“Can I ask why that is?”
Bethany chuckled.“My husband would tell you it’s because I’m too picky, but I choose to believe it’s because I’m careful about who I hire.A lot of people are desperate for a job, any job, but they don’t want to stick around a town like Amethyst Bay.Most of the teachers we’ve had in here end up moving to Albany or farther away.We don’t meet the requirements for loan forgiveness, and I understand college is expensive.I can’t ask about your financial situation, and I’m not trying to ask on the sly, just making sure you are aware that your time teaching here would not get you closer to the five years you need to qualify.”
I shook my head, not answering her unasked question but also not not answering.“That isn’t something I’m worried about.”
“Okay.Good.I didn’t want you to be blindsided by that.”
“Can I be honest with you?”
She leaned back.“I would prefer that, yes.”
“I moved to MacKellar Cove because it was where I got a job.I was looking for a change, and I ended up there because they had an opening, and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be.I met someone, and I tried to make it my home.There was always something missing for me in MacKellar Cove, even before my relationship ended, but when I came here at the beginning of summer, I felt like I’d found that something.”
Bethany’s eyebrows shot up high.
“My best friend lives here.I have been staying with her, and I’ve started seeing someone.”
Bethany’s eyebrows dropped, along with her smile.“Oh.”
“I know what you’re thinking, but the man I’m seeing doesn’t know I’m talking to you today.I’m not making this decision for him.I’m making it for me.”
“And if things don’t work out with him?”
I swallowed the pain I felt at the idea it wouldn’t and pressed on.“I still want to be here.I haven’t felt this at peace in a place in a very long time.At my age, I have learned a few things about myself and about life.And I’m done waiting for someone else to bring me happiness.I’m creating my own, and a big part of that is being in this town and, I hope, this job.”
Bethany smiled.She tried to hide it with a twist of her lips, but she was more than pleased with my answer.
After my declaration, she dove into more typical interview questions.An hour later, I thanked her for her time and for showing me around the school and headed to my car.
I nailed it.I knew I did.Bethany said she’d call me by the end of the week, but I was fairly sure it wouldn’t be that long before I heard from her.
To celebrate, I treated myself to lunch at Daily Ritual.Kannon was behind the counter, but so was an older woman who looked like she could be related to him.
“Welcome back, Reegan,” Kannon said when I walked in.
“Hi Kannon.How are you?”
“Good, thanks.What can I get you today?”
“Who is this?”the woman asked, getting closer with each word we spoke until she was right next to Kannon.
“Mom, this is Ashlyn Whittier’s friend, Reegan.Reegan, Elna Ruth is my mother and the owner of Daily Ritual.”Kannon grimaced slightly but covered it well with an apologetic look.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Elna Ruth,” I said, offering a full smile.“I love coming here.”
Elna Ruth’s smile was a deceptive one.“You do?Would my son have something to do with that?”
“Mom!”Kannon hissed.
“Your son is very kind and truly talented, but my attention has been caught by someone else.”
Elna Ruth scowled.“No matter.You’re not wearing a ring so there’s time for you to change your mind.”
“Mom,” Kannon groaned.“I am so sorry, Reegan.Please forgive her.She’s old and senile.”
Elna Ruth whacked him with an oven mitt.“You hush, boy.I want grandkids.And you haven’t gotten out from behind this counter long enough to make some for me.”
“I’m going to die now.Please say nice things at my funeral, Reegan.”
