41

 

Beth slid out of her car and joined Mark outside Fishy Business as he sanded the deck of the Orange Roughy. She stared at the ground and kicked at the dirt with her shoes for a few seconds then looked up. Mark had been proud of her when she’d had two jobs. Perhaps his opinion of her might change when he heard her news. “It’s official. I’m being let go next month. Didn’t even get the chance to start preparing students for the annual spring play. In fact, the play might even get cut.” She’d experienced her share of problems in a short lifetime. Why this and why now?

Mark stopped working and looked up at her. “I’m sorry.”

If she didn’t know better, she’d think he wanted to say more but restrained himself. Her mind raced. Perhaps he wanted to discuss their relationship, maybe even end things but then felt pity because she’d lost her job. She’d whined a lot about her problems lately. Maybe she’d gotten on Mark’s last nerve. Probably not the time to mention the notes from the Knight had started again. Considering the notes were probably from someone at the school, Beth shouldn’t be receiving them much longer anyway. Once Beth left her job, hopefully, the Knight would move on to annoying someone else.

Besides discussing things with Mark, Beth hesitated to hand over the latest note to the principal. Looking for a new job, she’d need him for a reference, which meant staying on his good side. The man had expended enough time and manpower as it was to have someone escort her out to car throughout the year. That wouldn’t have influenced the district’s decision to cut her position, would it? And if she did tell him about her most recent note, all he’d do is reassign a guard to escort her each day. From now on, Beth would simply synchronize her schedule with the math teacher across the hall and walk outside with her.

Beth stuffed her hands in her jean pockets—the same pair she’d worn when first meeting Mark in front of Fishy Business. That’s when their relationship had its first spark. And perhaps now it’d come full circle, about to die out. “I guess the good news is my landlord will let me rent on a month-to-month basis. Thanks for suggesting that.”

“That’s good.” Mark furrowed his eyebrows. “Have you looked around to see if the other districts are hiring?”

“A little. I didn’t see anything right now. It’s hard because it’s the middle of the school year. I don’t think most districts post their jobs for the next year just yet. But I guess maybe I could sub.”

Mark’s bicep flexed as he held up his sanding tool then looked at her. “That’s a good idea.” He’d been going to the gym more lately. Working on a community college campus, who knew how many women he came in contact with. Regardless, he was bound to turn some heads with his rugged good looks. Frazzled and worried about her job, Beth hadn’t taken good care of herself lately. Fingering split ends, she realized her hair desperately needed a trim.

“Yeah, but I heard some of the other teachers say it doesn’t pay that well. I’m also concerned that so many other teachers will be looking for positions.”

“God’s still in control, right?”

She bit back a grin. “Last time I checked. I suppose you’re right.”

Mark motioned to her. “Come help me.” An invitation to join him. Far better than a rejection.

Beth walked up on the boat, grabbed a sanding tool, and helped him finish the deck. God was in control, yet He decided to take Chris away and now her job. What next?