The audience rose to their feet, offering thunderous applause as Trevor concluded his keynote presentation to signal the end of the conference on the third day. Tasha had given the first keynote presentation in the morning and it was well accepted as well.
“Thank you, thank you,” he looked at the audience with a gracious smile. “Before I take my seat, I would like to honor two outstanding educational luminaries here with us. Both of them had been very remarkable and endearing in their chosen career. And coincidentally, they were just recently promoted to the rank of full professors in their respective institutions.”
Trevor looked around at the faces of the people sitting in the hall. “Without further ado, I would like to call Professor Greg Stone and Professor Tasha Harrison to come forward.”
Tasha blinked twice. She didn’t expect it. She walked to the podium, along with Professor Stone. They were both presented with service appreciation award plaques. Tasha grinned from ear to ear as she returned to her seat.
“Thank you so much for the honor,” Tasha said excitedly to Trevor when the program came to an end. “It’s totally unexpected.”
“You are welcome,” Trevor hugged her. “You deserve it.”
Tasha moved around to greet people and exchange contact with a few people. While moving around, she noticed Parker coming to her, and she quickly turned away. She had avoided him totally the day before and even refused to open her door when he knocked later at night.
“Laura and I would like to take you out for dinner tonight,” Trevor informed her.
She didn’t want to, so she made an excuse and left the hall with a promise to call him before she leaves for the airport the next morning.
Tasha was a bundle of nerves as she unlocked the door to her hotel room after a long day at the conference. She wanted Parker so much, but she was afraid to accept it. She had only exchanged greetings with him since they had dinner together two days ago.
She remembered the award plaque in her bag and brought it out with so much pride, a testimony to her hard work and dedication. She picked up her phone with a smile. Excitement bubbled up within her as she dialed her mother’s number and waited for her to pick up so that she could talk to Tyson.
The phone rang a few times before her mother answered, “honey, hi.”
“Good evening mom,” she replied.
“How was your conference today?”
“Good mom,” she removed the cover from the case of her plaque. “I was given a service appreciation award.”
“Really, that’s splendid,” Mrs. Harrison said happily. “Congratulations, my darling.”
“Thank you so much, mom,” she chuckled. “How about Tyson?”
“He’s in the backyard with your dad. Let me take the phone to him.
“Okay mom.”
A few moments later, Tyson’s small voice filled the line, saying hello.
“Hello my sunshine,” she cooed.
“Guess what, darling?” Tasha’s voice was brimming with joy as she spoke. “I got another award today,” she said as her finger traced the pattern of her name on the plaque.
“Wow, mom!” He followed with a burst of exuberant cheers. “Mommy, I am so proud of you.”
Her heart warmed all over as she heard those words from her son.
“Thank you, darling.”
“When are you coming back, mom?” “Tomorrow,” she replied. “I am done with the workshop today.”
“Why can’t you come home today since you have finished?
Tasha laughed into the phone.
“I can’t get flight again today, sweetie,” Tasha explained to him. “My flight is by midday tomorrow.”
“Okay, mom,” he responded with childlike innocence.
“Are you missing mommy that much?” She asked, chuckling.
“Yes, I miss you mom. Make sure you come back tomorrow.”
“I miss you too,” she said to him. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, mommy.”
They exchanged I love you’s and ended the call with a sense of longing and anticipation. The thought of their reunion warmed her heart as she pulled off her shoes and went to use the bathroom.
Tasha decided to call for room service instead of going downstairs to the restaurant for dinner when she finished up in the bathroom. Though it was just six twenty-seven, she wanted to turn in early so she could have a long rest before she sets out for her flight the next day. She walked to the corner of the room and picked up the phone, the sleek black receiver cool against her palm as she dialed the room service number.
“Room service, please,” she said, her voice a soft murmur in the quiet room. She ordered a simple meal, a salad and a glass of wine, and then settled back on the plush sofa, flipping through the channels on the flat-screen TV. Thirty minutes later, a gentle knock at the door announced the arrival of her dinner.
“Who is it?” She asked as she reduced the volume of the TV.
“Room service,” a voice responded from the other side of the door.
“Coming,” she went to unlock the door.
“Good evening, ma’am,” the waiter, a young man with a friendly smile, walked in and placed the tray of food on the table.
“Enjoy your meal,” he said as he walked to the door.
“I will,” she replied to the young man cautiously. “Thank you.”
He gave her a mock salute and left.
She sat down to enjoy her food and wine, after which she drew a long, hot bath, the steam swirling around her like a comforting embrace. The water, infused with lavender oil, soothed her aching muscles, and she closed her eyes, letting the warmth wash away the day’s stress.
Emerging from the bath, wrapped in a fluffy robe, Tasha climbed onto the bed and snuggled under the covers. She sighed contentedly as the cotton sheets felt cool against her skin. She closed her eyes, expecting to drift off to sleep any moment. But nothing like that happened.