Page 73 of When Darkness Calls

“I know. I just wanted to hear you say it.” His smirk widens into a full smile lighting up his whole face. Ethan stands, picking up my bag. “Can I walk you to your meeting?”

I nod, unfolding my legs from their criss-crossed position under the table. “Sure. I can take that.” I hold out my hand for my bag, but he shakes his head, shouldering the strap on top of his backpacks.

“Not a chance. Come on. Logan’s a cool guy, but if you’re a minute late, he’ll think you aren’t coming and be halfway home before you even realize he’s gone.”

“Come in, my dear. Come come.” The older man ushers me into his office with a bright smile and warm heavy hand on my shoulder.

Professor Logan’s office is exactly what I imagined it would be. There are countless film posters covering the gray painted walls. It smells like pine and freshly brewed coffee, and just outside the window behind his dark, wood desk is the most beautiful view of campus and its multi-colored trees.

Below, dozens of people walk by, talking animatedly, and are none-the-wise to us spectators.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Miss Beckett. I’m glad you accepted the invitation to come to my office hours. Most students brush these advisor meetings off, but I believe they are so crucial to keeping on track for a very successful year.”

I nodded in agreement, flashing an encouraging smile. “Of course, Professor Logan, though I will admit my motive was a bit more personal than professional. I’ve been a big fan of yours for years now.”

He peers at me with shocked eyes. “Is that so? I’m honored. Most of my students aren’t aware of who I am, aside from their old, eccentric professor they’ve been stuck with.”

I dismiss his statement with a small laugh. “No, sir. I can assure you I have been a big fan for years. My brother’s best friend was a student in your class, and he sang high praises. I will admit it piqued my interest, so I did my own research, and I can’t say what he said was off the mark. You are truly a phenomenal artist. And after being in your class these few weeks, I can confidently say you’re an exceptional educator.”

A weathered hand rises to grasp his suit lapel. “My, I’m not sure what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, sir. Grayson pointed me in this direction, and I have to say, I am very grateful for him doing so.”

“Grayson?” He lifts gray eyebrows. “As in, Grayson Williams, my old assistant.”

My head turns sharply, “I didn’t know he was an assistant of yours.”

“Oh, yes. It’s been probably three, four years now. But he worked with me as my assistant, and in return I mentored him on his senior project.” Professor Logan states proudly.

“Huh,” I muttered impressed. “He never said anything about it before.”

The older man gives me a sly look, a small smirk playing on his face. “I take it the two of you are very close then?”

I blushed, looking away. “It isn’t what you might think.”

“Oh, I’m sure it isn’t. Enlighten me, dear. I’m an old, boring man.” His smile is so genuine.

“Well, I’ve known him my whole life. Grayson and my brother, Cade, they’ve been best friends for years. There isn’t really a time I can think of when Grayson wasn’t around growing up. When I was around fifteen, he mentioned pursuing film in college, and I had never considered it before, but, well—” I motion to myself, “I’m here.” I laugh nervously.

“I see. Well, I ran into him a few days ago. It was a nice surprise of course,” he began. “I told him to come and see me any time. Even for you, dear, after you leave this school behind, you are always welcome back here. I love to know what my students are up to once they leave. Grayson and I had a nice little chat while he was waiting for his girlfriend.” Professor Logan’s pointed look and narrow eyes had me furrowing my brows.

“Oh, no. No, sir, you’re mistaken—”

“But he asked how the year has been going. I have to admit, Miss Beckett, I spoke very highly of you to him, though I didn’t say you exactly. But I did mention that you quite remind me of him and his tenacity for details.”

I flush, unsure what to say.

“Now that I know you two are acquainted, perhaps he has rubbed off on you over the years.”

I know that’s not entirely true though. If anything, we grew up complementing each other. When everyone else was completely oblivious, one pointed glance in his direction, and a curious look was thrown at me, I knew we were the only ones to notice something different, no matter how minute.

Grayson understood how much movies meant to me, and he supported my interest, encouraged it in his own weird little ways. Aka, the hours and hours he would lecture me on various cameras and their abilities.

“You have a bright future in film, Miss Beckett. Is there anything you wish to do specifically in this field?” He takes a small sip of his coffee.

“Oh, well, as much as I love the technical side of things, I don’t believe working on them personally is a good fit for me. Although, I have considered dabbling in screenwriting lately. That seems more in line with sating curiosity in my abilities or as a hobby. My interests lie more academically.”

“Research and theory I’m guessing?”