Free The Swear Jar by Audra Osorio Page B

more.”
    “Thanks!” said Susan and Marie at
the same time.
    They were much happier now than
when Meara had first arrived.  They were bubbly when Russell returned.
    “How are you lovely ladies getting
along?” Russell said, holding out a stack of papers.
    “Just fine, Mr. McMahon,” Meara
said.  “I’ve got the manual and CD.  The ladies have my email address.  I was
wishing them a great summer.  Thank you, Mr. McMahon, for the passport
applications.”
    He beamed.  “Let me walk you out,
Meara.  You worked magic on Susan and Marie.  They were a little overwhelmed
this summer.  We need someone like you around here.  I don’t know what you
said, but I’m grateful.”
    She blushed.  “I was only trying to
help.  They’ll be fine on their own.  It’s a shame you don’t have someone in
charge.  I hope you’ll be able to find someone soon.”
    “Perhaps that’s something we could
discuss over lunch?” he asked.  “Duncan must let you have lunch.”
    “Could I take a rain check?  I need
to get going on my Summer Reading plans,” Meara replied, blushing deeply.
    “A go-getter and professional to a
fault.  I hope Duncan realizes how lucky he is.  I’m going to recommend you for
Chairperson of the Youth Services Committee at the next directors’ meeting,”
Russell said.
    “Thank you, Mr. McMahon.  I’m not
sure what to say,” she replied.
    “Don’t say anything.  I hope to see
you again soon.  I’ll be calling in that rain check after Summer Reading is
over.”
    Smiling weakly, she made it out to
the parking lot.  She didn’t like Russell.  He made fun of Duncan, flirted and
acted smarmy.  She would get along with him for the sake of Duncan.  She liked
the idea of chairing a committee, but Duncan, her library, and Summer Reading
were her priorities.
    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