Cranberry Red: A Novel

20. Fourth of July

Ben liked to sleep in on Saturday mornings. Except this particular Saturday happened also to be the Fourth of July. “Ben, you up yet?” Beth called up the stairs. “You’ve got a parade to do, you know.” “I’m up, I’m up,” Ben muttered. Why should I be in a parade? he thought. He’d never been in one before and people seemed to know about Ben and what his office was about. Whose goofy idea was this anyway? Brittani’s? Doubt it. Idea probably came straight from Oshkosh. Brittani’s words came back to him when he had asked her about the parade . “We’re the new kids on the block, Ben. Got to let folks know about us.” She may have been the new kid on the block and Osborne University may still be new to people, but me, I’ve been here for twenty years, thought Ben. If people don’t know about their county agent by now, when will they? Except now, Ben was no longer a county agent. He had to remember to say research application specialist. A “RAS,” as Brittani said with a smile the other day. She pronounced it with a soft “a” so it came out as “roz.” Better than a long a, producing “razz,” which is something you do when you tease somebody. “Roz” or “razz”—either way Ben didn’t think much of his title. You’d think Osborne would have come up with something better—yet the job does sound challenging. And important, too. He had to admit that Osborne University just might be setting the pace for the future of higher education in the country. 82 Fourth of July 20 83 Fourth of July “Well, how’s my research application specialist this morning?” Beth said. She was dressed in a bright red dress. She more cheerful than Ben had seen her for weeks. “Okay, I guess,” Ben muttered. The words “research application specialist ” once more swirled around in his head. “That what you’re going to wear?” Beth commented when she noticed he was wearing his usual khaki pants with a blue shirt. “It’s the Fourth of July. Got to wear something red, white, and blue.” “Not me, Beth. You won’t see me dressed up like a clown.” “Aren’t you the grouchy one this morning.” “Well, it is Saturday. Supposed to be my day off.” “Ben, Ben, you’ve got to get with the program. You are going to be in the parade, letting people know about your new job with Osborne University.” “I know,” Ben said. “That’s not all.” “What else?” “Brittani has arranged for Osborne University to have a booth next to the beer and bratwurst tent. We’re to sit there all afternoon talking to people.” “So?” “Sit in a booth and talk to beer-drinking bratwurst eaters?” “Ben, you don’t get it. These are your potential customers. People who may one day need your help and be willing to pay for it. I have other news for you, too.” “And what would that be?” Ben asked. He had woken up grouchy and he was getting grouchier by the minute. “I’ve enrolled in Osborne University’s nurse-practitioner program.” “You what?” “You heard me, Ben. I am a graduate student. And because you work for Osborne, my tuition is free. Besides, I don’t have to attend any classes. None at all. Everything is on the Internet. Finally, you’ve done something right, Ben.” She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him hard on the lips. An hour later, Ben found Brittani and the new Ford convertible at the parade staging area. The car had a big “Osborne University” sign on each door, along with the logo for the college. “Well, what do you think, Ben? Pretty fancy, wouldn’t you say?” “Nice car,” Ben muttered. “Do I drive or do you drive?” “I drive, Ben. You sit in the backseat and wave at the crowd. Smile and wave, that’s all you need to do. Smile and wave.” “Smile and wave,” Ben repeated, tonelessly. Soon they were headed down Main Street, driving a short distance behind Willow River High School’s band, which was gallantly attempting to play Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” keep in step, and avoid the horse manure from the Ames County Quarter Horse Club and its six...