The Swear Jar by Audra Osorio Page A

finger at him.  “You
would replace your librarian as soon as possible for the good of the library. 
Mr. McMahon only cares about what’s good for him.”
    Tom and Lucy watched this exchange
with amusement.  Tom knew Russell wanted to take Meara away.  She might like
the challenge of reviving Russell’s withering library.  It was time to stir
things up to see how Meara felt.
    “From what Duncan says, Russell
wants to hire you away from us,” Tom said.
    Duncan and Lucy glared at Tom. 
Sometimes Tom said the wrong thing at the wrong time.  Sometimes Tom said what
needed to be said.  Duncan waited anxiously.
    Meara giggled.  “It would be a cold
day in Hell before I worked for him.  Oh, I’m sorry for swearing.  I can’t work
for someone I don’t respect.  I like it here.  I already feel like part of the
family.”
    Meara stole a glance at Duncan. 
The smile crept back onto his face.  That giggle thrilled him.  Lucy was still
annoyed with Tom, but she relaxed.  Tom sighed.
    “Family, I’m hungry.  It’s
lunchtime.  How are we handling lunch today?” asked Tom, silently prompting
Lucy.
    “You can go first.  Meara, what are
you doing for lunch?” asked Lucy, winking at Tom.
    “I’ll work through lunch.  I want
to get started,” Meara replied.
    “You can’t do that on your first
day!” Tom said in mock horror, throwing up his hands.  “Duncan, stop her!  Make
her eat lunch like everyone else!  Hey!  Why don’t we order pizza?”
    “I did forget to pack lunch today,”
said Duncan.  “And I agree with Tom.  Miss Meara, you must take lunch.  I
insist.  I appreciate your eagerness.  It’ll be there after lunch.  Let’s order
pizza.”
    Meara opened her mouth to protest,
but Duncan crossed his arms over his chest.  Lucy and Tom quickly followed
suit.  The three of them glared, silently daring Meara to disobey.
    Sherrie walked up.  “What did I
miss?  Why do I miss the good stuff?  What did Meara do?  Is she in trouble on
her first day?”
    Sherrie’s confusion made Meara
laugh.  “I’m out voted and overruled.  Sherrie, they’re making me take lunch. 
We’re having pizza.  Is this what I have to look forward to working here?”
    “Yes.”  Sherrie failed to look
serious.
    “Count me in for pizza.  I’ll set
up in the kitchen,” Meara said, walking away.
    “I’ll call for pizza,” said Lucy. 
“Sherrie, you want some?”
    “I’ve never turned down a slice!”
Sherrie watched Duncan following Meara with his eyes.  “Duncan, you’ve got it
bad.”
    “What are you talking about?”
Duncan asked absentmindedly.
    “I’m sure you have no idea what I’m
talking about,” Sherrie said, rolling her eyes.  “I’ll go help Meara.”
    Sherrie saw the flowers in Meara’s
office.  “My goodness!  They’re gorgeous.  Did you bring them in?”
    Meara blushed.  “Sherrie, this has
been one heck of a day.  Mr. Phillips gave me the flowers and I thought they
were from everyone.  They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”
    While looking at the flowers with
dreamy eyes, Meara popped a chocolate kiss in her mouth and offered Sherrie one. 
Sherrie smiled wickedly at Meara.  Duncan wasn’t the only one with a crush.
    Meara said, “Why are you smiling
like that?”

Chapter Nine
    “No reason.  What’s been going on
today?” asked Sherrie as they headed into the kitchen.
    “I couldn’t find the Summer Reading
manual, so I went to South Branchville to borrow theirs,” said Meara, opening
cabinets looking for paper plates and napkins.
    “Did you meet Russell?  What did
you think?” asked Sherrie, watching Meara closely.
    “What a jerk.  He’s awful.  He has
no idea how to run a Youth Services Department,” Meara replied.  “I’m sorry.  I
hope he’s not your friend.”
    Sherrie laughed. “No, He’s not. 
You’re right about him!”
    “I can’t see how Mr. Phillips puts
up with Mr. McMahon.  I’ll hold my tongue for the sake of Mr.