“Can I start basketball practices before then?” she wants to know.
Johnathan nods his head. “I don’t see why not. Just work out the gym schedule with Noah here.”
Allie and I both get up and I lead the way out of the principal’s domain. Once we’re out of the office entirely, I turn to Allie. “Welcome back to Elk Lake High.”
With a look of astonishment on her face, she says, “How in the world could it be that easy to get a job here?”
“It’s Elk Lake,” I remind her. “We’re not exactly a thriving metropolis.”
“True, but still. That was fast.”
“Almost like it was meant to be, huh?”
Once again Allie honors me with a smile that as my grandmother used to say is enough to melt my butter. “How do I go about putting out a notice for girls’ basketball tryouts?” she wants to know.
“I’ll take care of that,” I assure her. “When do you want to have them?”
“I’d do it today if I could, but being that school is already over, how about tomorrow?”
“How about Friday? That gives the girls a couple days to plan.”
With a sharp nod of her head, Allie agrees. “I can do Friday. And Noah, thank you. I appreciate you bringing this opportunity to my door.”
Looking down at her, I have the strongest urge to reach out and take her hands in mine, but I don’t. Allie is skittish and not ready for anything other than friendship, so I simply tell her, “I think Elk Lake High is the winner here. We’re happy to have you onboard.”
How is it that the woman standing before me is Lorelai’s pesky little friend from childhood? This Allie is smart and beautiful and if I’m not careful I might just lose my heart to her. I realize that I sound like a character out of a Victorian romance novel, which is not at all my way. There’s just something about Allie Rogers that is unlike any woman I’ve met before.
CHAPTER NINE
ALLIE
After getting the teaching job yesterday, I went back to my parents’ house and started to pack my things. I haven’t told them I’m moving out yet, but even if the apartment above Rosemary’s is less than perfect, I’m pretty sure I’m going to take it.
It’s been a comfort being back with my mom and dad after the whole Brett fiasco, but the truth is I no longer need the level of support I once did. My ex has moved on and I’m on my way to forgetting the last several years ever existed. When memories pop up, they’re starting to feel like they’re not mine, rather something I saw on a particularly bad made-for-TV movie.
Grabbing a sweater, I make my way down the stairs. I don’t bother looking to see if anyone else is home before walking out the front door. After all, stealth is my friend and I’m on a mission to avoid Margaret at all costs.
As I park my car in front of Rosemary’s, I spot Faith standing outside the door that leads to the second story apartment. A chill of anticipation runs through me. The whole scene is Hallmark Channel cute, which gives me an additional boost of excitement.While it may not be Knotting Hill or Beverly Hills like my mom’s romcom addiction has her wanting for me, it’s still an adorable setting. It will also be my first apartment as a single woman, so that makes it significant as well.
“Hi, Faith,” I call out to my friend as I step onto the sidewalk.
She dangles a set of keys out in front of her. “Right on time!” As I approach, she turns around and unlocks the door. After opening it, she says, “After you.”
I feel a real sense of happiness flow through my veins as I climb the stairs. A new chapter is starting, and even though the last one ended poorly, I’m optimistic I’m due for some happy times.
At the landing at the top of the step, I stand aside while Faith opens the apartment door. “The cleaning people are coming this afternoon, so try to look beyond any mess left behind.”
My mouth opens as soon as I step across the threshold. I’m not one given to flights of fancy, so I’m taken aback by the feeling of rightness that envelopes me. This apartment feels like my home. “I’ll take it,” I impulsively announce.
Faith laughs. “How about a tour first?”
“Oh, I want to see everything, but also, I’ll take it.” There’s a coat closet right inside the door that I don’t bother opening. Instead, I walk into the kitchen and just stand there. It’s not big but it’s perfect. All white cabinetry with gold handles, and a white subway tile backsplash that enhances the crisp and clean vibe. I imagine a vase of brightly colored flowers on the counter, and I make a promise to myself to ensure that vision comes to fruition.
The countertop that separates the space from the living room/dining room has two bar stools tucked under it. I can eat there and forgo a dining room table which will increase the size of my living space. I don’t anticipate needing a dining room as it’s only me. I haven’t so much as thought about entertaining since my breakup.
The living room is snug but perfect for one person. There arebuilt-in bookshelves, so I should have enough room for a full-size sofa and an armchair or two. I suddenly can’t wait to go furniture shopping. I sold everything from my marital home, so I don’t even have a mattress to call my own.
Standing in front of the picture window, I look out onto Main Street and marvel at how captivating my hometown looks from this vantage point. “I love it here, Faith. I really do.”
