The Swear Jar

by Osorio, Audra

“Our dear leader has a secret.” Tom whispered to Lucy.

  Lucy nodded her head. “This should be interesting.”

  By the end of the day Monday, Duncan looked disappointed. Tom and Lucy shook their heads.

  “We’re not going to get an answer today,” said Lucy. “I wonder who or what he was looking for all day.”

  “I don’t know, but stay tuned on Tuesday,” Tom replied. “Suit or no suit?”

  “Suit,” Lucy said. “And did you notice the haircut?”

  Tuesday came and went. Duncan had on another suit. He wore out a path in the carpet. Tom and Lucy were getting a little worried. Duncan was a very private person. It was fun for Tom and Lucy to guess what he was doing, but if it got any worse, they’d get answers. On Wednesday, Tom and Lucy arrived before Duncan. He showed up late, looking dejected, but still in a suit and tie. It was time for an intervention.

  “You look like someone kicked your puppy or stole your lollipop,” said Tom.

  “What’s going on?” demanded Lucy, hands on her hips.

  Even though Lucy was shorter than Duncan, she commanded a strong maternal presence. Duncan couldn’t ignore their concern and wanted to tell them about Meara. He liked Tom and Lucy very much. They had shielded him from sympathetic patrons when his wife passed away ten years ago. They had also fended off patrons who wanted to fix him up on dates. He wore his wedding ring because it was easier to hide behind it. Now he had met Meara. He was worried he had messed up his only chance to get to know her.

  Relieved to be able to tell them, he exhaled. “I met a woman named Meara at the supermarket on Saturday. She and her niece, Anne, were shopping and I introduced myself. She’s new to town and she’s a librarian. I asked her to drop off her resume for the Head of Youth Services position. I’ve been waiting for her to come, but so far, she hasn’t. I’m not sure she will.”

  Tom and Lucy listened attentively to the longest speech he had ever given outside of a Board meeting. They were surprised, but secretly, they were pleased to hear Duncan might have a friend.

  Always acting the part of the wiser, but wisecracking, older brother, Tom summarized. “You met a woman named Meara, who’s a librarian. You asked her to apply for a job that isn’t posted. You’re wearing a suit and you’ve been pacing for two days. Is that about right?”

  “When you say it like that, it sounds kind of crazy,” Duncan said, shifting uncomfortably. “But yes, that’s it.”

  “Our dear director is smitten with this Meara,” Lucy smiled. “I hope she shows up because I’d like to meet her. She must be very special.”

  “Yes, she is. I’m not sure she’s going to show up. I think I made her uncomfortable.” He glanced at his wedding ring.

  “How long are you going to hide behind that ring?” Tom chided. “Brenda would have wanted you to be happy and you know it.”

  “I know. I think I’ve missed the chance to find out,” Duncan said.

  “Don’t give up hope yet,” said Lucy.

  Duncan turned to the front doors to see Meara and Anne walking up the path. Anne was pulling Meara to the side to look at the flowers.

  He froze. “That’s Meara. And Anne. What are they doing?”

  “Buying you time to get into your office! Anne is making Meara stop and smell the flowers! Move!” commanded Lucy.

  He bolted for his office. By the time Meara and Anne made it to the entrance, Tom was there to unlock the doors. He was surprised to see Meara dressed in gray gym pants, t-shirt and flip flops. Her shoulder length hair was wet. She was wearing silver-rimmed eyeglasses. She didn’t look like she was here to apply for a job.

  “Good morning,” Tom said.

  “Good morning,” they answered with bright smiles.

  Meara beamed. “How are you today?”

  Dazzled by her smile, Tom blinked. “I’m fine, thank you. And how are you?”

  “Fine, thank you!”

  Anne stopped in front of the Circulation Desk. She saw the door to Duncan’s office. She shifted the backpack on her shoulder. She nodded to Lucy. Lucy nodded back.

  Meara greeted Lucy. “Good morning! How are you?”

  Lucy waved to Meara. “I’m fine, thank you. How are you?”

  Meara replied, “I’m fine, thanks. This library is beautiful. The flowers outside are wonderful. Wow, what a mural! The artist is very talented. Anne, do you want to pick out some books?”

  “You should get your library card first!” Anne chirped while Meara poured over the mural.

  “We can get it later. People can browse without having a library card.” Meara stared up at the mural, waving a dismissive hand at Anne.

  “No, no, you should get it now!” Anne insisted.

  “Calm down. I’ll get my card now. May I apply for a library card please?” Meara asked.

  “Sure,” Lucy said. “Just fill out this card and I’ll set one up for you.”

  “Thank you,” Meara said.

  Duncan stood behind his office door, straining to hear. He couldn’t make out what she was saying. She was soft-spoken and listening to her voice wasn’t enough. He wanted to know what she was saying. He wanted to see her and wondered how that was going to happen.

  “Are you two new to town?” Tom asked.

  “No, I’ve been here since May. I have my library card, but she’s new. I’ve been trying to get her here all week. All she wants to do is swim. We met your director, Mr. Phillips, at the supermarket. He was really nice,” rambled Anne.

  While Meara filled out the card, Tom noticed she wore a wedding ring. Tom was instantly on high alert. His instinct to be overprotective of Duncan kicked into high gear. Duncan hadn’t mentioned Meara was married. Tom wanted to save both of them some embarrassment if there was a misunderstanding. After all, Duncan wore a wedding ring too. Meara handed the card back to Lucy.

  “It’s nice to meet a fellow lefty, Mrs. Martin,” Tom said. “Should we fill out a card for Mr. Martin?”

  Meara inhaled sharply. Anne moved closer to hold Meara’s hand.

  Anne said quietly, “My Uncle Hank passed away five years ago.”

  Tom replied, “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what a difficult time you may have had. Our own director, Duncan, lost his wife ten years ago. He still wears his wedding ring too.”

  “Thank you,” Meara replied, her face clouding as she touched her wedding ring. “I didn’t know Mr. Phillips’ wife had passed away. I’m very sorry to hear that. It’s not an easy thing to go through.”

  Tom and Lucy were pleasantly surprised. Meara had shown genuine concern for Duncan. Some women, hearing he was a widower, saw it as a green light to go after him. Tom and Lucy liked Meara. Lucy was right thinking this woman was special.

  “Please call me Meara,” she said. “I have a feeling we’re going to be here a great deal. Are you ready to get some books, Anne?”

  “Can you find me some?” asked Anne. “I want to get a bookmark first.”

  “I’ll be in the stacks, but you have to read whatever I pick out.”

  As Meara walked away from the Circulation Desk, Anne looked at bookmarks. Tom, Lucy and Anne waited until she was out of sight.

  “Where’s Mr. Phillips?” Anne asked. “I have her resume.”

  “You follow your aunt and we’ll get him over there!” said Tom.

  Anne trotted off. Lucy knocked on Duncan’s door. She could hear him breathing.

  “You know, if I swung the door open right now, I’d hit you in the head?”

  “You’re so funny,” he said, coming out of the office and standing at the Circulation Desk. “Now what?”

  “Mrs. Martin isn’t dressed for dropping off her resume. It sounds like Anne dragged her here. She probably hasn’t been losing sleep over meeting you,” Tom said.

  “Thanks, that makes me feel so much better. Did you say Mrs. Martin?” Duncan frowned.

  “Yes, Mrs. Martin. Her husband died five years ago. You’re oblivious. Your wedding ring worked on her, but now she knows y
ou have something in common,” said Lucy.

  “Thanks, guys,” Duncan said as he straightened his hair and tucked his tie into his suit jacket.

  “This should be interesting,” Lucy said, crossing her arms. “I bet you Anne does most of the talking.”

  “I’d lose that bet,” Tom replied.

  Duncan approached Meara and Anne casually. He was nervous, yet eager to speak with Meara again. He wondered if she had been thinking about him.

  “Good morning, ladies,” he said brightly.

  They turned to see him. Anne smiled and waved. Meara’s expression changed rapidly several times. She was happy to see him, but was sorry for his loss. She remembered he had wanted her resume and she was in casual clothes. She thought he looked extremely attractive in a suit. She blushed.

  “Hi, Mr. Phillips!” chirped Anne.

  “Good morning, Mr. Phillips. How are you?” Meara asked shyly.

  “I’m fine. I’m very happy to see you both. Tom and Lucy told me you were here. I’m glad you came, Mrs. Martin. Anne, are you finding books you’d like to read?” he asked.

  “Aunt Meara picks out some great books sometimes,” admitted Anne.

  “Thanks, Anne.” Meara rolled her eyes.

  He liked Meara’s sarcastic tone. Before they launched into an argument, he wanted to mention the job. He took a deep breath.

  “Mrs. Martin, were you planning on dropping off your resume today?” he asked.

  “Mr. Phillips, I thought you were being polite. I didn’t think you really meant it. I don’t have my resume with me.” Embarrassed, Meara held up her hands.

  He replied, “Mrs. Martin, if I’m anything, I’m a man of my word. I mean what I say. It’s too bad you don’t have it with you.”

  Taking off her backpack, Anne smiled wickedly. “I have it!”

  Annoyed, Meara looked at Anne. “How do you have my resume?”

  “It was on your computer. I printed it out. Here you go, Mr. Phillips.” Anne handed the resume to him.

  “You’re a hacker now?” asked Meara.

  “Yep!” replied Anne.

  He acted fast before Meara dragged Anne out by her ear. “Since you’re here now, I’d like to look at your work history and conduct an informal interview.”

  Meara froze where she stood. Sitting at a nearby table, he motioned for Anne to take a seat.

  He asked Anne, “Do you think it’s worth looking at her resume?”

  Anne replied, “I think so. She’s a good librarian. I have no complaints. Are you looking to hire a new librarian soon?”

  “I’m not sure. I need to get Board approval. Why do you ask?”

  “It’s the middle of June and there’s no one here. Don’t you have a Summer Reading Club?”

  “I haven’t given it much thought. Even when we had a full time librarian, we have many children visiting the library. Is Summer Reading Club important?”

  “You bet it is! Aunt Meara loves kids and libraries should be fun. If you’re not getting a lot of kids, Aunt Meara can take care of that. I think you need to hire her as soon as possible.”

  With hands on hips, Meara scowled. “Don’t I get to ask questions or answer them? Who made you my agent, Anne? Remind me to bring you with me when I want to buy a new car. May I ask you a few questions, Mr. Phillips?”

  He cringed inwardly. He hoped Meara wouldn’t ask about salary and benefits. Librarians were never going to be rich. He wanted her to be a librarian for the love of it. He didn’t dare look at Anne. She was grinning.

  “Go ahead,” he said.

  “What kind of director are you, Mr. Phillips? Are you supportive and willing to listen? Does my opinion count? Are you willing to jump in when I need you? What kind of budget is there for books and media? Is there a budget for hiring performers as well as programming supplies? May I rearrange and weed the collection? May I redecorate? May I try new programs?”

  He stole a look at Anne. Her raised eyebrows said ‘I told you!’ He looked back at Meara. His first impression of her was she was funny and attractive. Now his second impression was she was a passionate force to be reckoned with as a librarian. He wondered if that passion extended to her personal life. He had to stop wandering too far down that path. He had to say something to her.

  “You’re hired,” Duncan blurted out.

  Crossing her arms, Meara stared at him like he was crazy. She wondered what she would be getting into if she worked for him. He was nice, but if he wasn’t a good director, she wouldn’t give him another thought. No matter how cute he looked in a suit.

  He went on quickly. “I’m supportive, I do listen and your opinion does count. I value different perspectives to help run this library. And if you need me, I’ll be there. There’s a nice budget for books, media, performers and craft supplies. The collection is yours to grow, weed and tend. The same goes for new programs and redecorating.”

  Uncrossing her arms, Meara’s blue eyes danced. Her dimple appeared. Duncan had to have her work for him. He wanted to get to know her. He wanted to kiss that dimple. He blinked.

  “Mrs. Martin, what do you think? Would like to work here?” He held his breath.

  “Mr. Phillips, please call me Meara.”

  “Meara, will you make me the happiest director on earth and join my staff?” he asked, lowering his voice to a pleasantly low growl.

  It was her turn to blink. She had butterflies in her stomach. That voice made her want to giggle. She wanted to make him happy and not just as a director. Blushing deep red, she was surprised for thinking this. A wicked look in her eyes made his smile faltered. He wondered what she was thinking. They stared at each other.

  Anne broke the awkward silence. “She’ll take it! When do you want her to start?”

  Meara and Duncan looked a little dazed. They turned to Anne. Shyly, Meara looked down at the floor. He cleared his throat.

  “I have to get the Board’s approval. The meeting’s tomorrow night. It seems silly to start on a Friday. Could you start Monday?” he asked.

  “She’ll be here, bright and early. Vacation’s over for you, Aunt Meara!” Anne smiled triumphantly.

  “Would you please give me your phone number, Mrs. Martin?” he said as professionally as possible even though he was terribly nervous. “I’ll call you Friday morning with the Board’s decision.”

  “Of course. Please call me Meara or Miss Meara, as the children do. Is there an application I need to fill out?”

  “Mr. Phillips, you can call her Thursday night. Aunt Meara, I printed off an application and filled it out for you. Here you go, Mr. Phillips.” Anne waved the application in her aunt’s face and handed it over to him.

  “Anne, my Social Security number is on there. How did you get that?” asked Meara, amazed.

  “Like it was hard!” Anne retorted.

  “We need to talk about privacy, young lady. Why do I feel like I’m being railroaded?” Meara chided.

  Anne couldn’t resist answering. “He TOLD you to stop by. I got the stuff together. You think we planned this? Are you crazy? Mr. Phillips, maybe you shouldn’t hire her.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll take my chances. She’s the right one. For the job I mean.”

  Meara smiled. “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you, even if the Board doesn’t go for it.”

  He took a step closer to her. She shifted uneasily on her feet. They shook hands. Their voices were soft.

  “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Miss Meara.” His growl was back.

  She couldn’t think straight. “Yes. It was, Mr. Phillips.”

  “Until Thursday.”

  “Okay. Have a good day.”

  “You too. If you’ll excuse me, I have to prepare for the Board meeting,” he said.

  He walked past the Circulation Desk. Lucy was shaking her head. Tom gave him two thumbs up. Duncan rolled his eyes. Tom and Lucy heard him letting out a sigh as he closed his office door.

  Chapter Three

  “Anne is
something else, isn’t she?” asked Lucy.

  “Meara’s not so bad herself. It’s getting kind of boring around here. Do you think the Board will approve?” Tom said.

  “Duncan won’t have a problem. Meara is a firecracker. If the Board doesn’t approve, they’ll have to worry about Anne. Poor Board!” Lucy smiled. “I wonder if this is right for Duncan. Meara is the first woman he’s shown interest in and he wants her to work for him. This could get messy.”

  “It’s a small town. She’s new and a breath of fresh air! What are you afraid of? Do you think they’ll be knocking boots by the end of the summer? I’ll take that bet!” Tom said.

  “That’s appalling, but it did cross my mind. It’s always the quiet ones you have to watch. Duncan’s been alone for a long time and Meara’s been a widow for five years. Something’s going on between them.”

  “They’ll be together before the end of the year. You can say sometime next year. Is it a bet?”

  “Tom, go shelve some books!” chided Lucy.

  “Can’t. Here come our patrons and possibly a new co-worker.”

  “Hello again!” Anne chirped. “My Aunt Meara might work here.”

  Tom asked, “Is this true?”

  Meara smiled. “As long as Mr. Phillips gets approval, I think so.”

  Lucy said, “Congratulations, Mrs. Martin! Welcome to the staff. I’m Lucy and this is Tom.”

  Meara said, “Please call me Meara.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of you too, Anne,” Tom said, winking at her.

  “I’ll be here. I want to volunteer for the little kids’ programs. It’s so much fun!” Anne said.

  Lucy finished checking out their books. “Meara, don’t forget to bring a mug with you when you start. Not that we’re drinking many hot beverages in June.”

  “Thanks!” Meara replied. “I hope I’ll be working here. Fingers crossed. Bye!”

  Outside, Meara turned to Anne. “What was that all about, young lady? My resume? My Social Security number? I appreciate the help, but you crossed the line. Why?”

  “Because he likes you and you like him.”

  Meara tripped over her own feet and dropped a book. “Say what?”

  “You like each other. You’ll get to know each other.”