Page 10 of Agent of the Heart (Hearts in Hawthorne #3)

“I believe hands-on learning sticks with students better. Yes, there’s definitely a time and place for lecture and memorization, but especially with the types of students I would be working with—if I am offered this position—learning by doing is critical.

I want to think of myself as more of a guide and mentor to students.

I’ll teach the journalism students how to get to the heart of a story, using the 5 W’s and H.

I’ll emphasize the importance of integrity and objectivity in their reporting.

I want to work with them on how to nail headlines and create a page layout.

While I don’t have experience in producing a yearbook, much of what is done with a newspaper carries over to a yearbook.

I’m a fast learner and will work hard to make certain the yearbook students aren’t slighted.

“As far as cheerleading goes, I expect to be very active, working out with the girls and helping them to build strength and durability, as well as teaching them new dances and cheers. I’ll critique their performances regularly and offer constructive feedback.

I guess I’d sum up my philosophy of education as learning by doing,” she concluded.

Uncle Joe nodded sagely. “If you would excuse us, Darby, Principal Biggerstaff and I need to discuss a few matters.”

She rose. “Of course.” Offering her hand to the principal, she said, “Thank you for your time, especially on a holiday weekend, Mrs. Biggerstaff.”

As they shook, the older woman smiled. “Call me Blanche.”

Darby returning the smile. “Blanche, it is.”

She left Uncle Joe’s study and went to the kitchen, finding her aunt and cousin at the table sipping a cup of tea.

“Would you like a cup?” Aunt Meg asked. “It’s an orange spice blend of tea.”

“Sounds wonderful,” she said, finally relaxing.

Summer retrieved a large mug and poured Darby a cup from the teapot. Taking a sip, Darby savored it.

“How did your interview go?” her aunt asked.

“It’s probably the best interview I’ve ever done,” she replied. “They’re talking things over now.”

Aunt Meg snickered. “What they’re talking over is the football game played Friday night and the upcoming one this next Friday. You don’t have anything to worry about, Darby. This job is yours.”

“Have you heard from Autumn today?” she asked.

“No,” both Summer and Aunt Meg replied, with Summer adding, “I’m sure Autumn’s having hot sex right about now,” causing everyone to laugh. “Or maybe they took a time out so they could spend an hour getting to know Jace a little better.”

While Darby had talked over the idea of switching careers with her brother, Kelby, and Summer, she had not mentioned to anyone how taken she was with Jace Tanner.

Jace resembled Eli slightly. But where Eli appeared handsome and friendly, his younger brother looked dangerous.

He oozed a masculinity which was very appealing.

She had found herself flirting with Jace without even thinking about it.

Something told Darby that he was a player, though.

That he’d never had a serious relationship in his life, continually bouncing from one woman to the next.

It wouldn’t do to act on the attraction she felt for him.

Even if she had agreed to have dinner with him this coming Tuesday.

She would treat the meal as a friendly get-together and nothing more.

Uncle Joe and Blanche appeared in the doorway, with her uncle saying, “We have to leave the job posted for ten days, Darby, to comply with state law. If anyone else applies for the position during that time, Blanche will interview him or her. We feel we already have spoken to the best candidate, however. If I were you, I’d turn in my two-week notice to Cheer USA and pack your things. ”

She sprang to her feet. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am so grateful. While I’m not a green girl straight out of college, I realize I haven’t taught in the public schools.

That all my teaching experience has been with extracurricular activities in a setting away from a formal classroom. Still, I promise I won’t let you down.”

“Other than your immediate family, we ask that you don’t share that you’ve received a job offer from us,” Blanche told Darby. “We need to keep this very quiet.”

“I understand,” she said, wanting to do a happy dance across the kitchen floor. “And again, I’m sorry we pulled you away from your family on a Sunday, Blanche.”

“It’s not a problem. I was policing visitors to Fred all morning. I think half the football team came to visit him.”

“I’m sorry. I neglected to ask about him. How is he feeling?”

“Dr. Carson said the concussion he suffered in the game was mild. I think Fred is tickled he’s gotten so much attention.

I shooed everyone out and left him to take a nap while I was over here.

I guess I’ll go home now and start herding cats again.

I’ll be in touch with you, Darby, regarding your start date.

I’m sure it’ll take a couple of weeks for you to finish up things in Kansas City and return to Hawthorne.

It’ll also give Kay time to clean up things on her end and prepare her students for her replacement. ”

“That’s fine. Am I allowed to communicate with Kay?”

“You absolutely can contact her,” Blanche assured. “Joe and I have already called Kay and told her the good news. She’s thrilled that you’ll take over for her.”

“Then I guess I have a resignation letter to write.”

Darby excused herself and returned to the guest bedroom. She pulled out her tablet and quickly composed her resignation letter, attaching it in an email to Peggy Mortimer. Not wanting her boss to open it without any forewarning, Darby texted Peggy.

I’ve just sent you an email. It contains my resignation. I hope a two-week notice will suffice. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend. I’ll be back in the office on Thursday. We already have a meeting scheduled for 1:30 that afternoon. I’ll go over everything about the Dallas site with you then.

Darby read through the text again, correcting a typo. Taking a deep breath, she pressed send.

It was done. Her time at Cheer USA would be over soon.

And a new chapter in life awaited her in Hawthorne.