Paternity Suits Don't Always Fit Right

Sitting in the cafeteria at Schuyler Square College, Vlad took a large bit out of a cinnamon roll and sighed deeply. He loved cafeteria food. It was always fresh, usually warm and came in such huge amounts. Vlad wouldn't mind eating in the school's cafeteria for every single meal.

Slowly, he finished his cinnamon roll. So far, Vlad was enjoying being back in Schuyler Square. The town was smaller than what he was used to but the people were friendly and his job at Schuyler Square College was beyond easy. Teaching chemistry to a bunch of students who didn't have even a nodding relationship with the table of elements spelled long term job security to Vlad.

Then there was his daughter. Or the girl he was pretty sure was his daughter.

Vlad's handsome face frowned as he thought about the reception he'd gotten from Tiffany. Or rather, hadn't gotten from Tiffany. The teenager simply refused to acknowledge that he might be her biological father. Vlad wasn't sure what he should do. A blood test was the obvious answer but Vlad kept on running into brick walls when it came to getting Tiffany and Tom Hartman to agree to be tested.

"You look like you've got a lot on your mind."

Looking up from his table in the cafeteria, Vlad saw Mavis Schuyler standing next to his table. "I do," he replied. "How delightful to see you, Mavis." He was happy to see Mavis. While the people of Schuyler Square were friendly, Mavis was most definitely the friendliest.

"Mind if I join you?" Not waiting for Vlad's response, Mavis wiggled into the chair across from him. "Mmmm, that looks good," she said, nodding toward the crumbs of the cinnamon roll that remained on Vlad's plate.

"Would you like one? I'd be happy to get one for you."

"No, thank you. Just smelling a cinnamon roll makes me gain weight. I'm glad I found you, Vlad. I have marvelous news."

"What is it?"

"A good friend of mine owns a chemical company in town and I told him all about you. He'd like to meet you."

"Why?"

"To talk about a job, silly. Why else would he want to meet you?"

"I have a job, Mavis."

Mavis smiled knowingly. "You teach at Schuyler Square College. My late husband was on the board of directors. I know you aren't making big bucks here."

"There's more to life than money, Mavis."

"Oh, really? What?" Mavis laughed. "At least talk to the man. I'm sure you're a brilliant chemist, Vlad. You should be paid what you're worth."

Vlad had to agree with Mavis. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to meet your friend."

"Wonderful! His name is Bernard Morton and he'll be expecting your call."

Vlad returned her smile a bit nervously. While he liked the idea of making more money, he didn't want to anything that would mess up his life in Schuyler Square. Being back was his second chance and he didn't want to blow it.