'Shawn', he said simply.
'Shawn', she repeated.
'Yeah, look, he already was enrolled in a PhD program in Russia. It makes sense that he'd continue with an American college if he could. As you said we need someone who is already an expert in Art, well he ticks that box too. I know some folks in The Louvre might recognize him but I think his studies will cover that. If it's known that the First Lady is his tutor it'll give cover for a student being seen going in and out of the embassy. People will assume he has to connect with you securely', he explained.
She narrowed her eyes and looked at him, stood and began to pace the room, musing over what he'd just said. 'That's actually a great cover story', she admitted.
He grinned delightedly, knowing she was warming to the possibility with every word.
'So you see this as a genuine programme. A full PhD?' she asked, making sure she understood him correctly.
He stood now too, came towards her and held her hands in his. 'Yeah', he said before pausing. 'Look, I know you've always wanted to bring a student of your own through that process too so if I could help make that happen for you then it's an even bigger win. Right?' he asked.
She chewed her lip for a moment. Joe was right, she had always wanted to do that, do for another student what had been done for her. Pay it back, as it were. But not just that, she'd always dreamed of having the experience of navigating a student through the highest level of academia. But, at this point in her career it just hadn't happened and she had effectively given up on the idea, satisfied with the rest of her career choices and achievements. But how like Joe to remember. To try to make this happen for her. To see an opportunity and push her towards it. Right from the very beginning he had always pushed her forward, made her reach for more.
'You really think I can do all of this Joe. It's a lot. A lot of things outside my comfort zone', she said quietly, eyes looking intently towards him.
He wrapped his arms around her, held her. She felt so comfortable, so secure, so loved. The sounds of the offices outside, the patter of feet, cushioned by the plush carpet, the sounds of the agents and staff were lost to her. Her senses were overwhelmed by him. He filled her field of vision. Clear blue eyes stared into her own. His hands rested against her back, holding her securely. His voice was low, sincere, he blinked slowly, smiled lazily. He kissed her softly.
'I don't think you can do all of this', he said, 'I know you can'.
She slipped her arms around him and held him close. Sighing in sheer contentment. Another life's dream. Another career goal was going to be achieved with this man by her side. She just knew it.
She pulled back, her mind working through the possibilities.
She began to pace the floor again.
'What institution though? We don't usually have PhD students in college. How do I work around that?' she asked, more of herself than of Joe.
'Well, I'll leave that to you but it shouldn't be too difficult. Surely he could be sponsored by some academic institution or other', Joe replied.
'Yeah but I'd have to be affiliated to them if I'm to be his tutor, or maybe we could transfer his programme over to the MET or something', she said, getting excited now at the prospect. 'I'll talk to Gideon, he has connections in the art world and I'll discuss it with my Dean', she said, her eyes glowing at the prospect.
Joe came close to her again. 'That's an awful lot of men you have in your life', he said with a sly grin. 'Sure you can handle them all?'
She pressed her hand to his cheek, 'I can handle you can't I?' she said with a laugh.
