Teach Me to Love: Finding Love, #7

By Dianne Reed Burns

Charlie McGinnis is on her way to a new life and a new job in a remote West Texas town. All she wants is to help children succeed, but when she has a run in with the head of the hiring committee, she may have her dreams shattered before she can see them fulfilled.

Wade Garrison doesn’t tolerate liars, and that’s exactly what he considers Miss McGinnis. Imagine his surprise when he is expecting a man to walk into the interview for the Science teacher position and instead is greeted by a beautiful woman. Despite his misgivings, he is persuaded by the committee to hire Charlie, but Wade is not letting the woman far from his sight.

Maybe, if he’s lucky enough, it won’t be just the students of Mountainside whose lives are changed for the better. Or will he allow the events of the past to keep him from finding the happiness he deserves? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dianne Reed Burns
• Release date: Dec 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519918253

Book preview

Chapter 1

No, no, no! the young woman screamed, as she beat on the steering wheel of her beloved compact car.  "Don’t you do this to me!  How dare you do this to me, Betsy!"

Charlie McGinnis’ face showed the frustration she felt at the failure of her nine-year old car to perform the way she needed it too.

Well, she said exasperated.  Caleb was right about you.  He tried to warn me before I left that you have too many miles on you.  She pulled off on the side of the highway as the vehicle coughed and sputtered to a halt.

Damn, damn, damn!  She struck the steering wheel again with the palms of both hands.  I can’t believe you just died right here!

She would have to call her brother and tell him what happened, and she hated that worse than anything.  He’d already done so much for her, putting her through school, and making sure she had a career.

Charlie knew Caleb had just gone through some huge problems of his own, beginning with finding his future wife, Katherine, stowed away on one of his shrimp trawlers.  Then Katherine had almost been killed by a madman.  She hated to bother him with any more of her problems.  She was supposed to be a big girl.

After the car sputtered and died, Charlie sat disgusted, looking out at the barren desert land that lay before her.  The air in the car became heavy as the heat built inside without the air conditioner working.

What am I going to do now? she asked out loud.

As far as she could tell, her destination was still nine or so miles away.  She’d almost made it.

She saw a large sprawling house on the left side of the road in the distance.  She decided she could walk to it and see about getting some help.

Breathing a deep, heavy sigh, she looked in her side mirror to make sure there were no cars coming.  She opened the door, stepped out onto the hot asphalt in her thin flip-flops, and pulled the form fitting t-shirt down over the top of her blue jean shorts and full, shapely hips.

Charlie reached in the backseat and grabbed her shoulder bag before she locked the traitorous car’s doors and crossed the highway. She walked, what seemed forever, to the big ranch gate.  Looking up, she saw the large metal arch that expanded the width of the opening.  It read Garrison Ranch.  Charlie ran her hand under her shoulder length brown, curly hair, at the back of her neck, and felt the sweat on her skin.  She sighed again, shielding her eyes with her hand against the still bright, late afternoon Texas sun.  She eyed the house in the distance.

It was big, impressive, and seemed so far away.  She needed to get it in gear so she could ask for help.  She arrived at the gate and found it to be locked.  It looked to be electric, but she had no way of opening it.  She scanned the nearby pipe fence attached to the gate and thought it would be a much easier climb.  The problem she saw with that was crossing the deep ditch filled with tall grass.  Caleb had warned her that this land was full of rattlesnakes and she wasn’t willing to take the chance that one might be close by.  She took a deep breath, placed the shoulder strap of her purse over her head and across her body.  She heaved herself up onto the gate, and struggled across the decorative structure.  Arriving unladylike on the other side, she found right away that flip-flops were not very practical for walking across cattle guards, and down long, rock covered drives.

She heard a pickup start up somewhere behind the house when she was almost to the edge of the lawn.  She slowed her pace as she saw it come from the back.  The cowboy driving the truck slowed when he saw her and pulled up close to her.

Hi, she said, giving a friendly little wave.

Hello.  He smiled back.  Can…I help you?

I hope so, she said, walking up to the driver’s side window and putting her hands on the doorframe.  I was headed into Mountainside and my car died.  I don’t know what’s wrong with it, but I could sure use some help getting it into town.

I see.  How did you get here?  He squinted his eyes, as he looked her over.

Sorry.  I climbed over your gate.  I really need some help.

Well, pretty lady, I wish I could help you, but I’m headed to a meeting I’m already fifteen minutes late for.

Oh, okay.  The disappointment showed on her face even though she felt a tingle inside at the name he’d called her.

But, he told her.  If you’ll go to that barn right back there, the foreman’s in there, and he can help you.  His name is Jack.  He pointed behind him with his thumb, back over his shoulder.

Thank you so much.  I really appreciate this.

You’re welcome, but I’ve really got to run.

Oh, sorry.  Thanks again.  She stepped back from the pickup, dropping her hands to her sides.

My pleasure.  He smiled, tipped his hat to her, and drove away.

Charlie walked what felt like a half-dozen football fields, to the barn, unaware that the man in the pickup continued to watch her in his rearview mirror.

Hello!  Anyone here?  she called, as she entered the barn.  She didn’t receive an answer so she tried again.  Hello!

Yeah, down here!

She turned towards the voice and headed down the alley.  She found another very nice looking cowboy working in a stall with a horse.

Hi, she said, looking at him through the pipe gate.

Hey, there.  Can I help you? he asked, frowning.

I sure hope so.  I’m looking for Jack.

That’s me.

Thank goodness, she said relieved.

What can I do for you?  he asked, exiting the stall.

I hate to take you away from your work, but I really need some help.  The guy in the pickup said you could help me.  She had a hopeful look on her face.

It’s okay.  I’m finished here.  This is Maiden Lady.  She’s one of our real special mares.

She’s beautiful.

That she is.  Now, how can I help you?

My name is Charlie McGinnis.  I’m trying to get to Mountainside and my car quit out on the highway.  I really need to get it to town.

Well, let’s go see what we can do for it.

Thank you ever so much, Mr…

Preston.  But just call me Jack.

Thank you, Jack.

She followed him out the door and they got into a big truck.  He started it up and headed to her car parked on the side of the highway after opening the electric gate with a remote and driving through.  He drove down to her little compact, crossed the road, and pulled up facing the front of it with the pickup.

They both got out of the truck and walked to the little car.  She unlocked it, opened the driver’s side door, and reached inside to release the hood latch.

Jack raised the hood and started checking connections, belts, and reservoirs.

Anything? she asked, looking at the motor and watching him work.

Everything seems to be in good order, except this belt right here.

And?

You see this? he asked, pointing at a large part under the hood.

Yes.  Is that the problem?

I don’t think so.  That’s your alternator.  And it has to have this belt to operate correctly.

Okay.  But the belt is on it, so what’s going on?

See how much play there is in it?  He put a finger under it and lifted it up to show her.  It’s too loose.  The belt looks in good shape.  I just think the pulley has loosened up and lost its tension.

Can it be fixed?  She looked at him worriedly.

We’re going to give it a good try.

Thank you.

Jack Preston went to work tightening the alternator belt with tools he got out of the toolbox in the back of the pickup.

After fifteen minutes of fighting with the belt, trying to get it tight, Jack was wringing wet with sweat.

Charlie watched him work as beads of moisture formed on her forehead, while the hot, afternoon sun continued to beat down on them.

Okay.  He stood erect and stretched his back.  Let’s give it a try.

Really? she asked, surprised.

Yeah.  Turn the key over and see what happens.

She hopped in the car, her enthusiasm renewed, and turned the key in the ignition.  It started better than it had in a long time.

Yay! she called.  You’re my hero!

He put the brace down and closed the hood securely.  I think you’re ready to go.

Charlie jumped out of the car and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  she said, sincerely.  You’re wonderful!

You’re welcome, he told her, laughing.  Glad I could help.

Can I pay you?

Absolutely not.  I was glad to do it.

Thank you so much, Jack Preston.

Glad I could help you out, Charlie McGinnis.  You best be on your way, and I’ll get back to my chores.

Thank you, again.  You saved me.

You take care.

I will.  She turned, got in her car once again, and pulled it easily out onto the highway, going around his pickup.

He watched her head down the road and laughed to himself, as he put his tools up, got in his pickup, and headed back to the horse barn.

Charlie took it easy driving the last nine miles into town, babying her little high mileage car.

Chapter 2

Wade Garrison pulled up in front of the Mountainside School District Administration Building.  He was already twenty-five minutes late.  It was a good thing he was the school board president.  He parked, got out of his truck, and walked into the building.

Hello, Mrs. Turner, he said, greeting the superintendent’s secretary.

Hi, Mr. Garrison.  They’re all in the meeting room.

Thanks.  He walked past her desk, and turned down the hall, leading to the conference room.

Wade made his way through the open door and was met by six other school board members.  Hi, everyone.  Sorry I’m late.  Had some problems at the ranch.

Everything okay?  Henry Short asked.

I hope so.  I have a mare that’s about five months along, having some problems carrying her foal this time.

Sorry to hear that.  That could be costly.

Yeah, it can be.  Are we ready to get started?

Everyone quieted and took their seats around the long, rectangular table.

I want to thank you all for coming and giving up your time this late in the evening, and I apologize again for being late.

He heard that’s okay and no problem, said around the room from the other members of the board.

The reason I called this meeting is that we are eight days away from the first day of school.  We have finally gotten the vacant positions filled in the district, except for one.  We still need a Science teacher.  You know how hard it is to get good teachers to come here, but Human Resources tells me we have had three candidates apply for the position.  Two are women and one is a man.  I had the HR secretary send a request for an interview, to the lone male applicant, through the new online application system we began using this hiring season.

But, Wade, Henry Short said.

Please, Henry, just hear me out.

The other man nodded, reluctantly.

Everyone here knows that the majority of teachers, in the district, are women.  And that’s great, but we have a bit of a problem, Wade said.

What kind of problem? asked Mona Anderson, another board member.

Looking back at recent past years, we are slowly losing control of the students.  Some of their behaviors are unacceptable and are disrupting and having an affect on the students that want to learn and take their education seriously.

But the principal and the assistant principals do the disciplining, said Lorna Walker.

That’s true, but they have to know about it first.  They have to know that there is a problem.

So, what are you saying? Henry asked.

Some of the teachers are afraid of the students.  They are afraid to report them, fearing retaliation.

It’s gotten that bad? Mona asked.

Yes, Wade stated bluntly.

So you think we need another strong man in the building to help get the students under control.  Is that what I’m hearing from you?  Alton Barker questioned.

Basically, yes.

So, this meeting tomorrow? Alton asked.

The interview.

Why bother with an interview if he’s the one we must have?  Lorna inquired.

Formality.  And to meet him.

Wade, we have Mr. Bishop in the Science department, Jane Lawrence reminded him.

Yes, we do, Wade agreed hesitantly.

But?

He’s not a strong disciplinarian.  Okay, anymore comments or questions?

No.

Guess not.

Don’t think so.

So the interview is tomorrow afternoon at two-thirty.  I would appreciate any of you that can be here, but I understand if you can’t.

He heard, I’ll see, maybe, should be able too, and can’t make it, from the six other board members.

Thanks, Wade, for looking out for the students, Herman Cooper added.

That’s what we’re all here for, Herman.  We have to do what’s best for the students of our community.  We have to help them be successful.

I agree.

So, once again, I’m sorry I was late and I appreciate your time.  And we’ll see you tomorrow if you can make it.

They all filtered out of the room and went their separate ways.

Wade got in his pickup and wasted no time heading back to the ranch to check on his best mare.

As he drove, the woman with the car trouble, came into his thoughts.  She was very good looking, he thought to himself.  Beautiful, in fact.  And from the short time I talked to her, she seemed friendly with a very nice personality.  Wonder why she’s coming to Mountainside? he asked himself, smiling.

Chapter 3

Charlie finally arrived in Mountainside and wandered around the small town until she found the boarding house where she had secured a room.  She had only paid for the week, until she was sure she had the new job she had come to interview for.  She pulled up out front and parked in the little parking area that had been made for the residents of the house.

She grabbed her purse, walked up to the front door and knocked.

A very attractive older woman came to the door.  Yes?  Can I help you?

Are you Jenny Marks?  Charlie asked.

Yes, I am.  And you are?

Charlie McGinnis.  I called last week securing your available room.

Oh, Charlie, I’m so sorry.  Come in, come in.  My mind is elsewhere right now.  Me, Carol, and May are having a little supper.  Would you like some?  There’s plenty.

That would be wonderful, Ms. Marks.  I’m starved.

Now, none of this Ms. Marks stuff.  Call me Jenny or Aunt Jenny, but not Ms. Marks.

Yes, Jenny.  Thank you for taking me in.  I really appreciate you letting me stay here.

"Not a problem, hon. I’m glad to have you.  We’re glad to have you."

Charlie followed Jenny into the homey kitchen where two other women sat eating and chatting.

Carol, May, this is Charlie Mc…

McGinnis.  So nice to meet you both.

Charlie, they both said.

Sit down. Have a bite, May invited.  I’ll get another plate and some silverware.  Tea okay?

Yes, thank you, Charlie answered.

The four women settled at the table and continued with the evening meal.

Where are you from, Charlie? Carol asked.

Originally from Channel Bay, Texas.  It’s a small port town on the Gulf of Mexico.  But I just spent the last seven years in Denton, going to school and then one year working in McAllen.

Oh, how nice, May said.  I love the ocean, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been to one.  I saw the Pacific when I was twelve years old and lived not far from the Atlantic.

Now, those are oceans, Charlie said.

I used to live in Maine, and we had to drive two hours to the Atlantic.  But it was so beautiful.

I’ll bet.  All those fishing boats and all, Charlie agreed.

Yes.  Just like a picture postcard.  Aunt Jenny?

Never had the opportunity.  Never seen anything bigger than the Rio Grande.  And I’ve only seen it a handful of times.

What brings you to Mountainside? Carol asked.

A job, I hope.  My interview is tomorrow afternoon.

Where?

I’d rather not say.  I don’t want to jinx it, if you know what I mean.  It’ll be my second job since getting out of college and I really want it badly.

I get that.  You can tell us all about it when you land the position.

Thank you for understanding.

Where did you say you went to school?

A university in Denton, just north of Ft. Worth.  I went pretty far from home.  It was hard to be away from my big brother.  Being here may kill me, she confessed.

Well, four years probably wasn’t so long.

No, not really.  They went fast, so I stayed two more years and went ahead and got my Masters, also.  I wasn’t married and didn’t have any kids, so I thought I’d just stay in school and get it over with.

Well, I think that was smart of you, May commented.

I’ve been home every summer until this one.  I was working two jobs in McAllen and was only three hours from home, but I never seemed to have the time.  My brother owns three shrimp trawlers and pretty much works year round.  He has less time than I do.

Your brother catches shrimp for a living?  Jenny asked.

Yes, ma’am.  The best shrimp boat captain on the Texas Gulf coast, and I’m not prejudiced at all, she said proudly.

Well, maybe you’ll get to go home and see him soon, Carol added.

I hope so.  He recently got married and I haven’t even met my new sister-in-law yet.

You do have a lot to look forward to when you go back home.

I sure do.  I started working right out of college at the age of twenty-four and haven’t been back home since.

So you’re only twenty-five?  You’re just a baby, May stated.

Actually, I just turned twenty-six.

Still a baby.  Carol smiled and winked at Charlie.

Jenny agreed with the other two women.

So this interview brought you to Mountainside? Jenny asked.

Yes, ma’am.  And if I get the job, y’all will be the first to hear all about it.

And we can hardly wait, Jenny added.

After supper, they all pitched in to clean up.  Afterwards Jenny showed Charlie to her room.

It’s beautiful.  Look at all these wonderful antiques.  And the quilt on the bed is gorgeous.  Did you make it?

Yes, the older woman said proudly.  And I tatted all the doilies.

I love it.  My brother has quilts all over his house.  Thank you so much for renting to me.  I just hope I get this job so I can stay.

I don’t think there is anything to worry about there.  You’re smart and a lovely person.

Thank you for saying so.  She gave the boarding house owner a hug.  I better go get my stuff out of my car and carry it in.

Need any help?

No, but thank you.  I don’t have a lot, so it won’t take me long.  I still have a few things at my brother’s house.  If I get to stay here, hopefully I’ll get to go back and see him and his wife.  I’ll get the rest of my stuff then.

"Okay.  Make yourself at home.  The bathroom is at the end of the hall and you can use the living room, dining room, parlor, kitchen, and laundry room, however you