“Yeah, I am, thanks. The car kept me pretty protected. But driving again has been… hard. I’m still pretty nervous.” With another deep breath, I plow on. “But the truth is, I don’t want another job. I wantthisone. It’s absolutely perfect for me. Not only does it allow me to teach others everything I know about Cannon Beach, but I love the interaction and getting kids to appreciate the world around them. It’s what Ilivefor.”
“Dennis…”
“Please give me another chance. Just one. That’s all I ask. I swear I won’t ever lose a kid again. Hire me on a trial basis—just one chance. I think I deserve that. I think everyone deserves a second chance.”
I watch him, pleading with my eyes as he mulls over my words. Eventually, he sighs, then nods, and I know I’ve got my job back. “Okay.”
Now my heart beats faster for another reason. Relief and excitement. “Okay? Yeah?”
“Yes, trial basis, Dennis. Donotlose another kid, I beg you. Because it wouldn’t only hurt you, it would ruin my reputation.”
I nod vigorously. “Absolutely. I swear.”
He stands and holds out his hand to me. I stand too, taking it, and we shake. “I’m putting my faith in you, Dennis.”
I feel the weight of his words, but I’m determined not to waste this second chance. “You got it. Thank you so much, Mr. Hutchins.”
“You’re welcome. You can start this weekend. Saturday. Be here at 6 am sharp.”
“You got it.” We let go of our hands, and I turn to leave, but stop myself. “What about Harper? Can she get a second chance, too?”
He holds out his hands and shrugs. “She’s heading back to school soon, but I can reach out to her if she wants to come back next summer.”
“You’re amazing. Thank you!”
He chuckles and waves me off. I can’t wait to fucking tell Mike! He’s going to blow a gasket with the news. He’s going to be so excited for me. For us.
Unfortunately, Mike’s working and I won’t see him until tonight, but I can’t wait to share my news, so I pull out my phone from my back pocket and call him.
“Hey, baby?” he answers immediately, making me smile like a loon.
“Hey, guess what?”
“You invested in Fireball candy stock?”
I snort a laugh. “Noooo, but what I do have is a job.”
“No shit?! Congrats, baby. What job is it?”
“I got my old job back.”
There’s silence on the other end for a moment before he says, “Holy shit… how?”
“I literally begged,” I chuckle. “Mr. Hutchins is giving me a second chance, but no more losing kids.”
“Definitely not. I’m so fucking proud of you, baby. And relieved, to be honest.”
“God, me too. This eases so much stress, you know?”
“I do. Remind me to offer Mr. Hutchins some free landscaping or something.”
I laugh at that. “No bribing my boss.”
“This is exciting! Look, I’ve got to run, but let’s have dinner tonight to celebrate.”
“Sounds good! Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
