© Bucksman 2002
Frank stood twiddling his glass of cheap white wine. Why had be accepted the invitation and why had he bothered to turn up? He was only a part-time lecturer at the Business School and only gave about five lectures a year on project management. He looked around the room again; a large crowd of students were milling around the full-time lecturers and professors and all bar the senior people were at least 10 years his junior, the students at least 20 years younger. He had nothing in common with most of them and doubted if any knew who he was or, perhaps, even cared.
He emptied his glass and headed for the exit door, stopping at the cloakroom to pick up his coat. The cool night air felt fresh, much fresher than the musty air of the room where the drinks party was still going strong. He took a deep breath and started out across the car park.
"Hello, Mr Paterson" a soft voice called to him from the shadows behind. He turned to see a young student, half running towards him.
"Mr Paterson I'm glad I caught you before you left" his mind raced trying to put a name to the young face now beaming at him, lit by the soft yellow light of the nearby streetlamp. Did he know this girl? The puzzled look must have told on his face as the girl went on.
"Mr Paterson, you probably don't remember me but I'm Victoria. I attended three of your lectures. They really helped me and I just wanted to say a big "Thank You" for getting me good marks in my IT paper."
Now he remembered – just –seeing her sitting in the small lecture room a couple of times. Unlike most of the other students he remembered her asking questions, showing she was actually listening to him rather than attending to get some points.
"Yes Victoria, I remember now you were interested in project management, not like most who attend my lectures. It's not that interesting to most."
"Oh yes I found your talk very interesting" she interrupted "and your information helped me get a distinction on my paper. I am very grateful as I didn't do so well on the technical stuff."
"Well I'm glad you learned something useful and got a good grade." Frank felt uneasy, not knowing how to break off the conversation and make for home.
"I saw you leaving that dreadful party" Victoria carried on chatting amiably "I could not wait to get away from the others." "I was going for a coffee in Starbucks – want to join me? Perhaps you could help me with a couple of questions if you are not rushing off?"
Frank wanted to say no; that he had to go home, but he felt flattered that he should be asked for help and was indeed somewhat proud that for one student at least, he had made a difference.
"OK then, I was only going home for coffee, so I might just as well join you." He smiled back at he girl and they started out across the main street to the lights of the coffee bar. Frank bought the drinks – two Mocha coffees with cream and settled into the armchair opposite Victoria.
They started to chat, but Frank found himself mesmerised by the girl. She had taken off her quilted jacket and sat opposite him in tight jeans and a zip fronted wool top. Her long hair looked as if it could do with a good cut, but her lack of make-up and pretty features held his attention. He became aware that he was trying to sneak a look down the front of her jumper which was open enough to reveal the tops of her blue lacy bra every time she bent forward a little. What was he doing? He was old enough to be her father? He was her teacher. He could get thrown out (although he secretly believed a number of the younger lecturers often liased with the students).
He concentrated on her questions, answering them as best he could, watched her make notes in her scruffy book. It was clear she was actually interested in her subject and apart from her looks, he found himself coming increasingly to enjoy the company of this young student.
Suddenly they were interrupted by one of the staff "Sorry people, its 9 o'clock we close now."
Frank and Victoria looked at each other. "Dam" she said, "and I have a couple of other things I wanted to ask you." She reached for her coat and Frank held it for her as she slipped it back on. One more glimpse of blue lace.
"Could I offer you another coffee or beer" Victoria said quickly, turning to face Frank "my bed sit is only around the corner in Castle Street. We could walk from here"
"Well" hesitated Frank, alarm bells ringing in his head "I am not sure that would be a good idea. I could meet you another day perhaps?"
"Oh please Mr Paterson" she sounded more insistent "I need to finish this paper at the weekend and I would really like your help." Frank looked into her eyes, almost pleading. He looked at his watch.
"OK for just a half hour or so. Then I must be away" The smile returned to Victoria's face as she took his hand and ushered him outside. They walked across the main street, up a side-street and then into Castle Street. They turned to the front door of the second house and Victoria turned her key in the lock. I'm on the first floor at the back she said simply. The others are probably still at the party or in the student's union."
Others? Frank had not considered that she would be sharing her house with other students. Silly mistake, he knew she could not afford anything more than a bed sit on her grant and that the house must be full of students. What if he was recognised? He was determined to leave as quickly as possible.
Victoria ushered him into her small flat – quite neat and tidy for a student. The small bed in the corner had been made and, apart from the piles of books, the place looked clean and tidy. Her small desk in the corner was fully occupied with a rather out-of-date PC and yet more books. She took his coat and her own and disappeared into a small kitchen.
"Coffee or beer?" she called from the doorway.
"Coffee will be fine." He heard the kettle being filled while she prepared mugs for the coffee. After a couple of minutes she returned, placing both on the small table in front of the shabby two-seater settee on which he now sat. Again that flash of blue lace, perhaps a little more than last time? Yes the zip had definitely opened just a little further.
Victoria sat down beside him, picked up her note book and started to fire questions again. Yes Risk Management was a vital element in good project management. He began to describe how to go about it, wondering as she took notes if he should have taken his own advice on risk avoidance!. However it was his pet subject and he talked on, not realising that time was ticking away.
Eventually Victoria put her book down. "Thanks so much" she said "I have taken so much of your time, but it has helped me a lot." She bent forward and kissed his cheek "Thanks for being such a nice guy".
Frank was flustered and embarrassed. "You are more than welcome" he replied "but I must go now. It is getting late."
