(If you have stumbled across this post, you have found me blogging my upcoming book “Getting to Did: How To Lose Your Big But and Live a Life Without Regret.” In the last installment, Sam wrapped up with the TRAINER, learning to turn his COULDAS into CANS. If you need to catch up on the whole book, you can start with “Sam’s Crumbling World” and follow the successive links.)

Meet the PROFESSOR

Sam had little trouble getting up this time. He still wasn’t sure about all this GETTING TO DID business. However, he was intrigued enough by his meeting with the TRAINER that he really didn’t want to miss meeting the PROFESSOR.

At 5:44 he walked up Dave’s driveway, slid into the car and said, “Are we going to The Early Bird again?”

“Oh yeah,” Dave replied. “I don’t drink coffee anyplace else, especially if I’m paying.”

After a few moments, Dave continued, “So, did you learn anything from the TRAINER?”

“I don’t know,” Sam said after a brief hesitation. “The ANYTHINGG stuff was neat and I think it CAN work. BUT, like I told the TRAINER, everything is so iffy. Susan thinks I SHOULD get a job first and then talk with you more about this stuff. She’s afraid I’m going to follow some hare-brained scheme and try going into business for myself, BUT then I won’t have any benefits, no retirement package. You know the story.”

Dave smiled indulgently.

“I’m just not sure what I SHOULD do at this point. I mean, my dad always said I SHOULD think about my family first. Having a good, steady job seems to be what is best for them. I gotta tell you though,” Sam continued, this time with a slight gleam of excitement, “the idea of going out on my own really gets my blood pumping. Especially after getting slapped by my good, steady job. One thing is for certain, if I’m working for me, I’ll never get fired again.”

Dave laughed along with Sam at this as they pulled into the coffee shop parking lot. When they walked in, the aroma of espresso mingled with that of frying eggs and bacon; Sam began to lick his lips. Tammy said, “Hey Dave.” Melinda looked up and, seeing Sam, said, “Another panini?”

Sam looked around to make sure he didn’t see the TRAINER anywhere and said, “Bring it on.”

Sam and Dave walked to the same table in the back of the café. This time a sharply dressed woman, who looked as though she could have only just recently become a grandmother, greeted them with a smile and a handshake.

Dave said, “Sam, I would like you to meet my PROFESSOR. PROFESSOR, this is Sam.”

“Alright,” blurted Sam, “I imagine Dave wants to shoot the breeze for a few minutes and then leave me stranded here with you. He probably doesn’t want me asking a bunch of questions yet. But I have to know why you’re called the PROFESSOR. I mean, it sounds a little too ‘Gilligan’s Island’ for me.”

“I’m called the PROFESSOR,” she responded looking as though she didn’t quite appreciate Sam’s humor, “because that is what I am, or that is what I was. I am now the President of our nearby university. But I still teach. Would you prefer that I were the MOVIE STAR?”

Sam tried to smile but was slightly abashed, then both Dave and the PROFESSOR burst out laughing. Sam didn’t know quite what to make of this. Despite the humor, to Sam, the PROFESSOR at least looked the part. She was impeccably dressed. She sat up like she had a board up the back of her shirt. Every hair was in place. She looked like she had never dangled a participle a day in her life, whatever that means, Sam thought.

“Well,” said Dave, “that’s the first time anyone ever brought up ‘Gilligan’s Island.’ Maybe I should try to add a movie star into our retinue. I always liked Maryann better though. Either way, like Sam said, I am going to strand you two together. I’m taking a three-hour tour of a couple of my restaurants today, plus I’m checking out a possible buy on a small apartment complex. What do you think I SHOULD do about that, PROFESSOR?”

Before the PROFESSOR could respond with more than a reproving look, Dave said, “I’m only joking. You can talk to Sam about the SHOULDAS today. I’ll catch up with both of you later this week.”

Then draining his coffee and ordering a blueberry muffin to go, Dave walked out whistling.

“As soon as you’re done with your sandwich,” the PROFESSOR said, “we’ll head to the school. I’m keeping office hours today and prefer to be on campus.”

Sam finished up and once again asked for more coffee in a to-go cup. Melinda said, “Keep hanging out with Dave and his friends and you’ll be a regular too.”

“I certainly understand why Dave is,” Sam said. “Does he own this café?”

“Oh no,” Melinda replied, “I own this. Dave encouraged me with his GETTING TO DID business, but this puppy is all mine.”

Sam was impressed as he walked out sipping his delicious coffee. Maybe Dave and his friends could help. As he left, Tammy mumbled something to Melinda. “What was that?” Sam said expectantly.

“Oh nothing,” Tammy replied with a mischievous grin. “We’ll see you next week, if not sooner.”

The PROFESSOR chuckled as they walked out and got in her car.

 (Come back next week as the PROFESSOR begins to teach Sam about getting the world off his SHOULDer.)

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