"Personal projects, research. You remember how I was at school - always caught up in something. At least at school I felt like forcing myself to do homework that didn't interest me would benefit me in the long run. Now there's nothing to keep me from losing myself in academia." Kevin paused, realising what he'd said and wondering if Mandy would be upset at the implication. "Nothing except you and Ant, anyway." He shrugged. It wasn't that he wanted to ignore his friends. He just lost track of time more often than other people.
"I'm not sure what the meeting's about," he admitted. He was anxious it would be a performance review, or a complaint made by a co-worker. He did his job adequately but no more than that. It was possible the department were looking to replace him with someone more dedicated. "I already bought you a present, and alcohol. What more can I do it win your silence?"