We all opened them together.When I lifted the lid, my eyes welled, and my heart expanded.“Wow.”
Inside the box was a simple wooden frame with a photo of Christy, Oscar, and me from Coach’s funeral.The casket was in the foreground of the picture, and the three of us were smiling at something, our heads together as we looked at Coach.There was a soft glow above the casket, something that wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye but was prominent in the photo.
“Did you add that?”Christy asked.
Reegan shook her head.“I was taking pictures that day.I could tell how loved your father was.It made me sad that I never met him, but I wanted to have pictures so you would remember how celebrated his life was.When I saw that one, it was as if he was there with you guys.One last good memory for all of you.”
“Coach always told us the ones we love are never truly gone.When my wife died, he said I’d see her again, in the little moments.That I needed to hold on to the good memories.We were talking about that,” Oscar said.
I squeezed Reegan’s hip, unable to add words.I was overwhelmed by the gift, and knew my best friends were feeling the same.
“It looked like he was there.In the smiles you all shared.In the memories of all the people who came out to support you.He’s not forgotten.”Reegan’s words were soft and thoughtful, and meant the world to me, and to Christy.
Christy got up from her seat, set the picture down, and walked around to fire to Reegan.She smiled and hugged Reegan tight.“Thank you.This… This means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome.I have more for you.I wasn’t sure if you were ready to see this, but I wanted you to have it before I leave.”
The reminder of how quickly our time together was ending made me want to lock Reegan in my house and never let her go.But I couldn’t.Reegan wasn’t worried about having to leave, about not getting the job, but I was.I couldn’t interfere, no matter how badly I wanted to.If she had to go back to MacKellar Cove, I would go see her, and she would come see me.We would make it work until she found a job closer to Amethyst Bay.
“When do you leave?”Christy asked as she sat back down.
“Next weekend.I have to be there for a few days before students start,” Reegan said.
I tightened my hand on her hip.
“You haven’t heard anything from Bethany?”Oscar asked.
Reegan shook her head.“No, but hopefully I’ll hear from her soon.”
“How about now?”a voice asked from the darkness behind us.
“Hey, guys,” Oscar said, waving.“Join us.”
I looked back to where Bethany and Oscar’s brother, Tanner, were walking from my driveway.“Welcome.You guys want a drink?”I pointed to the cooler.
Bethany and Tanner nodded, moving closer.They were good people.Both a little older than me, so I was never as close to them, but I would have done anything for them.Maddie had spent as many nights at my house as Evie had spent at theirs, and they were amazing parents.
“Thanks,” Tanner said, reaching in for a beer.He took a seat and smiled at his wife.They were the kind of couple I’d always looked up to.Supportive of each other while letting the other shine when it was their turn.The look Tanner gave Bethany was full of love and encouragement as she focused on Reegan.
Reegan slid a look to me, but I held up my hands.“I had nothing to do with this.”
“Blame me,” Oscar said, hugging his sister-in-law and fist-bumping his brother.“I mentioned I’d be here tonight with you guys.Bethany must have put two and two together.”
“I am so sorry,” Reegan said, facing Bethany.“I know this is highly unprofessional.I had no idea you were related when I interviewed with you.”
Bethany chuckled.“Small towns don’t keep secrets, Reegan.”
Reegan breathed a laugh.“No, they don’t.”
“Which means as soon as Hannah called me to say I should not hire you, I knew something was up.She’s not a friend.Our daughters are friends, but ever since they got phones, we haven’t had a reason to talk.And she’s never once reached out.”Bethany rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know what she said about me, but I can explain whatever she said.We aren’t friends, and she doesn’t know me,” Reegan rushed to say.
“Oh, I’m well aware of that,” Bethany said.“She told me I shouldn’t hire you because you weren’t right for this town.When I pressed her on why, she couldn’t come up with anything.I think she expected me to just take her word on who I hire and not bother to do any research.Which is not how I operate.”Bethany scoffed.
“I can provide you with additional references if you need them,” Reegan said.
I hated that she was so worried.That Hannah had anything to do with it.It wasn’t right, and I was done letting Hannah get away with her manipulation.
