14. Unexpected Offer
“Bob, hello. What brings you here?”
“I wanted to stop by and update you about the ESL classes.”
While Claire had chosen not to get more involved with the group, she’d created a syllabus for them to use. She’d deflected joining Bob to discuss it over dinner, noting that her time in Ajijic would be coming to an end soon. Her focus had to be helping Pat finish any last-minute edits of his book.
“Did you want to talk about it now?”
He nodded, “Sure, that would be great.”
Bob followed her through the outside door. Inside the garden walls, Claire made no move toward the casita but stood waiting for Bob to continue. If they stayed standing, maybe he’d take the hint to leave sooner than later.
“The classes are going well?”
Bob sighed, “Yes, though it’s been harder to get the men involved.”
“Makes sense. You might have a meeting with some food and a soccer game watch party. Or something like that.”
“That’s a good idea. But not sure how that would work for the classes.”
“Simple. Put words on a large posterboard on either side of the screen. One in English with the opposite words in Spanish on the other side. Don’t expect much the first time. Just build camaraderie.” Claire shifted on her other foot.
“That sounds—Oh, hold on.” Bob turned around, sneezing multiple times. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face with his hands. “Ugh, sorry. I must be catching a cold.”
Claire nodded, “I think something’s going around. I haven’t been feeling top-notch either.”
“As long as it doesn’t get worse. Quite a few have taken the hit. One guy I know even ended up in the hospital.”
“From a cold?”
Bob shook his head, “No, I don’t know if it was flu but ended up with pneumonia.”
“That’s not good.”
“Nope.” He backed up. “Probably best if you stay away from me, just in case.”
Claire thought about a tongue-in-cheek retort but changed her mind. “I already have been around others who’ve also had colds. Like Alice at the library.”
“Oh yeah. She’s at home now, no longer working at the library.”
“That’s too bad. Hopefully, she’ll recover soon.”
Bob covered his mouth with his hand as coughing wracked his body. “Uh, not feeling so hot. Better head off. Anyway, thanks for the idea for the men’s group. You sure you won’t join us for one meeting?”
“My plate is full right now. And I’ll be heading back home soon.”
“Well, if I don’t see you before you go, know that your help has been much appreciated. And I hope you’ll come back again and stay longer.” He made a move toward her.
Unconsciously, she backed away from him.
He stopped, realizing what he’d been doing. “Sorry, only meant to shake your hand. Wasn’t thinking.”
“No worries. Sometimes it’s easy to forget.”
“Well, bye for now.”
“Goodbye. Hope you feel better.”
He left the garden, closing the door behind him. Claire’s mind went to how quickly the time had flown while she had been there. Now that time was ending. Certainly, not the way she’d planned it, either.
She felt betrayed by Pat not confiding in her about his books. But lots of authors did it. Why should he be any different? No, not that he’d published under a different name. It’s that he had kept it from her.
Had he not trusted her?
She went inside and booted up her computer. She hadn’t checked her messages this morning. She quickly deleted lots of sales promotional ads, but one email stood out. It was from a small local college.
She clicked it open to see it came from the human resources department. The person had noted that they’d received her name from another professor at her old university.
The email was simple. They had an opening for a summer online professor along with the possibility of substitute work with the current department. They had been informed of her retirement but wondered if the position might interest her.
A part-time position. They were offering her a job. She clapped her hands and held them in front of her face. That sounded perfect. It would be enough to keep her busy while also allowing her time to do—To do what? Travel had been an idea. But after that, what? She loved words and this would allow her to continue to teach students and instill a love of literature.
She noted that there was no rush, but they’d want to have a conversation soon if she was interested. She typed a reply, noting that she was in Mexico but could connect online. Or they could schedule a meeting for early next month. She thanked them for the opportunity to discuss the position before hitting send.
Claire bounced up from her chair, a huge grin on her face. Experience still counts for something. She had felt a bit like someone who’d been put out to pasture after her retirement. While they hadn’t forced her resignation, things continued to point in that direction.
Here was a new opportunity.
Now to tell Pat and get ready to leave.
Her heart thumped hard in her chest. They had enjoyed their time together. Both had professed love. But that didn’t always equate to happily ever after. More often than not, they often ended up with one or both parties being disillusioned when the newness wore off. Flings happened, and emotions were amplified when out of regular circumstances. Maybe that’s all this was. This way they could keep this time they’d had together as a wonderful memory.
She still wanted to share how she’d been upset about his name. But the anger had softened. It would be better to leave on good terms.
A rush of joy swept through her. One of the most important things she needed was purpose and to feel needed. This opportunity would afford her that.
She decided to treat herself to some flowers. Tomorrow was market day. She’d head to the Tianguis and grab some items for the next few days and some things to take home.
Her phone rang.
Janie.
“Hi there”, Claire chirped.
“You’re awful chipper.” Janie croaked out her reply.
“Uh, oh, Don’t tell me you getting the crud that’s going around.”
“Who knows? I still want us to get together but thought maybe not tomorrow. This came to me from out of nowhere. Until I feel better, might be best not to make plans. I wanted to let you know, just in case.”
“There have been quite a few with the bug, but so far, knock on wood, all good.”
Janie coughed away from the phone before sniffling, “Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to cough in your ear. Well, that’s great you are well. Are you still planning on leaving soon? We have so much catching up to do.”
“Yes, I’ve already put off leaving once, and now, well, I’ve been offered a position at a local college.”
“Is that what you want?”
Janie’s question stopped Claire. Why wouldn’t she want it? This was an opportunity to do something she loved.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Janie. “Ah, you hesitated. That tells me a lot.”
“No, of course I want it, this is a great opportunity,” Claire responded.
“Maybe, maybe not. Some things are great opportunities, but maybe not for specific times or desires for our lives.” Janie cleared her throat.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Pat.”
“Pat’s a great guy but, I need—” What did she need?
“What do you need?”
“I just like the idea of teaching. Of still being involved with words.”
“You could do that here. There are the ESL classes, you could volunteer at the library, plus our new book club. Which, by the way, I had to put off since so many of the group are ill.”
“Yes, Alice told me about it, too.”
“Poor Alice, she’s been hit hard with this. Someone must have started this junk going around. Lots are down with it. It’s when it takes hold in your chest. Far too many around here, or so I’ve been told.”
Claire responded, “What about you? Do you need anything? I could go to the store for you or—“
“No. I’m good. Right now, all I need is rest. I’m heading back to bed, but wanted to check in with you.”
“I appreciate it. Hopefully, you’ll feel better and we can get together before I leave.”
“I wish you wouldn’t.”
Claire laughed, “Um, okay.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I wish you wouldn’t leave. It would be so great to start up our friendship again. I think we could get into all kinds of trouble.” She chuckled before it turned into coughing.
“Janie, you need to go get back in bed. Seriously, let me know and I’ll bring you some soup or something.”
“This is so weird. I was feeling fine earlier. But I agree. I think that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Chat later.” She ended the call.
Janie’s words echoed in Claire’s mind.
What do you need?
Was a need different from a want? Was one more important than the other?
Claire took a warm shower before dressing in a pair of slacks and an oversized long-sleeved shirt. The air had grown chilly, or maybe she just felt cold. Either way, she was thankful for the heavier clothing she’d brought with her.
She heard a noise outside.
The gate where Pat’s car sat was opening.
Pat was back.