Page 47 of Where We Stay

His shit-eating grin is still visible in my rearview mirror as I pull away from the shop.

I will absolutely not be seeing Blair again if I can help it.

Eight

Blair

Isit in my car for an extra thirty seconds, reminding myself that this time, I’m starting a new job because I chose to.

No one forced me out.

No one decided for me.

I chose Hartwell.

Through the windshield, Hartwell Elementary looks exactly how I imagined a small-town school would. Red brick, white-trimmed windows, tall maple trees and enough autumn leaves scattered across the grounds to bury a small child.

A group of teachers are gathered near the entrance, carrying coffees and chatting as though Monday morning isn’t a personal attack.

I can do this.

It took me nearly two hours to settle on an outfit. First impressions count, and I didn’t want to show up on my first day looking like a city frump.

Thank God I woke up early enough to account for the seven separate outfit changes.

I eventually chose a flowy mustard-yellow skirt with a white button-up blouse and a cream cardigan. My hair is curled and clipped half-up, with two pieces left loose to frame my face.

Professional, but still me.

At least, that’s what I’m going for.

I grab my bag from the passenger seat and climb out before I can lose my nerve.

The school is already alive when I step inside. Children’s artwork covers the hallway walls, and somewhere farther inside the building, someone is playing music much louder than necessary.

I follow the signs toward the main office.

A woman with short brown hair and bright red glasses looks up from behind the front desk.

“Miss Morgan?” she asks with a welcoming smile.

“Uh, yes.” I adjust the strap of my bag. “But please, call me Blair.”

“Gorgeous name,” she says as she rises from her chair. “I’m Patty. Patty Smith.”

“It’s lovely to meet you.”

“You need anything, you just holler, honey,” Patty tells me. “I know where everything is and everyone’s secrets.”

I laugh. “I have a feeling those are equally important around here.”

“You’ll fit in just fine.” Patty gestures toward the hallway. “Come on. I’ll take you to meet Principal Derek.”

She leads me through the school, greeting almost every person we pass by name. A few teachers smile and introduce themselves, while others wave from inside their classrooms.

By the time we reach the principal’s office, some of the tightness in my chest has eased.

Patty knocks lightly against the open door.