Page 24 of Penance
Eric might be the board president, but Abigail runs the town. Going against her is social suicide, and Eric knows it, too. That doesn’t mean he likes it, though. His jaw clenches, but Abigail just taps her fingers against the table, unbothered while waiting for his answer.
Abigail just recently joined the board, and while it was a source of gossip for most of the town, I know exactly why she did it. The woman is not a forgive and forget type of person, and this board treated her daughter poorly when she came back to town and applied for the school nurse position. It wasn’t a slight Abigail Harrison was willing to let go, so here she is, wreaking havoc in a way only she can.
“Of course, Mrs. Harrison,” Eric concedes, almost choking on thewords.
“Great, then you won’t mind if I take over from here, will you?” Abigail’s smile is smooth, but it doesn’t fool anyone. She knows exactly what she’s doing.
Eric turns purple from how hard he tries to control his temper, but he still manages to squeak out another agreement. Theo lets out a humorous snort, and I have to bite my lip to hold back a smile. Abigail isn’t the only one who enjoys seeing Eric taken down a few pegs.
Clapping her hands together, Abigail calls everyone’s attention to her. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get started. First up, the topic of the baseball coach. We have found the perfect candidate.”
“We did?” I ask, blurting out the question.
“Yes, dear. We did.” There’s something in the way she says it that puts me on edge—like I’m missing the final piece of a puzzle.
I knew we were looking to hire a coach for the summer team, but I thought I would be involved in the hiring decisions—or at least in the interviews. I start to open my mouth to ask about it, but when Abigail turns her head toward Theo and smiles, the puzzle piece fits into place.
No. No. No. This cannot be happening.
“Many of you may not know,” Abigail says, looking around the room and avoiding my gaze, “but Mr. Sylvis played baseball in school. He led his team to a state title in his senior year. That, along with the fact that he has a student who will be involved in the sport, makes me believe he is the best candidate for the position. I know some of you may have concerns,” she stops, lifting a brow and staring at Eric, “but I think we must put aside our differences and do what’s best for the kids here. Don’t you think, Mr. Westbrook?”
I can hear Eric’s teeth grind together from across the room. Abigail isn’t asking.
“Of course, Mrs. Harrison. That’s who we are here for, after all.The kids.”
“Great. Are there any other concerns?”
I want to disagree—not because I have concerns but because hiring him means, as school principal, I will be working with him—and that’s not something I’m sure my sanity can handle. He’s already witnessed one break down from me. I don’t need him around for more.
Abigail finally looks at me, and just for a moment, I consider voicing concern, but then I picture the pity she wore when she said my Birdie’s application had been denied because the committee believes I am cold. To disagree with hiring Theo merely out of self-preservation would prove them right, so I snap my mouth closed and shake my head.
There’s a softness in Abigail’s gaze as she stares at me for a second longer, and then it disappears as she looks around the room.
“If there are no other concerns, then congratulations, Mr. Sylvis, you are hired,” she says, her eyes coming to a stop on Theo.
Theo winces, and I wonder how Abigail was able to convince him to do this because from the little I know about him, I don’t think he would without someone twisting his arm.
Like he can read my mind, he leans my way, swiping his hand over his face to hide his mouth, and whispers, “You can blame Hayes for this.”
He sits back in his seat, and I roll my eyes because of course I can. Hayes Miller is a bigger pain in my butt than the one sitting beside me.
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“If you’re finished—” Eric says, and everyone’s attention snaps back to him.
Abigail considers him with her eyebrows turned downward. Her gaze is steely as she takes him in, narrowing her eyes. A smart man would back down, but no one ever accused Eric of being smart.
Eric squirms in his seat, trying to hold Abigail’s gaze, but he’s lookingaway within seconds. A ghost of a smile appears on Abigail’s lips before she hands the meeting over to him again.
“Of course, Mr. Westbrook,” Abigail says with a hint of humor in her voice. “All you had to do was ask.”
Eric’s face turns purple again, and I’m ninety-percent sure Abigail will be the reason he is diagnosed with high blood pressure. He sputters for a minute but finally gains control of himself as Abigail inspects her nails, seemingly unaware of his hysterics.
“You’re too kind, Mrs. Harrison,” Eric deadpans, and she smiles. “Now, as I was saying before, I think it would be best to start with the discussion of the high school principal’s contract.”
I’ve just taken out a pen and paper for notes, but my eyes snap to Eric’s with his declaration.
“I wasn’t aware this was up for discussion,” I say calmly, though it doesn’t match the storm brewing on the inside.
