Page 6 of Wanting You

“I guess that’s fair,” he reasoned.

“Our town has been going through a bit of a transformation, Mr. Westyn. I see on your resume that you were a competitive skier. Our resort, Summit Ridge, is gearing up for its inaugural season. It’s located less than twenty minutes from the school. We work with the local real estate company here to help our teachers relocate, if you need that sort of service. I can send you our information packet on the town with everything you’d need to know. You’d be moving here from upstate New York, correct?”

Tanner nodded. “Yes.”

“And considering your skiing career, I’m guessing the cold weather isn’t an issue for you.”

Tanner chuckled. “It’s safe to say that I’m used to it.”

“Excellent! Do you have any questions for me?”

“I do,” he told him. “You haven’t mentioned what grade the position is for.”

“Kindergarten. We already have one kindergarten teacher, Chloe Donovan, and she’s amazing. She was our Teacher of the Year the last two years. Because of all the growth our town has been seeing, the school has expanded a bit and now we have a need for a second kindergarten class.”

The frown was firmly in place, and his entire body tensed. Kindergarten? Did he really want to teach kindergarten? He loved kids and loved teaching, but he really enjoyed it when the students were a bit older and settled into school life. Could he honestly switch gears like that?

“I understand it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, but I’m hoping you’ll consider it. I truly believe you’ll be a perfect fit in Sweetbriar Ridge. And if things keep expanding the way they have in the last year, I’d like to say that we’ll be needing more teachers in the next few years. If you’re patient, you can potentially get that fifth-grade class you’re looking for.”

Just not right now…

Sadly, his initial reaction was to say thanks, but no thanks. Tanner knew what he wanted and didn’t want to settle for something else.

However…

Could he really afford to pass up the opportunity?

“I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Principal Kincaid,” he began, “but I’m going to need to think about this. I’ve got a few other offers to consider.”

“I completely understand. Feel free to call me back if you have any other questions. In the meantime, I’ll send you that informational packet I mentioned along with information about the position including salary, benefits, and all the other boilerplate stuff.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. I’ll be in touch soon.” And with that, they said their goodbyes and hung up.

That’s when the guilt set in.

He lied.

And Tanner never lied. It was something he prided himself on, but in the moment, it seemed like the only way to save face.

Immediately pushing all thoughts of the conversation aside, he settled in for a deep dive into finding the perfect position for him.

At some point, his parents left to meet up with their friends, the sun went down, and he found himself sitting in the dark with nothing but the light of his laptop screen. Still feeling determined, he got up and ordered himself some Chinese takeout before continuing his search. Then, he accepted the dinner delivery and ate while still searching.

He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew, his father was waking him up and gently telling him to go to bed.

The next morning, he started his search again.

It took another entire day before he realized he only had one option, and by then, it was too late to call Sweetbriar Elementary and accept the position.

If it were still available.

So that night, over dinner, he went over the information packet with his parents. It would be a nine-hour drive from his home to Sweetbriar Ridge, and there were several homes for rent that were well within his budget. His father offered to drive a U-Haul with all of Tanner’s belongings and help him get moved in, and his mother agreed to come along and make sure his home was well-stocked with food and every necessity he would need so he could focus on his new job.

He’d hit the parent jackpot with the two of them. They’d sacrificed so much for him and were always ready to lend a hand wherever he needed it.

“Do you think I’m doing the right thing?” he asked them. “Should I wait and try again for next year?”

“Tanner,” his father began. “The position is a good one. The town sounds like the kind of place that’s perfect for you, and everyone has to start somewhere. Most people don’t just step into their dream job on the first day. You’re getting your foot in the door and that’s the most important part. If it’s not a good fit, then you give proper notice, and then move on. No one expects you to stay if you’re miserable. It wouldn’t be fair to you or the students.”

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