Page 56 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“Glad to hear it. I hope you’ll be back on your feet soon.”

“Thank you.” She waited, wondering what the call was about.

“I understand that you’re staying with your daughter in Montana.”

“I am.”

“And … what are your plans?”

“Regarding?” If Angela was going to be cagey, Retta could play the same game.

“Coming back to school. I don’t imagine you’ll be in any shape to teach by the time the semester starts.”

“I see. So, what areyourplans?”

“We’ll need to bring in a replacement, but we’ll need your notice first.”

Retta pursed her lips. They wanted her gone but they wanted her to resign?

“Can you get that in the mail for me?”

“Am I being fired?”

“No! It’s just … well, you must have been thinking about retiring for a while now. It seems that your accident will simply speed things along. We haven’t heard anything from you, and time’s ticking away. We need to get things moving on replacing you.”

“I haven’t heard anything from anyone at school. You’re the first person to call me since the accident.” She wanted to feel hurt that not a single person from school had called or even texted, but she didn’t. It was just proof that she’d be crazy to go back there. She was a little angry though that Angela was trying to make out thatsheshould have done more.

“I thought your friends would’ve been in touch.”

From Angela’s tone, the implication was clear –if she had any friends.

Retta looked up when Callie came back outside, carrying a plate of cookies. “I have to go. I’ll be in touch soon.”

“The principal wants to get moving on this.”

“I’m sure he does. I’ll be in touch.” She ended the call.

“What’s wrong? Who was that?” Callie asked with a frown.

“Angela – the assistant principal.”

“And what did she have to say – is this the first time that you’ve heard from them?”

“It is, and she wants my notice.”

Callie grinned. “So, you’re really going to do it? You’re going to leave school and move here?”

Retta thought about it for a few moments, and then she laughed. “I am. I’m going to be okay, aren’t I? And you know what? I was getting all upset and a bit angry about the way they’ve treated me, and I was going to argue that if they want rid of me – and they do – they should fire me, instead of asking me to resign, but …”

“But what?”

She grinned. “There’s no point, is there? I want out. They want me gone. What difference does it make? There’s nothing tobe gained by getting all hurt and self-righteous about any of it. So, what if they don’t like me? I don’t like them, either.”

Callie grinned. “I’ve never liked them, you know that. And you don’t need them, Mama. You’re going to have a much better life here.” Her smile faded. “And don’t be mad at me, but … I did a thing.”

Retta narrowed her eyes. “What kind of thing?”

“You have to promise that you won’t be mad at me.”

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