“Technically,” he said, “she had help.”
Jane rolled her eyes.
“I wanted to tell her myself.”
The Dean laughed.
Then he explained.
The Sterling Alumni Foundation had heard Jane’s graduation speech during rehearsal.
Several members of the foundation were present.
One of them owned a chain of automobile dealerships across the state.
After hearing the story about the car I had sold four years earlier, he asked Jane privately whether she thought I would accept a replacement.
Jane apparently said no.
“She said you would insist the money should go to someone who needed it more,” the Dean told me.
“That sounds like you,” Jane added.
“So,” the Dean continued, “they structured it differently. The dealership donated the vehicle through an alumni family support program. Insurance is covered for the first year.”
I stared at them.
“You planned this?”
Jane nodded.
“For weeks.”
I looked at the car again.
