Chapter 5

When their lips finally met, Catherine squeezed her already folded arms around Jackie. Why did she even let her go? She pushed Jackie towards the bed and lay on top of her. While opening the buttons of her shirt, she looked into Jackie's eyes and said, "I missed you... a lot".

In the morning, while grabbing a coffee on the way to her office she thought about the last night's dream. It was surreal but at the same time so realistic. It would be like this if she ever will come across Jackie again. She really missed her. Although she never deleted her phone number, she did not want to get in touch with her.

While going through mails in her office, Catherine saw an invitation to an event organized by the NYU College of Arts and Science. Apparently, all department staff was invited. "OK, this will be great to have a change of scenery."- She thought to herself.

It was an annual gathering of academicians of Arts and Science College. Catherine sat at the table separated for Psychology Department staff. The sound of murmuring spread across the hall. Dean of College made an opening with a warm speech and went through a few changes regarding rules and regulations at the university.

As soon as she finished her talk, everyone around started move chaotically. Psychology staff began talking to professors from other departments. Catherine just had a sip of her wine when professor Walters approached her.

- Professor Stark, do you enjoy the evening?

- Good evening, Professor Walters. I am not so sure. The evening just started. Will see.

- I have to say, I have heard nothing but only good things about you. Both students and teaching staff seems to like you a lot.

- Thank you, Professor Walters. I appreciate your compliments. I hope not to let your expectations down.

- Well, do not forget to communicate with other department staff members. You will meet many interesting people. Let me start by introducing you to one of them.

He grabbed someone passing by.

-Alexandra, can I have your minute? Please let me introduce you to our newest staff member.

Catherine saw a surprised look on Alexandra's face. She definitely did not expect this.

- No need, Professor Walters. We have already met. Professor Stark is a member of midnight library visitors club.

She flashed an innocent smile at Catherine and Catherine responded the same way. Professor Walters acknowledged his mission to be done and left. After he left, Alexandra looked at Catherine, maybe with a hope that she might start the talk. Catherine did not know where to start.

- Did you pass my greetings to your dog?

- No, I forgot. - Catherine laughed at the sudden comment.

- How are you?

- Fine. You?

- I am OK, although a little bit bored. These kind of places are not for me.

- I agree. You are too young for it. Your generation prefers to do fun stuff.

- My generation? - exclaimed Alexandra with wondering eyes. - What do you call fun stuff?

- How should I know? I have passed that phase long ago.

- A-hah! Then what was fun stuff for your generation?

- Most of what we liked back then is illegal these days.

Apparently, this fact amused Alexandra a lot. As she opened her mouth to say something, two professors approached her immediately and drag her into a conversation. Catherine, who was left aside, slowly left the spot. When she turned back to see whether there is anyone left around from the department, she caught Alexandra's glance on herself. Apparently, she was trapped in the conversation she would definitely like to avoid.

Luckily, Catherine find Janette and they started talking.

- I saw you talking to Slonim. Do you know her?

- Yes, I have met her once in the library. We exchanged a few sentences.

- So, what is she like? People who know her talk great things about her.

Catherine felt a sudden change in Janette's demeanor. Before, she was annoyed by the fact that Alexandra might teach a course at the Psychology department, now she acted like a teenage fangirl.

- I do not know. We have not talk so much. She seems to me a little bit arrogant but it might be my imagination.

- I do not like the idea of her being aboard. It feels like underestimation of our teaching abilities. However, she is great at what she does. Did you read her book?

- No, I did not.

- You should. While traveling she interviewed many strangers and noted down everything she heard. Then she analyzed the collected data and made research on relevant literature. This is how her book emerged. She even uses some psychology approaches. Apparently, she is more into Social Psychology.

- I will read the book. Being only one around who did not read it sucks.

Later, a few professors joined them, and after some time, Catherine excused herself to go to lavatory. Once she opened the door, she saw a woman who pressed her back to the wall and bent over her smartphone. She wore a slinky black dress. Catherine recognized Alexandra who did not even bothered to raise her head. Probably, she was hiding here.

- Are you hiding here?

Alexandra raised her head and looked at her. Catherine saw her grinning.

-Yes. The crowd there is terrible.

- They bother you?

- They are boring. It is killing me.

- Why did you come here then?

- I have missed a few events like this and I could not say no again. I am out of excuses.

Catherine smiled at her empathetically. She knew how Jackie hated crowds where she was constantly harassed by question asking strangers. Probably, it is the same with Alexandra.

- You know there are rumors in our department. They say you will teach one of our courses. Is that the reason why you were sure about us meeting again?

- Yes, I got an offer like that and I would like to accept it. I told professor Walters that might not be the best idea. Probably, Psychology staff hates it, right?

- No problem with me. I would not teach the course anyway. I hated qualitative researches a lot. Too much disorganization for me.

- So, what you like is abnormal stuff. That is so organized. – Alexandra teased.

Catherine looked at her curiously. Alexandra had a satisfied look on her face.

- I researched about you a little bit. Read your latest article. Liked it a lot by the way. Especially was surprised to see my name on the reference list.

- I did not know it was you. I realized it later.

- You know, in case you will be interested, I will be happy to invite you for a coffee to discuss your article. Just let me know when you have free time.

She took a business card from her purse. Catherine thanked her before taking the card. Alexandra said she is going to leave.

-See you, Professor Stark. Hope at least you will enjoy this evening.

-Thanks. I will try.

Catherine saw another dream that night and it caught her by surprise.