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“Thanks. So did you.” She raised her glass.
“So what’s the plan for house hunting?”
“My folks are looking into a few places between the school and their house. Audrey is also on the lookout, because I am going to be the substitute soccer coach.”
“Well, that shouldn’t be too difficult. At least there are rules to the game.” He chuckled.
“Yes.” Melanie went down the list: “Do not touch the ball. Only the goalkeeper can pick up the ball. Play must happen inside the rectangle box.”
“And there are penalty kicks when a player breaks the rules,” Gilmour added.
“Precisely.” Melanie felt the tension release from her shoulders. She hadn’t realized how tight she was until her muscles began to relax. “You know something? This job isn’t any easier than working cases.” She snickered.
“Look on the bright side. You’re not profiling criminals.”
“No. Just irate parents.”
“You did great today, Mel.”
“Sometimes people just need to talk to someone. I don’t think Mr. Walker is a bad guy, but he let all his frustrations build up and was a walking time bomb. I also think giving him some professional advice made him feel less defeated. He’s what, thirty-five maybe? He has time to change his career path. Look at me, for example.”
Gilmour let out a hoot. “Melanie Drake. There are few people like you. You have grit and determination. Most people give up too easily.”
“That’s because they don’t have mentors, or confidants. Come on, Greg, who do you share your feelings with?”
“What do you mean?” He knew exactly what she meant, and she was right. “I have friends.”
“I know you have friends, but I am willing to bet you never discuss your feelings with them.”
“Maybe I don’t have any,” he joked.
“You could be right.” She winked and set her glass on the coffee table. “I gotta go. Big day tomorrow. Gotta get ready for soccer.”
“Thanks for the exciting day.” Gilmour walked her to the door. He gave her a long, big bear hug.
Melanie had to admit, even if it was only to herself, it felt good. That’s another thing the world could use a little more of: good hugs.
Chapter Twelve
Present Day
A New Routine
As promised, Principal Alexander had several listings for Melanie to look at after soccer practice. They were all within an easy commute from school, but the prices varied greatly. There were three on the list that she was going to check out during the week.
When the bell rang for dismissal, Melanie took her spot in the corridor, reminding kids, “Slow down, please. Mind your manners. Be polite.”
She begrudgingly lugged her duffel bag to the girls’ locker room. Squeals and laughs bounced off the tiled walls. She smiled, knowing there were happy kids around. Then she wondered how happy they would be once Melanie started enforcing the rules. She didn’t want to embarrass the girls by changing in front of them, so she went into a stall and slipped into a pair of jogging pants, a T-shirt, socks, and sneakers. She debated about her OSI cap and decided it gave her some authority, especially if there were going to be helicopter parents around.
She put the whistle that hung from a cord over her head. It touched the front of her school lanyard. She put the whistle to her lips and gave it a practice run. Two quick, short toots! “Everybody! Out on the field!” she said with a surprising note of excitement in her voice. Maybe she would enjoy this after all.
She counted fifteen excited eight- and nine-year-olds. All were in their gym clothes. Once they made the team, they would be fitted for their uniforms. Of course, everyone was going to make the team. Melanie would find something for the most awkward kid to do.
Melanie had them line up in single file. Each girl would get her chance to see how far she could kick the ball. Melanie took notes. There were a half dozen who might have some promise. She only needed seven to make up a team if they played other schools. Then she paired the girls up and had each duo stand several feet apart. “I want you to try to kick the ball to your partner.” Balls were flying everywhere. “Easy does it. You’re not trying to kick a forty-yard field goal.”
She took a seat in the second row of the bleachers and watched the girls valiantly aim the ball. It’s going to be a long season. After a half hour, she blew the whistle again. “I’m dividing you into two teams. One will wear orange socks; the other will wear blue. You’ll get them with your uniforms next week. Okay, everyone. Time to change.” The after-school bus would be pulling in soon, and she had to change into something more appropriate to meet the real estate agent. There was more giggling wafting above the lockers. She wondered if they were laughing at her the same way she and her friends had laughed at their gym teacher. Nah. I’m much cooler than she was.
With everyone accounted for, they marched to the side of the building, where the bus would take them home. Melanie watched until the vehicle left the parking lot. She typed the address of the first house into her GPS. It said it would take seventeen minutes. When she arrived, the agent was already there, in her pink pantsuit, big hair—as in way too big—and too-white teeth. This woman watches too much television. She smirked to herself. Whatever, as long as she can find me a place to call home.
