“Oh, Benny, you know you’re my favorite. Have all the creamer you want.” She pinches my cheek before pouring herself a heaping cup of straight, black coffee—drinking it without hesitation.
I beam at her, ignoring how sad I am going to be when she leaves this place in favor of retirement next month. “Since I’m your favorite, be sure to put a good word in for me with this new hire.”
We gaze out the large, double-paneled windows of our breakroom, overlooking a very overgrown football field to the left that backs up to steep hills, covered in deep emerald trees. Our staff parking lot sits just to the right of us. The sky is crisp and unobstructed by clouds as the sun beams across the field, shining through the windows and onto our faces.
This view has always been my favorite. So much so that I worked as a teacher’s aide for three years before graduating just to have free access to it.
Getting coffee for Mr. Clinton from this very room was my primary job. He likes creamer too, but he is definitelynotPatsy’s favorite. I like Mr. Clinton—he has that stern,my way or the highwayattitude, which Patsy has, but will deny. I always had fun witnessing them butt heads with each other as a teacher’s aide, and now I get paid to witness it just about every day.
Mr. Clinton was the first one to approve me for the role as vice principal and went to bat for me in front of the school board when they questioned my ability to take on the job, considering my history and lack of experience. I owe a great deal to him, for many reasons, which is why I tend to suppress any overwhelming feelings that might surface regarding my ability to do the job well.
“Emma will be getting here soon with Ellie, the new hire,” Patsy begins—going over today’s agenda. “Her meet-and-greet is scheduled at 9 a.m. with bagels. Your cousin begged me to bring her vegan cream cheese. I tried to tell her we had everything covered but she is relentless,” she scoffs. “She’s already convinced Geer to switch from real milk to that nut stuff. I swear she won’t rest until all of my favorite things are taken from this place!” Patsy continues down a rabbit trail of how things used to be,back in her day. When she gets feisty like this, I usually opt to play Sweden—stay neutral.
“Let Kate bring her spread.” I throw an arm over Patsy’s shoulders. “You only have one more week to put up with it, then you are off on your adventures, consuming every animal product you can get your hands on.”
Her face softens, not in a happy way, as she continues staring out the window. She’s sad to be leaving, and we’re all sad to be losing her. Thirty-eight years is a long time to be in one place, let alone the same job. Patsy was here from the beginning—becoming a member of the staff when Glendale was still being built right outside city limits.
She always said,“The future of public education is going to be here.”She believed Glendale would be a sought-after school, and the students here would go on to make a name for themselves. That’s what made her the best guidance counselor—she’s been a messenger of hope for our students and their future since the beginning. I mean, she even had hope for me when I was nothing but a class clown.
In my junior year of high school, Patsy pulled me aside and demanded I get a degree in education. I never understood why. The only thing I was good at teaching was the Melbourne Shuffle and a silly magic card trick that was definitely a dupe. But Patsy had faith in me, and when I lost my parents, she pushed me and stood by me in some of my darkest times. She saw the best in me when not many could, and the same goes for so many students that she’s worked with for over thirty years.
She’s leaving big shoes to fill and it’s hard to imagine the new girl will be up to the task.
What if it doesn’t work out?
“What ifwhatdoesn’t work out?” Patsy snaps me out of my thoughts.
“How much of my thoughts did you just hear?” I pinch the bridge of my nose and groan.
“Ellie will be wonderful! She is more than qualified and she ain’t got anything to lose! This will be good for her after everything she’s gone through—”
“What has she gone through?” I ask abruptly, “Please don’t tell me it will interfere with her work.” I scratch the back of my head and mess with my hair before taking another big swig of coffee. The fear of hiring someone who can’t provide these students stability and consistency puts me on edge.
“It will be fine”—Patsy grabs my elbow—“Relax.”
I take a deep breath and nod.Relax.
Eleanor Bailey seems very fit for the job. Even a little overqualified. And I’m aware she doesn’t intend to stay long, but I can’t help but worry how invested she will be in her responsibilities. I just hope she doesn’t have something going on that will hinder her ability to do the job well. These kids deserve someone who is fully present, even if it’s for a short period.
“Plus, it’s not everyday Glendale can say they have Columbia alumni on their staff.” She takes a sip of her coffee, still looking out the window.
“That is a plus,” I agree.
“And she’s pretty.” She smirks behind her mug.
It instantly feels twenty degrees hotter in our little break room. I clear my throat and avoid acknowledging her comment. I’m very aware of how attractive the new girl is, and I haven’t even met her in person yet. Working with Emma for a few years, I’ve seen Ellie in photos—her delicate pink lips and striking eyes always make me do a double take. And seeing her on a computer screen in real time was enough to make my heart stop.
Hence, forgetting to turn on my camera.
“Will she—”
“They’re here!” Patsy cuts me off as she practically pushes me through the glass when she barrels out of the breakroom, racing to meet Emma and her sister outside. I’m in awe as I stay planted in place, taking in what I see out of my favorite window.
A computer screen doesn’t do justice to the in-person view of this new girl.
She’s stunning.
And all of a sudden, my favorite view out of our large break room window isn’t as appealing as it once was.
