smiled big. “Of course, you gave me a ride too.” He winked again. “Which helped the most.”

“Great.” Patrick sighed and shook his head. “But you should keep up the thera…”

“I know, Patrick.” Anthony shut the door. “Just take the win.” He nodded to the half bright blue old church and the big RISE UP sign on it. “I’ll get the rent tomorrow, yes?”

“Sure.” Patrick opened his window. “But you know.” He shrugged. “It was due yesterday?”

“Yes, but there’s a five day grace period.” Anthony nodded to the Subaru. “Pick me up at the same time and place tomorrow, and I’ll have it for you then.” He shook his head with a laugh. “My checkbook’s somewhere in Mrs. Catera’s garden apartment along with the rest of my life.”

“Fine, but you have other options.” Patrick pointed to the half painted building and the white van two spots over that read ‘College Painters. “You’re already doing whatever you want to the building anyway.”

“Another perk of being a white American man.” Anthony grinned on his way to RISE UP’s back door. “You have a good day, though, yes? I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Sure.” Patrick watched him go. “And you have a good day too.” He grabbed the wheel and started forward. “It’s going to get better.”

“We’ll see.” Anthony turned back and put on a smile. Because that would be something. He shrugged to Patrick and the rest of the world. So, why not?

Chapter 2: Driving Ms. Muriel

“Excuse me, Jack.” Muriel Catera raised her voice to the blond, blue eyed young man next to her. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. She tilted her head at his lopsided grin and the chartreuse Fillmore University hoodie. I don’t ever remember being this young and dumb. She pointed her bony finger to the gas pedal. “That is not a good idea.” She watched him switch his foot too late to the brakes as her pristine, white Dodge Dart blew through the now red light and got jammed in the middle of a busy intersection. Because my Daddy would’ve killed me if I had done this with his Buick. She caught a familiar unshaven face in a green Subaru but kept her eyes on Jack. “You don’t speed up at yellow lights.” Her eyes narrowed and her tone dropped an octave. “Ever.” She noticed him gulping air as the Dart blocked four directions of traffic. “Do you understand me?” She sat straight up in the front passenger seat that had swallowed her a moment ago and somehow looked down on him even though he stood at least a foot taller. “So, you better start listening right now or this first lesson will be your last.” She saw him blink at her and the dozen honking cars and fail to catch his breath. Thank God it was my mother that taught to drive. She watched him breath again and raised that her finger higher. “I said.” She whispered in the same gravelly tone. “Do you understand me, boy?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jack swallowed hard, blinking harder, and saw a car swerve an inch around them. “I’m very sorry, ma’am.” He shook his head. “Very.” He nodded to a path forward. “It won’t happen…”

“Drive.” Muriel pointed him forward. “Now.” She let the seat swallow her again. But even my mother would’ve slapped me something so obviously stupid and dangerous. She kept her eyes on the traffic and stopped herself from smiling. “And I prefer Ms. Muriel to ma’am.” She took in her wrinkly, spotted hands, and her voice returned to normal. “Do you understand that?” She shook her head and chuckled. “Ma’am makes me sounds old.” She showed off her bright blue and white short sleeved cotton tea dress for more mature women, touching her fake pearl necklace with a bit of a flourish, and gave him a wink. “And I, am so clearly not.”

“Yes, ma...” Jack nodded, staring at her obviously dyed brown bob over thick black plastic glasses that covered half of her wrinkled face. “I mean, Ms. Muriel.” He eased the Dart forward to leave the dozens of honking drivers behind. “Sorry. It won’t…”

“Happen again.” Muriel smiled now. “I know.” She patted his knee. “Because I understand that you want to drive safely, it’s our first lesson and we’re all just getting to know each other today.” She turned to the backseat to see three similarly tight faces staring back at her with blinking eyes and open mouths. “Yes?” She nodded. “And soon you’ll find out that despite my occasional tone, I am a sweet little old lady who is just happy to help you learn and keep you safe.” She chuckled at the three in the back now pretending to smile. “Although, once upon a time, I had a reputation for running a tight ship.” She noticed them still staring at her with big eyes and dry mouths. “But that was decades ago, and I don’t think you have too much to worry about now.”

“Yes, ma’am.” They breathed deep with furtive glances at each other and then at Jack. “Ms. Muriel.”

“Good to hear you three can talk.” She smiled more at the nervous brown eyes of a young, curly haired, Latina sitting between a young Black woman with longer braids and bigger eyes and a young, skinny east Asian man who needed a haircut but had the whitest smile she had ever seen. “And that you all look so nice and presentable.” She took in both young women’s bright, loose and low-cut blouses with tight blue jeans and saw that Jack and the young man both wore cargo shorts, with the young man sporting a Toronto Blue Jays t-shirt. Typical boys and girls. She chuckled. Stupid and fancy. A new wrinkle formed between her eyes. What were their names? She gave a curt bow to each one. “Katie, Fabiola, and Edison?” She made half a face saying the young man’s name. “Right?” She nodded. “It’s nice that you let Jack get in some extra practice on our first lesson.” She searched but didn’t find any change in their furtive glances or Edison’s giant smile. “But I’m sure we’re all going to learn a lot in this antique of a car.” She kept waiting for any kind of change in expression before facing front again and pointing Jack to the right. “But first Jack here needs to understand that we always follow the law and not repeat any of that mistakes that led him to this Life Skills class.” She turned right to him. “Correct, young man?” She saw him swallow again, turn her way and nod bigger than before. “Yes?”

“Um. Correct, ma’am.” Jack shifted behind the wheel, catching a look from Katie in the rearview mirror, and sat up straighter. “I mean, yeah, Ms. Muriel. Absolutely. Sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“I can live with ‘ma’am’ for today, Jack.” Muriel stifled a grin and turned to the still big eyed Katie, Fabiola and Edison. “And don’t worry.” She smiled at him driving at exactly 25 miles and right in the middle of lane. “I’m very nice when everybody follows the rules.”

“Yes, Ms. Muriel.” The two young women nodded in unison, and Edison smiled more with a thumb’s up. “Thank you.”

“Good.” Muriel pointed Jack further down the street. “Now let’s make another right on University Place and scout out where your first year of college is.” She supervised him turning ninety degrees and they left behind a dozen local, first floor shops and businesses to see rows short brick buildings and shorter wooden houses in various states of repair. “I’m sure you’re familiar with State College and Fillmore University?”

“A little bit.” Jack turned with a wave at the nearby college students. “I was at Fillmore last year, Ms. Muriel.” He sighed at another look from Katie. “And should’ve done better except I enjoying myself too much in neighborhoods like this one.”

Fabiola and Edison both turned to him.

“Well, I’m glad you know the neighborhood, young man.” Muriel pointed him to some jaywalking students. “Regardless, you should always pay attention to your surroundings when driving.” She raised an eyebrow back to Fabiola, Katie and Edison. “In fact, it’s required just as much as stopping at a yellow light.”

“I think we all know these neighborhoods pretty well, Ms. Muriel.” Katie nodded. “I mean, Fabby and I went to high school a few blocks away and are rooming together at County now.” She shrugged. “We pretty much know everything here, there and in between.” She nudged Fabiola and pointed to a corner bodega. “Like Manny’s Tortas there has the best sandwiches and burgers on this side of the city.”

“Understood, Katie.” Muriel smiled. “And you’re right about Manny’s tortas.” She pointed Jack to a family getting out of a minivan half a block ahead. “But driving’s about being in the moment and keeping everyone inside and outside of the vehicle safe.”

“That sounds like common sense, Ms. Muriel.” Katie shared a look with Fabiola. “Shouldn’t every driver know that?”

“Yeah.” Jack nodded. “Obviously.”

“Every driver should, Katie.” Muriel watched as Jack drove around the family and pointed him left. “But most don’t.” Her smile went crooked. “I’ve noticed most young people get lost in their cars, don’t pay attention to much around them and forget that they’re driving a 4,ooo pound vehicle that could kill somebody in less than a second.” She kept her focus on Katie, but saved an eye for Jack, and a nod to Fabiola and Edison. “So, it’s more than just common sense.” She faced forward again. “Driving involves staying alert to make the best decision for every second you’re in the car.” Her eyes narrowed. “Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Katie’s face tightened with a nod. “I’ll keep an eye out, Ms. Muriel.”

“I’m sure you all will.” Muriel nodded again to Fabiola and Edison and turned back to see Jack slow down with more jaywalkers. “And I’m glad to see you’re paying attention, young man.” She smiled. “I knew you could.”

“Um.” Jack smiled back. “Thank you, Ms….”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Muriel.” Fabiola leaned forward into the front seat with a high voice and pointed to the jaywalkers. “But shouldn’t those students be waiting for us?” Her face twisted and her voice dropped. “You know, since we’re in the car?”

“They should, Fabiola.” Muriel turned with a big nod and smile. “You’re right.” She noticed her almost blush next to Jack. “However, the driver is ultimately responsible if a pedestrian gets hurt.” She frowned at the jaywalkers. “Even if the pedestrians don’t have a lick of sense about their own safety.”

“Really?” Katie frowned, sighing as Jack blushed with Fabiola, and leaned forward into the front seat too. “But that doesn’t make any sense, Ms. Muriel.” She pointed to the jaywalkers. “They’re going to get hit…”

“Or killed.” Fabiola nodded and pointed too. “They should totally be hanging back.”

“You bet they should.” Edison nodded too, drawing everybody’s attention, and smiled more from the other side of the backseat. “You don’t see a lot of people destroying cars by walking into them.”

“Glad to hear your voice, Edison.” Muriel nodded big and smiled bigger. “But you don’t need a license to walk, and you do to drive. And that means you’re the one that needs to be responsible.” She pointed to Jack avoiding yet more students. “Which is why you have to keep an eye on everything and everyone behind the wheel.” She turned to Katie. “No matter how well you know the neighborhood from here to County.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Katie nodded as Fabiola gave her a nudge and Edison caught himself staring at her, and they all noticed the older and larger buildings now lining up on both sides of the street.

“Dang.” Edison’s mouth fell open at the giant manicured grass field surrounded by more than a dozen ivy covered red brick and stone buildings. “I keeping forgetting that Fillmore is so nice.” He shook his head with a laugh. “And a lot nicer than my neighborhood.” He turned to the many Fillmore women showing off on the crowded quad and turned to all the way to Jack. “Better looking too.”

“The beauty of college, Ed.” Jack laughed, stopping at the corner, and smiled at Fabiola through the review mirror. “It’s everywhere.”

“Thanks for sharing.” Katie frowned. “I was worried.” She shook her head and looked past the quad at a newer glass steel and glass residence hall. “You’re right, though.” She ignored Jack and Ed ogling the women. “It is nice here.” She turned to Fabiola. “Before my sister graduated, I spent a lot of time here having too much fun, which is pretty much why I’m here.” She frowned. “I blew off too much of high school.”

That. Muriel turned. Is pretty self-aware for an eighteen-year-old.

“Me too.” Edison shrugged. “I mean.” He nodded big. “What was the point of chemistry anyway?”

“I guess.” Katie shrugged back but sat up. “Or maybe not.” She pointed to a ‘SpeedSmart’ convenient store on the corner. “Because I definitely don’t want to work at some crappy minimum wage job to just make ends meet.” She caught Jack fidget at the store. “And I know it’s corny.” She saw Muriel smile. “But I want to take control of my future.” She shared a look with Fabiola. “Make a difference, you know?”

“Yeah.” Edison turned from the SpeedSmart to her with a nod. “I guess you’re right.”

“She is,” Fabiola nodded and noticed Jack fidget some more. “Life’s too short to be grinding away and just getting by.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Muriel beamed at the young women, getting Jack and Edison’s attention too. “And good points, all.” She raised a bony finger to Katie. “Very good.”

“Um. Okay.” Katie blinked back at Muriel and pointed to Jack stopping at yellow light. “But I still don’t see why we’re learning to drive in the 21^st century.”

“You will.” Muriel shrugged and smiled more. “It’s only the first day.”

“Um.” Katie made a face. “Okay.” She leaned into the front seat again. “Still…?”

“We are so going to kick butt here.” Fabiola nudged Katie with a big smile, pointing to Fillmore’ pristine quad and centuries old buildings, and made eyes at Jack. “Driving, studying and seizing life however we can.”

“Yeah.” Jack made eyes back and eased through the green light. “Sounds great.”

“Let’s hope so.” Katie shook her head at them and Fillmore’s campus. “I just want it to be different for me that it was for my sister.”

“You sure about that, killer?” Jack chuckled, grinning back at a a group of Fillmore students waving to him and smiled at a young man with jet black hair who looked too much like him. “I know Christopher wants to see you.”

“That’s too bad.” Katie stared through the lookalike. “Because I definitely don’t want to see him or hear any of that killer stuff again.” She clicked her tongue and got everybody else’s attention. “I have zero interest in boys or idiots anymore, and Christopher is both.” She side-eyed Jack and poked him hard in the arm. “And if you’re not careful, you’re going to be that stupid soon too.”

“Right.” Jack shook his head. “Whatever you say.” He rubbed his arm. “Katie.”

“What?” Edison lost part of his smile, and he and Fabiola blinked at the two almost side-eyeing each other. “What is happening?”

“Teen drama.” Muriel rolled her eyes at all of them, but frowned at Jack and Katie. “Shocking.”

“I’ll say.” Fabiola made a face at Katie and gestured for more. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ll tell you late…”

“Listen, I was just joking.” Jack glanced back at Katie. “Sorry I said anything, okay?” He smiled and left Fillmore behind. “It’s just that Christopher said…”

“Nope.” Katie raised a hand. “Not happening.”

“Okay.” Jack raised a hand back. “Dropping it.” He turned to the street in front of them. “Fine?”

“Fine.” Katie gave him another look. “Good.”

“Great.” Jack fumed but kept driving. “Wonderful.”

Fabiola and Edison kept staring, and Muriel just sighed.

“I think killer works for you when your name is Katalina Isabella Lopez Rodriguez.” Fabiola nudged Katie. “You know.” She laughed. “It kind of fits your pers…”

“It’s a great nickname.” Edison nodded big and smiled bigger. “I’d die for nickname like that.”

“Me too.” Jack chuckled with a glance back at the two of them. “But…”

“No.” Katie wagged a finger at all of them. “Not happening either.” She shook her head. “At all.” She turned right back to Jack. “Got it?”

“We all got it,” Muriel said with the gravelly voice back and narrower eyes. “Trust me.” She sat up to face everybody. “How couldn’t we get it?” She shooed Katie all the way back and shook her head. “So, how about instead of this flirting and pulling pigtails.” She raised a bony finger to all of them. “Why don’t we use these lessons to learn about each other and get along, instead of whatever that was.” She got a nod from Fabiola and then Katie, saw Jack shrug and then turned to Edison. “Yes?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Edison smiled bigger. “Absolutely.” He nodded to her and everybody else. “What do you want to know, Ms. Muriel?”

“Almost anything you want to tell us, Edison.” Muriel’s tone returned to normal. “But let’s start with something simple.” She smiled big back at him. “Like, what you hope to get out of college?”

Jack and Edison blinked, but Katie and Fabiola nodded big.

“That’s simple?” Katie shared a smile with Fabiola and then made a face. “We had to write two pages to get into the program.”

“How about just a quick summary?” Muriel nodded. “Okay, young lady?”

“Sure, Ms. Muriel.” Katie shrugged. “But…”

“Don’t overthink it.” Jack gave her a look. “Because that’s an easy one and not the answer I gave Fillmore or RISE UP.” He laughed and nodded back to everyone. “I don’t want to join the Army.”

“What?” Ed’s face twisted around while Katie rolled her eyes and Fabiola gave him a look. “You…”

“My Dad said if I couldn’t get good grades, he was signing me up.” Jack laughed but swallowed too. “So, I’m here to prove that last year was a fluke and kick butt so I can become a sophomore next year.”

They all just stared at him.

“Okay.” Muriel’s expression tightened with her own look. “Fair enough.” She shrugged and turned back to Katie. “So…?”

“I wanted to get away from home.” Katie glanced at Fabiola and raised a finger to shut up Jack before he could say anything. “And I know I only got about five miles, but I don’t have to share a room with my younger sister or have my parents asking me what I’m doing every hour of the day.” She breathed. “So, Fabby and I are going to take on school and explore the world together.”

“You’re roommates?” Ed gave them a wide eyed once over. “Seriously?”

“Yeah, at County’s Cleveland Hall.” Fabiola smiled to him and nodded to Jack in the rearview. “You guys should come over. Our room looks great.” She stopped, catching Muriel smiling at her. “Ahem, sorry.” She closed her eyes for a second, breathing deep, and straightened up. “Like Katie, I want to take advantage of the college opportunity, and not just academically.” She glanced again at Jack. “But socially too and personally too.”

“That sounds great.” Muriel smiled back, noticing Jack blush, Katie laugh out loud, and Edison just take in everything and everybody from his corner of the backseat.

“Man, those are some good answers.” Edison took a breath. “Better than mine, that’s for sure.” He pointed east toward the edge of the city. “I’m actually just happy to not be working at my Dad’s store all the time.” He nodded to himself and caught Muriel’s eyes. “And what about you, Ms. Muriel?” He smiled right at her. “What did you get out of college, ma’am?”

“Excuse me?” She blinked and looked past him for a second. “You’re turning the tables on me, huh, Edison?” She smiled, and her face tightened on the college campus in front of them, with the forty year old buildings from when she attended, and she just stopped herself from frowning. “Pretty daring?” She chuckled, tightening her smile, and turned them. “But that’s easy.” She noticed all of their narrowing eyes on her and looked back with wider ones of her own. I wanted the promise of education and freedom. She swallowed but kept up the smile. And instead, I married a man before I had figured out anything about life. She took a breath and nodded. Not that these youngsters need to know that. She just kept up her smile. “I, um, studied Education and Biology at the State College.” She pointed south to the State campus. “Because being a teacher guaranteed me a job when I was young like you.” She nodded mostly to herself, but kept her eyes on all of them. “And I loved science.” She took a breath and pointed ahead a few blocks to RISE UP’s half bright blue brick and stone building. “And now I’m here because I needed to get out and meet young people like yourselves again.” She smiled all the way up to her to her eyes. “See the world I haven’t seen in a while and appreciate life while I still can.”

“While you still can?” Edison lost half of his smile. “What do you…?”

“Wow.” Fabiola nodded to Muriel with big eyes and shared a smile with Katie. “That’s so impressive, Ms. Muriel. Seriously…”

“Yeah.” Katie smiled and Jack nodded. “That’s awesome, Ms. Muriel.”

“You’re too kind.” Muriel bowed. “But thank you.” She nodded to the rainbow-colored RISE UP sign. “This life is amazing, whether you know it or not, and you want to seize every chance you get in it.” She looked past them. “Because, let me tell you.” She laughed. “You only get so many chances.”

“Huh?” Jack slowed down the Dart and turned to Muriel while Fabiola took her a breath, Katie made a face, and Edison pushed the unruly hair out of his face.

“That’s a lot, Ms. Muriel.” He squinted at two familiar and stylishly dressed, thirtyish year old professionals at the RISE UP building. “And isn’t that…”

“Your advisors, Professor Santos and Dr. Lee.” Muriel saw them too. “Yes.” She shared a wave, and then stared at a slower man in a three piece suit turning to the RISE UP building. “And that’s Daniel Preiss…”

“Dean at Fillmore.” Jack grinned, taking in the large man, and flashed a thumb’s up to Fabiola, Katie and Edison. “Yeah.” He laughed. “He got me into RISE UP.”

“After your terrible first year, right?” Katie gave him a look. “Lucky you.”

“Lucky me.” Jack shrugged her off and took in Professor Santos’ tailored black dress in the rearview. “Definitely.”

“Yeah.” Katie raised both eyebrows at the professor too. “You’re right.”

“She is well put together.” Fabiola shared a nod with Katie. “Like, really…”

“Hot.” Edison laughed, craning his neck, but shot a finger gun at Dr. Lee. “And Professor Lee is worth talking to too.”

Jack, Katie and Fabiola all gave him a look.

“Yes.” Muriel noticed but pointed Jack to the RISE UP parking lot and kept her eyes on Daniel Preiss as he waved to a south Asian woman in a green pant suit heading their way. “They’re both good professors.”

“Yeah, we had them in summer orientation, and they were great.” Katie noticed Muriel watching Preiss. “And Mr. Preiss, ma’am? Is he…?”

“Dr. Preiss, and yes.” Muriel turned with a tight smile. “I know he’s already helped one of you with a second chance, and he’s been doing that for decades at Fillmore University, where if I remember right, he’s been a senior dean now, for more than a decade.”

“So.” Fabiola leaned forward. “He’s a good professor too?”

“Yes, but I knew him more as a 7^th grader who liked to read.” Muriel gave him a wave, and he smiled big back. “And if I remember right.” She chuckled to herself. “He enjoyed the Lord of the Rings, like too a lot of other 13 year olds.” She noticed the four students turn to Dr. Preiss with twisted looks. “But that was a long time ago, and I’m sure he’s a good contact for you to all know now.”

“Absolutely.” Jack shrugged, parking the Dart right between the lines, and shut off the engine. “Networking, yeah?”

“Sounds like it.” Katie shook her head at him, half nudging Fabiola and glanced over at Edison. “Right?”

“Yeah.” He sat up, smiling at her attention, and almost shook his head too. “Sure?”

“Okay. So, we’ve obviously got more to learn in the coming weeks.” Muriel gave Edison a look and nodded to Jack, Katie and Fabiola. “But we will get there.” She got out of the Dart, pointing everyone to RISE UP’s back entrance, and turned to Jack. “And you actually did all right today, young man.”

“Thank you, Ms. Muriel.” Jack nodded, and the others just shrugged. “It wasn’t my first time.”

“I know.” Muriel took the keys. “That’s why I want you all to read the state driving manual before our next class.” She came to attention, noting their frowns, and waited for them to straighten up. “You each have your own copy, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Fabiola said for everyone and gave them all a look. “Right?”

They nodded but shrugged too.

“That’s not good enough.” Muriel raised a bony finger at all of them but looked at just Fabiola. “Although I appreciate you stepping up when everyone else went quiet.”

“Um.” Fabiola raised an eyebrow. “Thank you, Ms. Muriel?”

“Good.” Muriel nodded to her and frowned right at Jack, Katie and Edison. “But what I expect from everyone when I give an assignment is a definite, ‘Yes, Ms. Muriel.’” She ushered them closer, and they all stepped right up to her. “Because ‘okay’ could mean almost anything.” She shook her head. “From, you heard what I said, to you didn’t but you don’t want to look like you didn’t, or even, ‘no.’” She noticed them all tighten up and she stepped up even closer to them. “And what I want my students to say.” She gave them all a deep nod and waved for more. “Is…?”

“Yes, Ms. Muriel,” they said as one. “We do.”

“Very good.” Muriel gave them all a long look. “Then you might do all right this year.” She saw Fabiola and Katie nod in agreement, Jack shrug, and Edison keep up the smile. “You just have to do the work, and you’ll be all right.”

“And that worked out of you?” Edison looked right at her. “Ms. Muriel?

“Mostly.” She nodded and then directed them all up to RISE UP’s back door. Not that it’s really any of your business, young man, she thought and gave him a nod. “It certainly gave me a good life.”

All four of them turned to her with their own twisted expressions and raised eyebrows.

“Trust me.” Muriel noticed their faces but still smiled. “It’s mostly a lot of fun.”

Chapter 3: Done Deal

“Doctor. Daniel. Preiss.” Anthony’s smile twisted as he rolled up his sleeves with a nod. “What an unexpected surprise.” He held out a hand. “Here so early on the first day of the semester.” He pointed to the chair to the brand new IKEA kitchen/conference table in the middle of the bright green kitchen. “Luckily, we have plenty for breakfast today.” He gestured to a giant jug of iced coffee, a large pot of hot coffee and an oversized box of Paola’s Donuts on the cluttered counter next to the kitchen sink. “Bao brings in the best and worst every Monday morning.” He raised an eyebrow at Daniel’s tight tailored suit and grabbed an extra mug from above the sink. “Still hot and black, right?”

“Nice to remember my core essence, Tony.” Daniel smiled too, stepping all the way into the kitchen, and stared at a series of video screens loaded with bullet points and chicken scratch ideas. Since you bought me coffee for two years straight and it was always the same order. He took in the list of local businesses and organizations and the bullets points of fundraising and educational ideas with his first sip. What the hell? He raised both eyebrows and stifled a frown at the names of Merit Bank and Trust, HealthFirst Medical Group and CN Transportation Services in big, bold capital letters. “Looks like your brainstorming and fundraising ideas have expanded with the new semester.”

“The joys of an ever changing world.” Anthony prepped himself an iced coffee. “My dad always said that if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving back.” He turned with a shrug. “And we’re planning on striking big with some of the local and international companies through the Life Skills classes, internships and first-time jobs.” He hid a grin behind a sip of iced coffee. “Or at least that’s the hope, Dan. Yes?”

Still and always an ass, Tony. Daniel kept smiling and tipped his cup to Anthony. “I guess not.” He passed by the box of his favorite donuts and sat at the head of the table. “I’m hoping that you don’t mind if we talk a little smaller scale today than big banks and international companies, though.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Anthony grabbed the box of two dozen donuts and placed it in the middle of the table. “I’m always happy to meet with our collegiate partners.” He nudged the box toward Daniel. “You emailed me Friday that you want to discuss our contract?”

“Just like we do every year, Tony.” Daniel sat up in the high backed chair, now frowning all the way at the donuts, but took the largest Boston Cream. And like I telephoned a few of weeks ago. He noticed other people coming into the kitchen but kept his eyes on Anthony. “Apparently there are some clauses in our agreement that kick in after the third year that I thought we should review.”

“Of course.” Anthony’s smile twisted the other way, and he sat down at the opposing head of the table. “And I meant to tell you.” He took half a glazed and pointed west to the State University. “I saw Zuri sing at the University’s Stanley Theatre this weekend?” He whistled. “She looked great and sounded better.” He looked right at Daniel. “Was the lead in Jesus Christ Super Star, Mary Magdalene.” He nodded big. “Showed off an impressive set of pipes and a stage presence that she must have got from her mom.” He shook his head but smiled even more. “She’s come miles since finishing the University’s Performance Master’s program, and you and Caryn can’t be anything but proud.” He shrugged. “Even if she gave up pre-med, right?”

“Right.” Daniel’s smile tightened. “And we are. Of course.” He leaned back into his chair but raised his cup high. “Thank you for mentioning it.” He took a quick sip. And continuing to be an ass. He put his cup back down. “I’m sure Zuri would be happy to hear you saw her.”

“And loved her.” Anthony drank more coffee to hide a smirk. “She definitely made the right choice picking the University over Fillmore.”

“Maybe she did.” Daniel noticed he was drinking out of State University mug. “of course, very school has its specialties.” His smile slipped for a second. “With the ebb and flow changing with the state of their endowment and student populations.”

“I’ve heard that.” Anthony stayed hidden behind his own University coffee cup. “Yes.”

“Of course, change is constant, Dr. Preiss.” The south Asian woman in a green dress appeared at the kitchen door and smiled with a wink at Anthony. “And how are you Professor Anthony Ambrosini?” The almost plumb, thirty something walked over, and he stood to give her a hug. “It’s good to see you’re still clever enough to praise Daniel’s daughter and yet somehow still sound like an ass.” She gave him a peck on the cheek, returning his squeeze, and looked him in the eye. “Sorry to hear about your rough patch.”

“Thanks, Dr. Sarita Patel.” Anthony leaned in close and looked right at her. “It’s good to see you.” He took her in with a gleam in his eye. “It has been too long.”

“We all have a lot going on.” Sarita looked back, brightening, and then nodded. “So, we’ll have to catch up soon.” She pointed her thumb back to a familiar well-dressed woman and man following her into the kitchen. “That way I won’t have to rely on Xiomara and Bao for all the gossip.”

Really? Daniel blinked at Anthony and Sarita’s closeness without even acknowledging Xiomara and Bao and stifled most of a frown. I thought…

“Of course.” Anthony almost smiled at a glimpse of Daniel’s tight expression, but turned to nod at Xiomara and Bao as they took two off the last three chairs at the kitchen table. “Though, I guess we should get this meeting over with all we have to do on the first day of the semester.”

“Good idea, Professor Ambrosini.” Xiomara smiled at Anthony, keeping it up for Sarita, and turned with a raised eyebrow to Daniel. “Should we get started, Dean Preiss?”

“Please.” Daniel acknowledged her and Bao. “Let’s.” He noticed a few students gathering in the lobby outside of the kitchen. “And thank you for taking the time on the first day.” He smiled and then bowed slightly to Bao. “I understand we have reason to celebrate?”

“We do, Dean Preiss.” Bao looked back with a blush. “Thank you.” He caught smiles from Anthony and Xiomara too, returning the slight bow to Daniel, and turned to smile back at Sarita. “We finalized the adoption paperwork last week, and it looks like Josh and I should be getting our baby girl in December.” He blushed and smiled even more. “It all depends on when she’s born, of course.”

“Excellent, Bao.” Daniel lingered on his glowing expression. “That’s the best news I had this year.” He shared a quick nod with Sarita and then turned to Anthony at the far end of the table. “And I’m assuming you’ll take some time with the new blessing.”

“Bao’s already been given three months of leave, Dan.” Anthony bit back a frown, staring back at Daniel’s nodding grin, and then gestured to Xiomara and the sparkle on her ring finger. “And I don’t know if you heard, but…”

“Your number two is engaged. Yes.” Daniel gave Xiomara a wink and an almost lingering stare. Because I make it my business to know the details about the people who will work for me, Tony. He leaned in toward her and examined the diamond and sapphire platinum ring on her finger. “Very nice.” He chuckled and almost grinned at Anthony’s still stifled frown. “And of course, I’m sure RISE UP’s vacation policies and maternity leave is as generous as Fillmore’s.”

“We’re close.” Anthony kept biting back a frown, and Daniel noticed Xiomara doing the same. “But I think you’re jumping the gun a little there, Dan.” He pointed to Xiomara. “She and Ethan are just in the planning stages so…”

“Of course. My apologies, Xiomara.” He turned back and noticed that she now smiled. “I wasn’t suggesting you hurry on either score, believe me.”

“Of course, Dean Preiss.” Xiomara straightened up. “And thank you for the note you sent.” She nodded. “Ethan and I appreciate your kind thoughts.”

“I’ll have to get both of your registries.” Daniel leaned in to both her and Bao, sharing another slight nod with Sarita, and turned back to look straight at Anthony again. “You’ll let us know if you need any help from Fillmore, right, Tony? He noticed Xiomara and Bao shift at hearing the unused nickname for the first time. “You don’t want to be understaffed.”

“Not if the rumors are true, Dan.” Anthony looked back at him. “But are Fillmore’s number of RISE UP students shrinking due to quality and expense issues?” He saw the man’s features tighten him. “I know that County, State and the University are all very happy with how many RISE UP graduates we’ve been sending them.” He turned to get a nod from Xiomara. “And we’ve got a good crop of new students again this Fall.” He got a nod from Bao. “But is Fillmore unhappy with what we’ve been up to in the last three years?”

“We would always prefer more RISE UP students, Tony.” Daniel breathed and just kept up his own smile “Especially since you raise the potential of so many who should have done better in high school.” He caught Sarita’s nod next to him. “And also, because that is what is so clearly spelled out in the RISE UP/Fillmore University contract, no?”

“Yes.” Anthony rediscovered his crooked smile, hitting a remote on the table in front of him, and a photo of Jack Thomas’ mostly blond hair and blue-eyed face flashed onto one of the two video screens. “And you specifically mentioned in a recent memo that you want Jack Thomas here to retake and pass his freshman classes after a subpar performance at Fillmore last year.” He leaned forward with a closer look. “Yes?”

“I did. Yes.” Daniel looked right back with a nod. Because that’s exactly what we already corresponded about multiple times. He ignored the photo and pointed to a window facing the back parking lot. “And did I see Jack taking driving lessons with Muriel Catera, from Hughes School?” He made a face and looked for an answer. “That’s a surprise on multiple levels, Tony.” He shook his head, finding his smile again, and then pointed to Jack’s photo. “I thought he already had a driver’s license, and I could have sworn that I heard that Mrs. Catera was fighting cancer again.”

Sarita, Xiomara and Bao all turned with a raised eyebrow to Anthony.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” He just looked at Daniel but pointed to the photo. “Jack lost his Pennsylvania license this summer after one too many traffic tickets, and Muriel, apologies, Mrs. Catera, has been in remission for the last four months.” His smile straightened out. “She’s feeling great, actually.” He nodded bigger and looked right at Daniel for a quick second. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”

“I didn’t, but that’s great news, Tony. Thank you.” Daniel nodded but didn’t hide his frown. “I’m glad to hear Mrs. Catera’s better again Jack is already learning to make up for past mistakes.” He took a deep breath and put on another smile. “He’s got more than a few, you know.”

“That’s why he’s in RISE UP, right, Dan?” Anthony shared nod with Xiomara and Bao and then turned back to Daniel. “Where we have a detailed plan to get him on track with driving lessons being a big of showing him to live and move forward for a better future.” He to the parking lot. “I’m sure Mrs. Catera will give him some grit whether he wants it or not.”

“Like thousands of seventh graders before him.” Daniel chuckled and shared a look with Anthony. She certainly scared the hell out of me. He tipped his coffee to him. “Good idea.” He took a sip and raised an eyebrow. “I’m surprised you increased the program requirements with all of these life skills, though.” He noticed Sarita’s features tighten up. “I know RISE UP’s your program and all, but isn’t that going to lower your pass rate this year?”

“I doubt it, Dan.” Anthony shrugged and grin. “We’ve done pretty well so far, with 72% of our students moving forward two years ago, and 79% this past year.” Anthony hit the remote again to pull up a comparative chart and kept his eyes on Daniel. “In fact, we’re now doing about thirteen percent better than the average university and nearly twenty percent better than Fillmore.”

“Too true, Anthony.” Sarita smiled. “But RISE UP students only need to meet the County or State College standards.” She looked past Xiomara’s frown nodded to Bao. “Fillmore expects more from its first year students.”

“Um. I’m sorry Dean Patel.” Bao half raised a finger. “That’s not exactly tru…”

“I don’t think today is the time to discuss metrics, Bao.” Anthony raised a finger. “Although I’m happy to take it up when we have more bandwidth, Sarita.” He shared a look with her but turned right to Daniel. “No, I think the real issue is Fillmore’s sudden insistence that RISE UP now needs to hit a 90% pass rate, Daniel.”

“Ninety percent seems excessive, Dr. Preiss.” Xiomara turned to him too. “Few top-notch universities hit that mark with first year students, tnd they aren’t working academically underserved students who are getting a helping hand because of a poor high school experience.”

“You’re not wrong, Professor Santos.” Daniel shrugged and looked right at her. “Regardless, that’s the contract RISE UP lives under after displacing comparable programs from Fillmore, County, State and the University.” He sighed and turned to Anthony. “And if you don’t meet the 90% target this year, Tony, your offices and the program will revert to Fillmore University as we agreed to nearly four years ago.” He gestured to everyone at the table. “Although I’m sure you’ll all be able to continue with the program under Fillmore in some way, shape or form.” He pointed to the graph of RISE UP’s overall statistics with a look at Xiomara and Bao. “After all, you’re right. Your numbers are impressive.” He shared a nod with Sarita. “But we think we can do better with some firmer Fillmore direction.”

Xiomara blinked, and Bao raised an eyebrow.

“And interesting perspective, Dan.” Anthony took it all in with another crooked smile and tighter features. “But that’s just one interpretation of the contract, and not what I remember negotiating four years ago when I first brought this project to you and the other schools.”

“We all have our own perspectives, Tony.” Daniel couldn’t hide all of his grin. And what you remember doesn’t really matter. He pointed west to the Fillmore University campus. “Our legal department remembers things differently and believes that their interpretation of the contract would hold up in court.” He saw both Xiomara and Bao swallow at his words, giving them a smile, and then shrugged at Anthony. “Not that it would ever come to that.”

“I’m sure it wouldn’t, Dan.” Anthony locked eyes with him and just kept up the crooked smile. “Yet I know the original RISE UP contract didn’t include anything about getting Jack Thomas needing to succeed this year after Fillmore failed him last.” His eyes narrowed. “Or did Fillmore’s lawyers discover language to that effect too?”

“Funny, Tony.” Daniel looked right back and sat up straighter. “But I thought helping Jack would easy considering it’s almost in RISE UP’s mission statement, no?”

“And could conveniently net Fillmore a hefty endowment from the owner of the Speedsmart convenient store franchise, yes?” Anthony’s expression twisted between a frown and a smile and he chuckled. “Very convenient.”

“I suppose, but as the good book says, the world works in mysterious ways.” Daniel threw up his hands, watching Anthony stifle a frown, and saw Xiomara and Bao unable to hide their own. “And maybe Jack success will help you hit that 90% pass rate more than you think.”

“Maybe, Dan, but I’m not sure Jack is really college material.” Anthony looked past him at the image of the mostly blond haired, blue eyed young man still on the screen. “He washed out of Fillmore despite all Rita did for him last year.” He nodded to her but turned back to Daniel. “And his RISE UP application came off as him joining the program because his family wants him to. He sighed. “When I talked to him at orientation, he sounded more interested in doing almost anything other than open up a book and regurgitate a bunch of reading for English, History or even the Management class he went out of his way to get.” He took a breath. “And I think you know that, yes?”

“I think, Tony, that you’ve advertised RISE UP to be a cure all for young, disinterested college students” Daniel pointed to the classrooms and lecture hall past the student lobby. “Yes?” He looked Anthony in the eye again. “Didn’t you used to say that almost everybody can get a degree if they just do the work?” He pointed to Jack’s image on the screen and nodded big. “Get him to do the work.” He shrugged. “It’s what you do, isn’t it?”

“For students who want to be here, yes.” Anthony made a face at him. “But if a student doesn’t want to study, there’s nothing anybody can do for him this side of God.”

“Seriously?” Anthony made a face back. “I thought your RISE UP magic would make all the difference to someone like Jack, no?” Daniel looked into Anthony’s eyes again. That is what you wouldn’t shut up about five years ago at Fillmore. He laughed. “I figured Jack and the rest of this year’s student success would be a piece of cake for you and your staff.” He grinned. “After all, you’ve done so much with so many others, no?”

Xiomara frowned. and Bao took a breath.

“Yes, Dan.” Anthony straightened up. “We have.” He nodded big. “I guess getting Jack and the other 199 RISE UP students to Fillmore’s level of academic excellence shouldn’t be that much of a problem.” He laughed too. “After all, we’ve done it before.”

“And look forward to seeing you hit the 90% pass rate.” Daniel smiled.

“I’m sure you do.” Anthony noticed Xiomara and Bao both squirm and caught Sarita shake her head. “Like you said, that’s what we do.” He rapped his knuckles on the conference table next to a thick ‘RISE UP Contract.’ “Even if that 90% is definitely up for interpretation.”

“Our lawyers say otherwise, Tony.” Daniel rapped his knuckles too, giving everyone a look, and stood up from the table. “But I actually have faith that RISE UP’s year will go as I expect.”

“We’ll see what we can do.” Anthony stood up too. “Yes?”

“Of course.” Daniel nodded and caught a look from Sarita. “And, um, apologies.” He turned to Anthony and shrugged. “I was sorry to hear about you and Lisa.”

Xiomara and Bao each froze, and Sarita held her breath.

“I really had a lot of love and respect for the two of you together, and I’m hope you’re both doing all right and can actually work things out no matter your troubles.” Daniel put his hand over his heart and raised a finger to Anthony’s own. “I’m just glad that you’ve found some solace moving back into your childhood home, where Mrs. Catera is if you need some support, no?”

“Yes.” Anthony blinked, staring down at his shoes for a second, and then looked up to see Daniel smile right at him. “Thank you.” His smile was even more crooked. “Daniel.” He breathed deep. “I appreciate it.” His face tightened into three straight lines. “It is.” He nodded. “Something.”

“And let me know if I can do anything, Tony.” Daniel reached out to shake hands with Xiomara and Bao and then patted Anthony on the shoulder. “Please don’t...”

I won’t.” Anthony clasped back Daniel’s shoulder and used it to direct him out to the student lobby. “And thanks for stopping by.” He caught his breath. “It’s always.” He swallowed. “Good to see you.”

“You’re more than welcome, Tony.” Daniel turned to him, failing to conceal a bigger grin, and nodded Sarita to the main entrance on the far side of the building. “And don’t be a stranger.” He followed her out of the student lobby, through the old chapel/lecture hall and past four classrooms when he glanced back to see Anthony frowning at him next to Xiomara and Bao. You self-righteous little prick.

“Well.” Sarita touched his arm with almost a frown. “I’m not sure that went as well as it could have, Daniel.” She turned right to him as the giant doors to the street closed behind them. “Maybe we can…”

“It went fine, Sarita.” Daniel nodded big. “Absolutely fine.” He took the lead. “Anthony Ambrosini and I haven’t cared for each other for nearly seven years and there’s nothing in this world that’s going to change that.” He pulled out a handkerchief from his jacket, wiping the sheen from his forehead, and shrugged big. “Doesn’t matter either.” He chuckled. “We’re still going to take back RISE UP at the end of year no matter what happenes.” He smiled big. “He knows, I know it, and it’s going to kill him.”

“If you say so.” Sarita swallowed and hid a frown behind a cough to keep her face a straight line. “We’ll see.”

“We certainly will.” Daniel smiled even bigger and kept moving forward. And I’m going to love every minute of it.