Paul just left his botany class and, for some reason, decided to glance at a notice board before exiting the science building. The bright green flier pinned to it caught his eye, and he halfheartedly thought it could be a notice for a job. As he read, his eyes got wider, and he became hopeful.
"Part-time summer work needed at private greenhouse. Contact Harold Blakely with the provided number."
Hmmm. Dr. Blakely. Paul knew that name. He was a retired botany professor from the biology department. He vaguely remembered someone telling him about how Blakely and his wife owned a greenhouse on their property. Paul had never taken any of his classes, but he had met him once before.
"This could be a sweet gig," Paul thought, and he took one of the phone number cut-outs at the bottom of the flier.
Paul needed a summer job. And he had one more year to go before he graduated. He was 21 and had a full-ride scholarship, but his bank account was dwindling. He and his ex worked together at a pizza joint that his ex's uncle owned, but after they split, Paul quit. That was two months ago, and him finding another part-time job since was near impossible.
Paul was confident he could do whatever they asked, which is why he assumed the flier was posted in the biology department near the botany classes. Paul was getting his undergraduate degree in biology with a botany focus and had already been accepted into the graduate program at his university with an assistantship. He could have applied elsewhere, but he liked his professors and the program, and not having to pay for another degree he would admittedly need to eventually get anyway was definitely a perk. Plus he liked the idea of not having to apply anywhere else.
Paul called Dr. Blakely that evening, and after he told him a bit about himself and his schooling, Blakely invited Paul to his house the next day (Saturday) for an informal interview.
"I got this," Paul thought as he hung up.
Paul drove to the Blakely's sprawling property the next day, using the directions Harold had given him the day before. The house and property were huge, and he noticed a greenhouse to the right of the house. Paul wondered how a college professor could afford it, but his mind shifted to the interview as he parked in front of the house.
Paul started walking to the front door but noticed two people in the greenhouse to his right, and he figured it was the Blakelys. Harold came out and started to walk toward him with a bright smile plastered on his face. He was tall and stocky and had gray hair and a beard that was neatly trimmed.
"Paul?" Paul nodded at Harold and smiled. Harold reminded Paul of a big teddy bear.
"Harold Blakely, nice to meet you again."
Harold chuckled and shook Paul's hand. The two of them had met a couple of years ago at a biology department gala, and although Harold had forgotten him, seeing Paul again refreshed his memory.
Harold guided Paul into the greenhouse, where his wife, Georgia, was working. Georgia was wearing a straw hat and had silver hair that was hanging in a braid over her right shoulder. She was somewhat plain-looking, but Paul noticed how fit she was and how pretty her face looked without seemingly wearing any makeup. She also had a kind, bright smile.
"So Paul, I called Dr. Jones from the biology department, and he gave you raving reviews. This interview shouldn't take long; I just want to make sure you know your stuff. Can you name these plants for me?"
Harold pointed to a row of herbs from a section of the greenhouse.
"Sure," Paul said, and he did what he was told.
"Nice," Harold said. "Dr. Jones said you were interested in researching rare native plants from the area?"
"Yep," Paul said. "Specifically ferns."
"Nice!" Harold said, and the two of them started discussing plants like they were talking about football.
Eventually, Georgia let out a cough and started to walk closer to them.
"Oh, my manners, Paul. Sorry. This is my wife, Georgia. She isn't a botanist." -
"A retired pharmacist." She said, cutting off her husband. "Nice meeting you. If you boys are finished with your academic mumbo jumbo, maybe we can show Paul what we need him to do?"
"Of course, dear." Harold said, and he proceeded to show Paul around.
Paul learned a lot, especially that the Blakey's greenhouse was a supplier for other commercial greenhouses with their herbs. They mostly needed Paul to help transport but also to help grow and fertilize. Being both retired, the greenhouse was somewhat of a side project for them, and Paul learned that the guy who had worked for them for the past two summers had graduated and moved away. Paul was to start two weeks after his finals.
Paul drove up to the Blakelys' the Monday after his final exams, ready to go. He was to work 20 hours a week, from 7am to 11am, and be off on the weekends. From 7-9, Paul was needed for deliveries, and from 9-11 to help in the greenhouse.
The following Friday, he noticed the greenhouse empty when we returned from his deliveries. Georgia was usually there to help him. Paul was testing fertilizer when Harold approached him.
"Georgia had an appointment in town. We're actually hosting a pool party this evening for some friends. You're welcome to come if you want, if you don't mind hanging out with people old enough to be your parents." Harold said with a chuckle, and Paul noticed he had a glimmer in his eye.
Truth be told, Paul didn't have anywhere to be. His roommate Heather was visiting her parents, and his love life had been at a virtual standstill since he broke up with Braxton. And a lot of his friends from school went home for the summer.
"Sure, I can come. Thanks, Dr. Blakely."
At 5:00pm, Paul pulled into the Blakely's driveway. He actually didn't know that they had a pool, but it was apparently in the back of the house, and he walked along a narrow sidewalk to the left of the house until it led him there.
It was a hot evening. Paul noticed Harold at a grill, and two couples (that looked to be in their 60s) were wading in the water. Georgia was sitting in a lounge chair in a form-fitting bathing suit, drink in her hand. Paul glanced at her chest and quickly darted his eyes elsewhere. He liked what he saw.
"Paul!" She waved enthusiastically, "I'm so glad you made it!"
"Is this the new help?" One of the other women said jokingly with a wink.
Georgia rolled her eyes and smiled. "This is Paul, a future botanist. He's helping us out this summer."
