The Swear Jar (8 page)

“Count me in for pizza.  I’ll set
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.

“Meara’s good at what she does,”
said Lucy.  “I’m watching the photocopiers.  She gets people going.”

“Miss Meara’s going up a ladder?  I
can’t let her do that!” exclaimed Duncan.

“I’d like to see you tell her
that,” said Lucy.

“I will, right now,” said Duncan.

Duncan hurried over while Meara and
Sherrie opened the ladder.  Meara stood on the bottom rung.  Sherrie held the
banner in her hands.

“Ladies!” said Duncan.  “May I ask
what you’re doing?”

“Duncan!” said Sherrie, grinning
mischievously.  “We’re hanging the banner.”

“I can see that.  Why is Miss Meara
going up a ladder?”

Meara replied, “Someone has to put
the banner up.”

Sherrie piped up.  “She won’t let
me.  She said if someone was going to get hurt, it was her.”

“That’s very admirable, Miss Meara,
but I’m sure we can get someone else to go up the ladder,” said Duncan.

Sherrie grinned.  “Yeah, like who?
Tom?  Are you volunteering, Duncan?”

“Don’t be silly.  As long as
someone holds the ladder, I’ll be fine.  We’re talking about it longer than it
takes to do it,” Meara said.

“I’m sorry, Miss Meara.  I can’t
allow you to climb the ladder,” Duncan said stubbornly.

“Why?  Because she’s a woman?”
asked Sherrie.

“Certainly not.  I’d never forgive
myself if Miss Meara hurt herself on her first day.  There’s another reason,
but it’s rather delicate,” Duncan said quietly.

“What is it?” asked Meara, placing
her hands on her hips.

“Let me put it this way.  You’d
have to go higher up than I would to reach the same spot.  I’ll go up the
ladder and it’ll be safer,” Duncan said, waiting for her reaction.

“Did he call me short?” asked
Meara, turning to Sherrie.

“Yes, he did, but he’s right.  I’d
let him do it if I were you,” replied Sherrie.

“Mr. Phillips, you win.  You can
put up the banner.  We’ll hold the ladder.”  Meara sighed.  “I’m insulted on my
first day and by the director, no less.  It’s a shame.”

Meara was teasing Duncan.  Her eyes
danced.  Her dimple beckoned to him.  Energized by her affectionate attention,
he nimbly climbed up the ladder while she held it.  Sherrie handed the banner
to him.  The banner went up and passed the women’s close inspection.  He came
down the ladder.  Meara beamed at him.

His heart skipped a beat as he
lowered his voice.  “Will you need the ladder again today, Miss Meara?”

“No, I don’t think so.  Thank you,
Mr. Phillips.  It was very kind of you to help,” she said, a little flustered.

“You’re welcome.  Please let me know
if you need any other help.”

Duncan walked away, carrying the
ladder.  As he passed the Circulation Desk, Tom and Lucy shook their heads. 
Heaving a deep breath, he stopped to rest for a moment.

Smirking, Tom said in a low voice,
“Smooth, Duncan, smooth.  Keep up the good work.  Isn’t the ladder a little
heavy for you to carry by yourself?”

“A little.  I may have pulled
something.  It was worth it.”  Duncan grimaced.

Tom chuckled.  “I have a feeling
this is going to be a long summer for all of us.”

“What’s wrong with you, Tom?” asked
Lucy.  “There has been more excitement here in one day than there has been in
years.  Meara has brightened this place up.  I think time is going to fly.  Be
quiet, Tom, and enjoy it while you can!”

“I didn’t mean to ruffle your
feathers.  It was dragging around here.  When will the kids start coming in?” 
Tom threw up his hands.

“How long before we see Anne
again?  I can’t imagine Meara without a little help from Anne,” laughed Lucy. 
“You two go put the ladder away before you both pull something.”

“Yes, Lucy,” said Duncan and Tom in
unison.

The summer did fly by as Meara
brought in the children and teens.  There were programs, storytimes and
performers for everyone.  The children and their parents came for fun and
books.  Parents wanted to know if Miss Meara was going to be around after
summer.  Duncan happily told them she was going to be there for a long time. 
Anne helped with programs and Sherrie was Meara’s unofficial assistant.  Duncan
was thrilled with the way his library was thriving.  Meara continued to check
in with the South Branchville ladies, but there was no sign of Russell.

Duncan made sure Meara felt
special.  He ordered her Summer Reading Club supplies promptly and helped her
sort through them when they arrived.  He made sure to relay the compliments
patrons paid her.  When the children asked for Miss Meara, he told them where
to find her.  Duncan felt a strong working relationship with Meara would be the
best way to win her affection and hopefully, her love.