Chapter 6

Charlie just stared at Cindy for a moment before he realized the longer he paused the guiltier he looked "What are you talking about?" Charlie asked as calmly as he could (which wasn't really all that calm at all)

Cindy gave him a look like 'are you kidding me?' "Charlie I heard you on what I think was your anniversary"

Crap "There is no way I can deny this and you believe me is there?"

"No, there isn't" Cindy said a smile playing at her lips

"I have a feeling there is more. This isn't about your curiosity" Charlie said sitting up in his chair realizing this wasn't a friendly, relaxing conference anymore

"And they said you were oblivious"

"What do you want Dr. Harris?" Charlie demanded. He was not going to be threatened by her

"What no more Cindy?" Dr. Harris smiled at Charlie to no effect "Fine. I want something from you"

"Cindy, I don't have all that much money" Charlie spoke keeping his face blank. That was pretty much a lie. He wasn't RICH but he wasn't poor either. He had just bought the house from his dad. He paid for it in cash and the consulting he did paid nicely, and the salary from his job wasn't that bad either

"I don't want money. I have money. I want your mind" Cindy said watching carefully for the reaction she was going to get from Charlie

"My mind? Cindy, I think you need to seek help" Charlie said warily regarding his colleague

"I didn't say brain. I'm smart when compared to the average person but compared to you I'm dumb. I want some recognition in this place. All I hear is 'Professor Eppes' this and 'Charlie' that. Before you came here it was 'Cindy' this and 'Professor Harris' that"

"What do you want from me?" Charlie asked trying not to appear nervous

"I want you to write me an article" Cindy said simply

"Ok. Is there a specific topic or…"

"I don't care what. I just want you to write me an article for the next issue of The Mathematical Association of America"

"Cindy, the cut off for the next issue is in two weeks!" Charlie exclaimed. There was no way he could just come up with an article. It had to be a discovery or a development on an older problem. He had to check it and recheck it. The he had to send it out to be edited, than it had to be corrected and sent out again. If he were lucky it wouldn't get turned down a second time. It normally takes months Charlie thought to himself

"Then I guess you better get cracking. Oh and professor Eppes, if its not published in the next issue then I'm going to pay a very long visit to Dean Adams" With that Cindy turned towards the door and walked out smiling, leaving a very distressed Charlie in her wake

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"Hey sweetie" Amita said walking into the solarium. Charlie merely grunted an answer "What are you working on?" Amita said all happiness dissipating from her voice

"I um got a sudden idea for an article and it needs to be done by um the next issue"

"The next issue of what?" Amita asked looking over the boards. They were filled with equations. It looked like a mix between three types of math

"The Mathematical Association of America" Charlie said pausing on his work. He made a quick sweep of the boards then frowned erasing the last of the boards he had been working on then he continued

"Isn't the deadline for submission in two weeks?" Amita asked becoming quite confused

"Yes which is why I need to work" Charlie answered sharply, giving Amita a pointed look that made it clear he wanted her to leave. Amita turned of her heel and stormed out of the solarium, slamming the door. Charlie turned and stared at the spot where Amita had just been standing. I love you Amita, this is for us, Charlie thought turning back to the board and continuing his work.