The Swear Jar Read Online Free

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