did that. It usually meant he was going to end up doing exactly what Lucius wanted. “Just do an interview. What can it hurt? Maybe I'll drop some hints around here that you're being headhunted. Might get you that raise.”
Peter chuckled again. A raise might be nice, but…He shook his head. “I don't have time to go to Des Moines next week, much less all the way to Chicago.”
“It's four hours from here. Not on the moon. At least say you'll think about
it.”
Peter knew once Lucius got something in his head he wouldn't let it go. “I'll
think about it.” But he knew he wouldn't.
Apparently, Lucius did too, because Lucius pulled out the magazine rolled under his arm and flipped it open.
Peter shook his head when he saw the cover. Chemical Quarterly. Out of the frying pan…“Who is it this time?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Lucius shut off the lights and headed into the hallway, scanning the journal's table of contents. “Say, here's something interesting.”
“I'm sure.” Peter closed and locked his classroom door. Here it comes.
“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?”
