Lessons Learned Read Free Page A

a good look around. The walls used to be white, but the room was definitely in need of a fresh coat of paint.
    “It’s a little dreary, isn’t it?” Aubrey murmured, reading my mind.
    “Just a little, yeah.”
    “You know,” she said with a wicked grin, “I bet Rocky Mountain Sky Blue would look great in here.”
    My eyes widened in disbelief. Audrey laughed loudly, and the sound filled the empty room.
    “Oh, Sarah, don’t look so surprised! Did you forget how quickly gossip spreads in Sycamore Falls?”
    “No, but that was literally an hour ago. How did you hear?”
    “Tommy and Lucas are best friends. His classroom is right next to yours, actually.”
    I was confused.
    “But you said Tommy teaches gym.”
    “I’m not talking about Tommy,” Aubrey said. “Lucas will be teaching American History right beside you.”
    Suddenly, I remembered Shellie’s description of the new history teacher.
    Single. Handsome. Northern.
    “Funny, he didn’t mention that.”
    She grinned brightly. “Lucas moved here from New York about four months ago. At first, everyone was a little suspicious. After all, who would willingly move away from Manhattan to live here ?”
    I nodded. It was a fair question.
    “But he was the only applicant for Mr. Franklin’s job,” she continued. “He needed a job until the new school year started, so Mr. Johnson hired him part-time down at the hardware store. He’s even helped Tommy a bit with summer football practice. The community has really grown to love him.”
    “Lucas seems very nice.”
    “He is,” Aubrey replied with a nod. “Still, you have to wonder what brought him here. He says he just needed a change, but something must have happened.”
    Ah, yes, the supposed scandal.
    “Maybe he just wanted to teach in a small town.”
    “That’s what he told Tommy,” Aubrey nodded, but I could tell by the tone of her voice she wasn’t convinced.
    Suddenly, her eyes brightened. “He’s a really sweet guy, Sarah, and he’s single!”
    And so, it begins.
    “No, Aubrey.”
    “Are you single?”
    “Yes, and I intend to stay that way.”
    “But why?”
    I narrowed my eyes. “Are you actually pouting?”
    “Maybe,” she admitted with a giggle.
    I rolled my eyes. Aubrey had always loved playing matchmaker.
    “He’s super nice, Sarah.”
    “I’m sure he’s wonderful. I hope he’s equally as wonderful at painting my house because he starts tomorrow.”
    She grinned. “I know. He told Tommy.”
    “And Tommy told you.” I shook my head and smiled. “You know, despite the annoying gossip mill, it’s still comforting to be home.”
    Aubrey’s face softened.
    “Will you tell me about it someday?”
    “Maybe someday.”
    Taking a deep breath, I asked the question that had been weighing heavily on my mind since returning to Sycamore Falls. “Aubrey, do you think I’m a coward for coming home?”
    She smiled sympathetically and reached for my hand.
    “After what you’ve been through, I don’t think anyone would have blamed you if you’d completely left the profession. Trust me. No one here thinks you’re a coward.”
    Tommy had football practice at five, so Aubrey had to get home to the baby. While walking each other to our cars, she invited me over for dinner, and I promised to come one night this week.
    Aubrey opened her car door before turning to me. She pulled me into a hug and whispered, “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you.”
    I squeezed her tightly.
    “I’ve missed you, too.”

    On my way home, I took a detour down Main Street to see if anything had changed. There were three new fast food places, and the medical clinic appeared to have had a renovation. Benji’s Diner was still open for business, and the old men still congregated in rocking chairs on the restaurant’s porch, offering a friendly wave to anyone who happened to pass by.
    That’s the great thing about the country. People are friendly and welcoming, and they actually smile at you,