This is How We End Things by R.J. Jacobs EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
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- Author: R.J. Jacobs
- Language: English
- Genre: Psychological Literary Fiction
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- Size: 2 MB
- Price: Free
SCARLETT
Robert and Scarlett watch through the thick glass of arched windows while
vehicles lumber down University Avenue. It’s late Thursday afternoon, and
the lobby of Hull Hall, home of Dorrance University’s Psychology
Department, is freezing, even for March. Most years, the coldest days have
passed by spring break, but this year winter was late to arrive and stayed
like a party guest who couldn’t read the room. The building’s architecture is
impressive by any standards, even if the vaulted Gothic ceilings have
always seemed vaguely haunted to Scarlett. She bounces on her heels in a
thin thrift store sweater, teeth chattering as she checks the time on her
phone. “Any chance she’s waiting at the back entrance?”
Robert raises an eyebrow. “Surely she wouldn’t stand at a locked door
for this long? And I can handle her orientation thing if you’re pressed for
time.”
“I’m a single parent in a PhD program, pressed for time is my normal
state,” Scarlett says, her smile determined and warm. “This’ll go faster with
two of us. Especially since you have all your ducks in a row, like always.”
Robert chortles. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I’m not sure I
have ducks, and they’re not in a row. This semester, it’s like I have squirrels
and they’re at a rave.”
“In that case, you’ve fooled everyone, including me.” Scarlett shrugs.
As usual, Robert has her smiling—even when the situation might otherwise
be tense. She’s heard the term work spouse before, but had no reference
point for it. But Robert probably is that to her, she thinks, even if it looks
mostly like a close friendship. Which is perfect. Three years after an
emotionally wrought divorce, a close male friend is what’s comfortable.
Two years have passed since Robert led Scarlett’s own orientation, and
since that time, the two have worked together on every project that’s come
their way, including the most recent one—about which only the grad
students and department chair, Joe Lyons, know the details.
Scarlett checks the time again. The department may not have the same
budget as Engineering, but considering their team has become nationally
prominent, the heater should at least work. “It’ll be an adjustment getting
used to another team member, but I guess it’s past time, after winter
graduation. I know Joe needs six on the team. You, me, Britt, Chris,
Elizabeth, and now…Veronica, if she ever shows up. I hope she’s open to
writing grants.”
Robert cocks his head slightly.
“What?”
“Joe hasn’t told you? Veronica doesn’t have a research background. Joe
offered her a place in the PhD program, but she just finished her JD.”
“She’s a lawyer?”
“Not admitted to the bar anywhere yet, as far as I know, but yes,
respecializing in psychology research methods.”
Scarlett traces the toe of her shoe along a tile as she takes the
information in. “Why would the fearless Joe Lyons want someone with a
legal background on our team?”
“Between you and me?”
“Of course.” Scarlett elbows him.
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