Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 138981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 695(@200wpm)___ 556(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138981 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 695(@200wpm)___ 556(@250wpm)___ 463(@300wpm)
She comes up with a little key ring with a red plastic fob shaped like a guitar pick. She separates out one brassy-colored key.
“Front door,” she says, then the next, a silver one, “back door,” and then last, a smaller silver key, “storage shed.” She holds them out to me. “You’ll want to take a left on the next street and follow it all the way to the end, right where the tree line breaks. It’s the old Crowder house at the end of the lane. You’ve got your own yard and a lovely lake view for fall. I think you’ll enjoy.”
I have no idea what that means—the old Crowder house—but I guess it would make sense to someone from here.
I smile again as I take the keys, folding them into my palm.
“Thanks!” I tilt my head. “Do you own the house, Janelle?”
“Heaven’s no. That’s the Arrendells. You spoke to Lucia for your interview, didn’t you?”
I nod.
It was a short interview. The woman on the other end spoke with a refined accent and a certain culturedness that made me feel like a gum wrapper stuck to her shoe, even if she was perfectly pleasant and professional.
She’d asked me to send a photograph. I guess to prove I can clean up well enough to fit in a small-town classroom rather than coming all the way down to North Carolina for an interview only to have to go home.
Imagine my surprise when the hiring paperwork landed in my email the next day.
“She’s the First Selectman in this town. Her husband, Montero, is number two. They tend to order things like that around here. If you have any problems with the house, they’ll take care of it or send one of the boys out to help.”
“The boys?”
“Oh, their sons.” Janelle snickers, her fingertips pressed to her lips. “I think it’s just Ulysses in town right now. Those boys do love to keep busy, jetting all over the place. But I’m sure he’ll be happy to take care of you if his folks are busy. And if anyone gives you any trouble, you come see me ASAP.” She leans across the counter, one hand splayed against the wood. “There are perks to being married to the police chief, after all.”
Again, I’m at a loss for words.
I’ve been here five minutes and I already know more about this town than I do about my own father.
I’m not in a horror movie... right?
The overly friendly, curious townsfolk won’t turn out to be radioactive cannibals, or ninja robots that suck the life out of newborns. Sacrifices up in the hills, haunted mansions, Blair Witch dolls in the trees, etc.
Nah.
Me not knowing what to do with someone being this nice, that’s my damage.
And isn’t that part of why I came here?
There’s an excuse caught on my tongue, something angling to let me escape so I can stop being awkward, but I stop and frown. “Hey, Janelle?”
“Yes, hon?”
“Wasn’t there anyone else around to take this job?” I ask her because I couldn’t exactly ask the woman hiring me, or she might have thought I didn’t want it. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice gig. My own house, my own classroom, decent pay. I just thought it was a little funny that Mrs. Arrendell up and hired me over the phone.”
“Yes, well, about that...” Janelle lets out a long sigh. “There’s nobody local qualified. And when someone comes in from the city, well...” She frets her hands together. “They never do last too long. If it’s not the fact that we only have pizza delivery three days a week, it’s all manner of inconveniences. No public transit, touchy cell reception, y’know.” Her smile is tight. “Some folks just can’t give up city life.”
Hmmm.
I’m not sure I buy it.
But I do need this paycheck, not to mention a strong experience on my résumé that’s near impossible to come by back home.
So I’m not complaining.
If it turns out I’m one of those big-city girls who can’t adapt to small-town life?
Baby, I’ll learn.
I can at least stick it out long enough to walk away with a good reference for my next job.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I try to offer what I hope is a warm, reassuring smile. “I’m used to roughing it on my own.”
“Good. I hope so! We could do with a strong young lady around here to brighten things up. Good role model for the kids, you know.” Janelle beams. “Do call up if you need any help with anything—anything at all. I finally put our number on Google a couple weeks ago!”
“Awesome. And thank you, ma’am.” I offer my hand again. “Nice meeting you.”
She gives my hand another firm shake before letting go with a little wave. “Welcome to Redhaven, Delilah. I hope you’re here to stay.”