“An article by Jeremy Von Hornig. What's that, his third article in the past five years?”

“You're the one that's counting.”

“He was in your master's program too, wasn't he?”

Peter sighed. “I had to tutor him through our thermodynamics final. He set

off the automatic sprinklers in the lab because he left a burner on all night.”

“And here he is with an article in a national journal.”

“Lucius, you're doing it again. I'm fine where I am. I like my job.”

“Just making sure you know there are more possibilities beyond teaching in

Golden Grove.”

“I'm well aware. Besides, it's worked for you.”

His friend nodded, jutting out his lower jaw. “True.”

“And you never regretted it, right?”

“Teaching? No, not teaching.”

Peter pointed to the journal. “Besides, these things are mostly just for status.”

“True. Have you checked at Nitrovex lately?” Lucius persisted. “There are plenty of good chemists doing great work there.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” Peter shook his head.

“Nope. Just heard they're really expanding their overseas operations.”

“Heard that too.” Peter always kept an eye on happenings at Nitrovex. What

self-respecting chemistry grad wouldn't? But the thought of some cush job in Europe didn't appeal to him.

“I know John Wells pretty well. I'd be happy to put in a good word for you.”

As they neared the front entrance, Peter waved back at a passing student.

“Thanks, but no. Maybe someday. But right now, my—”

“—students need me too much,” Lucius finished for him. “Yes, I know. Just

remember, you're not as indispensable as you might think you are.”

“Please…” Peter drew out the word and added a dramatic wave of his arm.

“You're talking to the Science Teacher of the Year.”

“My apologies, good sir,” Lucius responded.

“Besides, Nitrovex does mostly organic chem. I'm more of a biochem guy.”

Peter pushed through the double front doors. “Believe me, I'm fine where I am.”

He pulled his car keys from his pocket. “Meet you at Ray's?”

Lucius looked as if he were going to say something, then just nodded. “Sure

thing.”

Outside, Peter found his blue Camry and unlocked it with the key fob. I'm fine where I am.

But exactly where was that? Trapped in his hometown's only high school, teaching the few students who cared enough to be actually interested in the difference between a mole and a molecule? Stuck in the same small town he'd grown up in? Left in the dust by people he'd gone to college with who've gone

on to prestigious, big-paying jobs at companies like Nitrovex?

He looked at the cover of the journal. Was Lucius right? Was it time to move

on, and up?

He opened the driver's side door and got in, dumping his briefcase and the

stack of folders and papers on the passenger seat. The brochure from Dixon slid

onto the floor, and he picked it up.

The place looked like a college campus, with laughing students walking

among huge trees to stately old buildings. It did sound like a good opportunity.

And he did have the qualifications. In fact, with his masters, he was probably over-qualified to teach at Golden Grove.

Maybe he did deserve a more prestigious job. How many more D's from

disinterested students was he going to have to endure? Nothing against Lucius,

but did Peter want to spend his whole life in Golden Grove? He'd never left, except for college and grad school.

If it hadn't been for his dad…

No, he wasn't going to go down that path again. But it wouldn't hurt to do some thinking. He could probably swing at least one interview, just to kick the

tires, so to speak. He started his car, shifted it into reverse.

Besides, it was Chicago. It might have a lot to offer…