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Chapter thirty-six

Evie

The next morning, I pull into the parking lot of Dogwood Cove Elementary School, a clean and bright building with a big playground, a community garden, and a large playing field. My email said to meet Reid Corser, the principal, outside the main doors, so I lock my car and make my way there just as the door opens and a tall, dark-haired man walks out with an easy smile on his face.

“You must be Evangeline?” he says in a deep voice, stretching out his hand.

I nod, taking his hand in a firm shake. “Yes, but call me Evie. And you’re Reid?”

“You bet. Thanks for coming over, we’re really excited to meet with you.”

“Of course, I was honoured to be asked to interview.” I follow him into the quiet school, empty for summer break. Hopefully I sound like a competent professional and not a brand-new graduate interviewing for her first real job. I swallow down my nerves as he leads me to what’s obviously the staff room. Two others are waiting there, and Reid makes introductions.

“This is Ranjit Singh, the superintendent for our district, and Kora Sanchez, the special education teacher over in Westport. We’re lucky to have the budget for our own special ed teacher for the two Dogwood Cove schools, but you’ll primarily be based here at the elementary school, which is why I’m sitting in on the interview panel,” Reid explains as we all take our seats.

Everyone around the table seems warm and welcoming, making me feel at ease. “That’s wonderful, so many districts are having to cut back on their supports for children with diverse needs. It’s good to hear that’s not the case here.” I give them a broad smile. “Helping children reach their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds or learning styles, is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Over an hour later, Reid walks me back out of the school. My heart is going a mile a minute, and I don’t think I could stop grinning if I tried.

“Evie, I have to say, you’re perfect for this job.”

Inwardly, I’m cheering at Reid’s words, but I outwardly maintain my composure. “That’s great to hear, thank you.”

We reach my car, and Reid puts his hands in his pockets. “I shouldn’t say this, but I suspect we’ll be in touch very soon with a formal offer. I think you’d be a great addition to Dogwood Cove. We’re a small community, but we’ve got plenty of amenities, and the people here are wonderful. My friend Ethan is the town mayor and owns a bunch of rental properties. I’m sure he could hook you up with an apartment if needed.”

I’m still reeling from what he said about a job offer, so much so that I barely hear what else he’s saying. All I manage is to nod along.

“Make sure you take some time to check out the town if you can. The main square has a great bakery that Ethan’s sister owns, The Nutty Muffin. Best muffins around, if you ask me.”

“That sounds wonderful, I’ll make sure to check it out before my ferry.”

Just then there’s a rumble of thunder overhead. Reid and I look up in surprise to see dark clouds in the distance.

“Huh. Looks like that summer storm they predicted is coming in earlier than expected.”

“Does that happen often over here?”

Reid shakes his head. “Not any more than on the mainland. But it shouldn’t cause a problem. As long as it doesn’t get too windy, the ferries will still run so that you can get home.”

A fat raindrop lands on the sidewalk in front of us and Reid chuckles. “Right, better get going. Nice to meet you, Evie. I’m sure we’ll be speaking again soon.”

We shake hands, and Reid turns to jog back inside just as the rain starts to pick up.