Business as Usual (Off The Subject) Read Online Free PDF

to mention that.
    He watches me for a long moment. “What are your qualifications?”
    “I’m a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. I’ve had over twenty-hours of math courses with a 3.8 GPA.”
    He gives a brisk nod. “I’ll need a copy of your transcripts and a recommendation from one of your mathematics instructors. I’ll also need a copy of your schedule.”
    While I don’t necessarily like taking orders from a guy who’s barely a year ahead of me in school, it’s the way he poses his requests that irks me. The rumors are clearly true—the guy is a demanding dick. “Is that all?” The question blurts out of my mouth without any forethought. If I want this job, I’m going to have to rein in the attitude.
    As expected, Pendergraft doesn’t look amused. “I haven’t posted the position, but I’ll hold off if you can get me everything by this afternoon.”
    I give a quick nod. “Can do. When would I start?”
    “If your information checks out, you can start today if you like. The sooner, the better.” Then he tells me the hourly wage, which is higher than I’d expected. “We’ll work around your schedule, of course.”
    “Thank you.” I only hope I won’t regret this, despite the pay. It’s only for three months , I tell myself. I can do anything for three months. Can’t I?

 
     
     
Chapter Three
     
     
    Lexi
     
    I knock on the door of Dr. Tyree’s office promptly at four o’clock, my stomach a bundle of nerves.
    He looks up from his desk, a bright smile on his face as he sets down his pen. “Lexi, come in. You’ve had me intrigued since our phone call this morning.”
    As I walk into the room, he motions to a chair beside his desk. I sit down and pull a folder out of my bag and place it on his desk. “As I mentioned, my independent study class this semester focuses on my liaison work with the children’s charity and the expansion of their summer program to include middle-schoolers. But I want to take this beyond the basics of child care. I’d like to make it a fun experience that will excite the kids. Let’s face it, it’s hard to make a tween or early teen do anything they don’t want to do.”
    “You’re preaching to the choir.” Dr. Tyree smiles and tips a picture frame in my direction. “I have a twelve-year-old daughter.”
    “So you understand the importance of making sure they’re engaged.” I open the folder and slide out one of the papers. “I’m proposing an interactive program. Although a park has been lined up to host the original proposed project, I’d like my expanded project to be held at the university, with the permission of the school, of course.”
    He watches me, his face expressionless.
    “Each middle-school-aged child in the program would pick a schedule of courses that would last for a week or two.” I then explain my concept, giving several ideas for courses and how the scheduling would work.
    He looks over the document I gave him and removes his glasses. “This is a very ambitious project, Lexi.”
    I nod my agreement.
    “Do you think you have enough time to pull this together and implement it this year? You’re only a sophomore. Perhaps it would be better for your sanity if you plan on launching it next summer.”
    “While I understand your concerns, Dr. Tyree, I’m confident that I can pull this together.”
    A grin tugs the corners of his mouth. “One thing that I’ve learned since you transferred to Southern last fall is that you like a challenge. I suggested this independent study period after you did such a wonderful job coordinating the fundraiser for the charity last fall. If you’re going to take on ambitious projects, you might as well get academic credit for it. If anyone can do this, it’s you.”
    “Thank you for your confidence.”
    “It’s well earned. How’s the play coming along?”
    I tell him about the strong early ticket sales and the support from local businesses. “And the play is actually pretty good