Page 153 of Love Unspoken

"I received your resignation letter," she began, not wasting any time. "I have to say, Amara, I'm disappointed. You've been an invaluable part of this institution, and it's hard to imagine the School of Communication without you."

I swallowed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I appreciate that, Chancellor. It wasn't an easy decision, but I think it's the right one for me."

Chancellor Armstrong nodded thoughtfully. "I understand the need for a fresh start, Amara. But I also know you're someone who's deeply committed to the work you do. Which is why I wanted to talk to you before you made any final decisions."

I frowned, curiosity piqued despite my resolve. "Okay."

"There's a project I'd like you to consider." She leaned slightly forward, her expression serious. "It's an important one and not just for the university, but for women across the state. The South Carolina Women's Health Advocacy Network has approached us to help them develop and improve educational programs focused on women's health and nutrition, particularly in marginalized communities. The goal is to address disparities in maternal mortality rates and ensure that women in these communities have access to the information and resources they need for healthier pregnancies and better overall health outcomes."

My heart skipped a beat, excitement sparking to life despite my attempts to keep it tamped down. This was precisely the kind of work I'd always dreamed of doing—using my expertise to make a difference in people's lives.

"That sounds incredible, Chancellor. But I'm not sure I'm the right person for it. I'm leaving."

I was going to head out right after the semester ended so I could spend Christmas and New Year's Eve with my father and then stay with him while I figured out what the hell to do with my life.

Chancellor Armstrong smiled, her eyes lit with excitement. "I know that NYU is searching, under the radar, mind you, for someone with your qualifications. I think a project like this would make you more attractive to them."

I sat up. NYU? They had a world-class health communications lab.

"Your work in the field has set you apart, and this project is the kind of challenge you excel at," the Chancellor continued, now confident she had my full attention. "If you agree to take this on, you can still leave at the end of the year, as you planned. But we need you on this project. It's vital."

"What about my classes?"

The Chancellor grinned. "Well, you have capable Teaching Assistants. Put them to work. I think you'll come out with an excellent paper from this project, for which you will be the lead author."

As an academic, you lived and died by the number of peer-reviewed papers you published. This was a very attractive proposition.

"I've never heard of this advocacy group. Who's running it?" I asked, trying to stay practical, even as my mind raced with possibilities.

Chancellor Armstrong's smile deepened. "It's a new organization; considering the current climate, they just emerged. They're very well-funded. The advocacy network is led by a friend who has been working with WIC and other programs for years."

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was a federal one that aimed to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who were at nutrition risk.

"I'm flattered that you've asked me." My thoughts were swirling, already coming up with plans on how to work on this project. "Will there be others from the college working on this project with me?"

"I think you can put your team together once you have all the information."

I quirked an eyebrow. "Without interference?" This was not how such externally funded projects often worked.

"Yes. Well, you have to work with the head of the advocacy group, of course, but these people are just as passionate about talking to women about their health as you are."

"This is an amazing opportunity, as you well know." I grinned, feeling happy for the first time in a long time.

So what if my heart was broken? My professional life was still going gangbusters, wasn't it? That would have to be enough for now. I'd have to enjoy this as much as I could and ignore the pain inside that told me I'd never love a man again as I did Lucas, that I'd lost the love of my life. Pretty dramatic stuff for a boring academic like me.

"I'm thrilled to hear you accept this project on behalf of the college." She leaned forward and put her elbows to rest on the table. "What I like about you is that you don't shy away from a challenge, Amara. You're someone who sees a need and steps up to meet it. This project needs you."

Her words resonated with the part of me that had always been driven by purpose, by the need to make a difference. The truth was, I didn't want to slink out of Charleston with my tail between my legs, running away from the mess of my relationship with Lucas. I wanted to go on my terms, having accomplished something meaningful. And this project could be exactly that.

"This is quite the farewell gift you're giving me." My heart was full of gratitude for the love and support I received from the university. "I'll stay until the end of the year as planned and work on this project and, if needed, beyond. I may have to devise a remote plan, but I'll finish the work."

Chancellor Armstrong nodded, satisfaction in her eyes. "Thank you, Amara."

"No, thank you, Chancellor." I rose and shook her hand.

There was a skip in my step as I walked out of her office. I immediately called Basil and told him about the project.

"That sounds fabulous. You know, UCLA might also have room for someone like you," he told me. "Why don't you send me your latest CV and I'll send it around here."