Russell shut the door to his office. Smiling smugly, he dialed the Pin Oak Grove Public Library. Tom answered on the second ring. Russell announced himself. He tried to recall details of the conversation with Meara.
“Hello, Russell,” said Duncan warily. “How are you today?”
“Hello, Duncan! I’m quite well, thank you. I know you’re doing well. I met your new Head of Youth Services. Meara’s a delightful woman. It’s a shame she couldn’t find Pin Oak Grove’s manual, but we’re happy to help. Meara’s something else. She’s fast friends with my staff. She gave us her email address in case we need her. South Branchville and Pin Oak Grove are going to work together in the future.”
Duncan grinned. “I’m glad you like our Miss Meara. She’s a wonderful addition to my staff. I’m glad she’s making friends. We’ve always be willing to work with South Branchville, Russell.”
“Meara’s quite a dedicated librarian. She chided me for not having a Head of Youth Services. Now I know you’ve got the best! I’ll be recommending Meara for the Chairperson of the Youth Services Committee at the next directors’ meeting. I hope you’ll back that decision.” Russell paused for Duncan’s reaction.
“I’m well aware of Miss Meara’s dedication. If she’s interested in Chairperson, she has my blessing. I’m always supportive of professional development. Your staff would benefit greatly from knowing Miss Meara while you search for your own librarian.” Duncan rolled his eyes.
Russell pressed Duncan’s buttons. “I have to be honest. I’m going to try to steal Meara away from you. I wanted to take her lunch today, but she asked for a rain check. I hope you don’t work her too hard. She’s pretty cute, especially with that dimple. Well, I probably don’t have to tell you, Duncan.”
Russell liked arguing with Duncan, but Duncan rarely rose to the challenge. Russell waited to hear Duncan’s reaction. Duncan slowed his breathing, and exhaled. He hated sparring with Russell, but now it was about Meara. His Meara.
Duncan needed to play it cool. “Miss Meara’s a talented librarian. If you offer her a job and she takes it, there’s nothing I can do. I would caution you there’s a fine line between romance and harassment, Russell. It’s not my job to notice if a staff member is attractive or not. It’s my job to do what’s best for the community.”
Russell felt Duncan’s annoyance although he was trying to hide it. He had hit a nerve about her. He was going to make Duncan squirm.
“Duncan, you old dog! You HAVE noticed Meara is attractive. I’m sure I’ll be able to offer her something you can’t. And if for some crazy reason she won’t work for me, maybe I’ll ask her out. You’re not interested in dating her, are you? I would find that hard to believe.”
Duncan’s annoyance blossomed into full blown indignation. “Russell, I’m not going to let you turn this into something personal. Miss Meara is more than capable of making her own decisions. Interview her, date her or both. It’s your choice to try. And regardless of whether or not I’m aware of how attractive someone is, I’m a gentleman. I wouldn’t discuss it with you.”
Russell grinned evilly. Bull’s-eye! Duncan liked Meara. Russell was in his glory.
“I didn’t know you felt so strongly about your Miss Meara. We’ll have to see if she’s happy with you. With your library, I mean.”
Duncan rolled his eyes. He needed to hang up or he was going to lose it. He didn’t realize how much he cared about Meara.
“If there is nothing more to discuss, I do have a library to run. I’ll see you at the next directors’ meeting. Bye.” Duncan sighed.
Russell wondered if Duncan Phillips was a human being after all. Meara might be the key to shattering the cool reserve Duncan had. Russell had no intentions of dating Meara. If he could ruffle Duncan’s feathers by luring her away and filling the gap in his own Youth Services Department, it would be a win-win situation.
Cradling his face in his hands, Duncan wondered how the day could have gone so wrong, so fast. It was supposed to be a great day. Now Russell was going to try and take Meara away. She might be attracted to Russell since he was younger and had an outgoing personality. Russell was a jerk, but he might change if she cared about him. Even though he had only recently met her, Duncan felt he was changing for the better. He wasn’t even sure she cared about him, but it didn’t matter. He wanted to get to know her. He wanted her in his life. His thoughts were interrupted by Tom.
Tom said, “She’s back. She’s happy too. Was Russell calling to complain she beat him up?”
“No, he was calling to say he wants to hire her,” replied Duncan. “Or date her.”
“Duncan, talk to her. Give her some credit. Besides, this IS Russell we’re talking about!”
Taking a deep breath, Duncan followed Tom to the Circulation Desk. Meara was chatting with Lucy and gave him a huge smile when she saw him.
“I’m back,” she said, waving. “I’ll get on Summer Reading right away. I like Susan and Marie. They’re a little overwhelmed. I promised to help them.”
“I don’t mind you helping them just don’t wear yourself out,” he said. “Russell called. He’s quite impressed with you.”
“He called? That’s nice, I guess,” she replied, grimacing. “I appreciate the warning, Mr. Phillips. The less I see of Mr. McMahon, the better.”
He felt a ray of sunshine pierce his gray day. “Russell wants to recommend you for Chairperson of our Youth Services committee.”
“He mentioned it. However, any director who lets his Youth Services Department go for over half a year without a librarian is not someone to be taken seriously. He should solve his own problems before interfering with the committee.”
His mood dimmed. “I let my Department go without a librarian.”
She shook her finger at him. “You would replace your librarian as soon as possible for the good of the library. Mr. McMahon only cares about what’s good for him.”
Tom and Lucy watched this exchange with amusement. Tom knew Russell wanted to take Meara away. She might like the challenge of reviving Russell’s withering library. It was time to stir things up to see how Meara felt.
“From what Duncan says, Russell wants to hire you away from us,” Tom said.
Duncan and Lucy glared at Tom. Sometimes Tom said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Sometimes Tom said what needed to be said. Duncan waited anxiously.
Meara giggled. “It would be a cold day in Hell before I worked for him. Oh, I’m sorry for swearing. I can’t work for someone I don’t respect. I like it here. I already feel like part of the family.”
Meara stole a glance at Duncan. The smile crept back onto his face. That giggle thrilled him. Lucy was still annoyed with Tom, but she relaxed. Tom sighed.
“Family, I’m hungry. It’s lunchtime. How are we handling lunch today?” asked Tom, silently prompting Lucy.
“You can go first. Meara, what are you doing for lunch?” asked Lucy, winking at Tom.
“I’ll work through lunch. I want to get started,” Meara replied.
“You can’t do that on your first day!” Tom said in mock horror, throwing up his hands. “Duncan, stop her! Make her eat lunch like everyone else! Hey! Why don’t we order pizza?”
“I did forget to pack lunch today,” said Duncan. “And I agree with Tom. Miss Meara, you must take lunch. I insist. I appreciate your eagerness. It’ll be there after lunch. Let’s order pizza.”
Meara opened her mouth to protest, but Duncan crossed his arms over his chest. Lucy and Tom quickly followed suit. The three of them glared, silently daring Meara to disobey.
Sherrie walked up. “What did I miss? Why do I miss the good stuff? What did Meara do? Is she in trouble on her first day?”
Sherrie’s confusion made Meara laugh. “I’m out voted and overruled. Sherrie, they’re making me take lunch. We’re having pizza. Is this what I have to look forward to working here?”
“Yes.” Sherrie failed to look serious.
“Count me in for pizza. I’ll se
t up in the kitchen,” Meara said, walking away.
“I’ll call for pizza,” said Lucy. “Sherrie, you want some?”
“I’ve never turned down a slice!” Sherrie watched Duncan following Meara with his eyes. “Duncan, you’ve got it bad.”
“What are you talking about?” Duncan asked absentmindedly.
“I’m sure you have no idea what I’m talking about,” Sherrie said, rolling her eyes. “I’ll go help Meara.”
Sherrie saw the flowers in Meara’s office. “My goodness! They’re gorgeous. Did you bring them in?”
Meara blushed. “Sherrie, this has been one heck of a day. Mr. Phillips gave me the flowers and I thought they were from everyone. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”
While looking at the flowers with dreamy eyes, Meara popped a chocolate kiss in her mouth and offered Sherrie one. Sherrie smiled wickedly at Meara. Duncan wasn’t the only one with a crush.
Meara said, “Why are you smiling like that?”
Chapter Nine
“No reason. What’s been going on today?” asked Sherrie as they headed into the kitchen.
“I couldn’t find the Summer Reading manual, so I went to South Branchville to borrow theirs,” said Meara, opening cabinets looking for paper plates and napkins.
“Did you meet Russell? What did you think?” asked Sherrie, watching Meara closely.
“What a jerk. He’s awful. He has no idea how to run a Youth Services Department,” Meara replied. “I’m sorry. I hope he’s not your friend.”
Sherrie laughed. “No, He’s not. You’re right about him!”
“I can’t see how Mr. Phillips puts up with Mr. McMahon. I’ll hold my tongue for the sake of Mr. Phillips, but I’d love to tell Mr. McMahon what I really think of him. Did you know he asked me out to lunch today?”
“No, I didn’t. How did you get out of it?”
“I politely asked for a rain check,” Meara replied. “I hope he forgets. He’s the most insincere person I’ve ever met.”
“Who are we talking about, ladies?” asked Lucy, walking into the kitchen. “Pizzas are on their way.”
Lucy was eager to hear Meara’s impression of Russell. He could be Duncan’s competition for Meara’s affection.
“Meara thinks Russell is a jerk and a bad director. Don’t you think he’s cute?” asked Sherrie.
Her upper lip curling, Meara turned deadly serious. “Not my type. I can’t explain it. His overbearing personality makes his appearance unattractive. He oozes creepiness.”
“Who oozes?” asked Tom, carrying pizzas. “The pizzas are here. If someone is oozing, I get his or her slices!”
“Tom!” said Lucy. “You always hear the wrong part of the conversation!”
Everyone was laughing when Duncan entered the kitchen. Meara grinned and his face lit up. He looked around at his friends.
“It’s quiet out there today,” he said. “We can take lunch at the same time. The Reference person can handle Circulation for now.”
They passed pizza and drinks to each other. Duncan and Meara sat at opposite ends of the table. The conversations were easygoing and jovial. Tom, Lucy and Duncan had one conversation while Meara and Sherrie got to know each other.
“You’ll find I’m interested in astrology. Things like horoscopes and signs. Do you know what sign you are?” asked Sherrie.
“I know I’m a Capricorn. And I was born in the Chinese Year of the Rooster,” replied Meara.
“A Capricorn Rooster. Capricorns are hard-working, reserved, loyal and stubborn. They’re slow to make friends, but those friends are forever. The Rooster is self-reliant, confident, aggressive and a perfectionist. They slowly work towards their dreams. The Capricorn Rooster woman is an excellent friend to have.”
Meara sat silently for a moment. “I don’t follow astrology. I occasionally read my horoscope. Mine sounds a little cold and nose to the grindstone, doesn’t it?”
Sherrie laughed. “I’d have to check your chart, but Capricorn Rooster women do have a passionate side. They want to be in control, but they also want to be taken care of by their loved ones. They have to figure out how much power they’re willing to give their loved ones.”
“You’re saying I’m a control freak mess?” asked Meara, laughing.
“Pretty much,” Sherrie replied.
“Who’s a mess?” Tom turned to Sherrie and Meara.
“Sherrie was telling me about astrology,” Meara replied.
“Sherrie, don’t go filling Meara’s head with that stuff,” Lucy said, mildly irritated. “One day your horoscope says to get out there and you can do it and the next day it says stay in bed, it’s a horrible day. I hope Meara has more sense than to believe that stuff.”
“It’s interesting to hear about it. Sometimes the descriptions are pretty accurate,” replied Meara, instantly gaining Sherrie as a friend and placating Lucy as well.
“You’re a mess?” asked Tom.
“Aren’t most women messes of some sort?” Meara replied.
“Miss Meara, I’m not going to answer that because the men are outnumbered here. I know when not to open my mouth and insert foot,” chuckled Tom.
Duncan watched his staff coming together as a team. He was overjoyed to see Meara settling in as the newest member. He exhaled audibly.
“Very wise, Tom, very wise,” Duncan said, scooping up his empty plate. “I’ll go watch the Circulation Desk.”
“I’ll help too,” said Sherrie, following Duncan.
As she discharged returning books, Sherrie spoke to Duncan. “Meara’s a Capricorn Rooster woman.”
“You know I don’t follow astrology. What does that mean?”
“You’re a Virgo Dragon man. Virgo Dragon men and Capricorn Rooster women are soul mates. The two are highly compatible. When they come together, it’s a very satisfying relationship.”
“Does Meara know this?”
“No. I haven’t told her. I don’t want to influence her.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“I’m not telling you anything your heart doesn’t already know. Meara, as a Capricorn Rooster woman, needs to be in control as she learns to trust you. She’ll turn over some of the control to you, like it was her idea the whole time. Capricorn Rooster women and Virgo Dragon men need to find a balance. She wants you to take care of her, but not coddle or father her. You want her to need you. You want to take care of her but you also want her to be strong on her own. Meara’s your soul mate, Duncan. Be patient and when it happens, I can’t wait to see the fireworks.”
“Any other advice?” said Duncan.
“Nice touch with the flowers, but don’t keep doing it. She doesn’t want to be flattered. Impress her by doing things. Actions speak louder than words or floral arrangements.”
“Are you going to tell Meara about the soul mates thing?”
“No, she’d fight it. Remember the control issues. It’s easier this way and she’ll respond naturally. Not knowing won’t hurt her.”
“What I should do next?”
“What are you asking me for? Do I look like a dating service? You’re on your own now, buddy.” Sherrie laughed and rolled a cart of books away from the Circulation Desk.
Duncan sighed. He wasn’t sold on what Sherrie said. He wanted Meara to need him even though she was a strong woman. He wanted to be the person she turned to if she did need help. He wanted her to love him. He was shocked. This was happening so fast. He was falling in love with her.
“Thank goodness for Summer Reading Club. It’ll keep us all busy.”
“What are you mumbling about?” asked Tom, coming up behind Duncan.
“Nothing. Is lunch over?” asked Duncan.
“Yes. I can take over if you’d like.”
“Good idea. What? No words of wisdom on the Miss Meara situation?”
“I’m sure the womenfolk covered it. I bet they told you to go slow. If you’re interested in something temporary, pick up the pace. If you’re in it for
the long haul, hit the brakes. It’s up to you.”
“That’s your best automotive opinion?” Duncan chuckled.
“When you see a mint condition vehicle with low mileage, a well-built chassis and not too many dings and scratches, make a bid on it or someone else will.”
Duncan’s temper flared. “Tom, that’s the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard. I can’t believe you’re comparing Meara to a car. I don’t like that at all. You’ve gone too far. Meara’s a lady and should be shown some respect.”
“Don’t punch me in the nose! I’m only trying to help you. I’ve never seen you so worked up about anyone before. My example was a little crass, but you’ve figured out Meara’s important to you. It sounds like you’re willing to fight for her if Russell comes around looking for a test drive. Sorry, I’ll stop, but don’t let me catch you sitting at your desk with your head in your hands again.”
Duncan’s anger faded. “Fine. Thank you. No need to make my blood boil again, okay?”
Tom saluted. “Yes, sir!”
Duncan returned to his office. All the talk of going slow, soul mates and test drives was wearing him out. He buried himself in paperwork and email. Two hours after lunch, he heard thumps coming from the room to his right. The Mechanical Room held the HVAC system, tools and equipment. He didn’t think much of it since staff members occasionally went in there for something. He bowed his head over his work again. He raised his head when he heard a thump outside his office door. He saw ladder rungs. He furrowed his brows. He saw Sherrie pass, carrying the end of the ladder. He wandered out to the Circulation Desk.
“What’s going on?” Duncan asked. “What’s the ladder for?”
“Meara and Sherrie have bonded. They’ve taken over every photocopier to print reading logs and flyers. Meara even emailed those ladies over at South Branchville with some files she promised them. She and Sherrie used both phone lines to book performers. Now they’re decorating. I believe the ladder is for the banner,” Tom chuckled.
“It’s only been a couple of hours,” Duncan said, astonished.
The Swear Jar Page 7