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I shook my head. “We run the spectrum. The districting makes it so we do get kids from middle and upper middle class, for sure, but then we also pull in from down around Landmark.”
“Oh. Wow.” Whitney’s eyebrows knit together. “Who drew the districts?”
I laughed. “Good question. I asked once, when we first started, and got a convoluted answer about increasing diversity and providing equity of opportunity. But I think really what happened was they realized if the districts weren’t normal shapes, then they could get away with not building—and staffing—the two more high schools we desperately need on this side of the county.”
Megan grunted. “That sounds like the local government for sure.”
“Notice goes in tomorrow, right?” It was my turn to jab an elbow.
Megan squirmed away. “Ow. But yes. Tomorrow.”
“And you’re texting us when it’s done. Right?” Whitney pointed at Megan.
“What, you don’t believe I’m going to do it?” When neither of us said anything, Megan’s shoulders fell. “Fine. Yes. Texting after it’s sent.”
I rubbed her shoulder. “You know this is the right thing.”
“Yeah, I do. But I can’t help feeling like I’m letting people down. The people who need me. We’re already understaffed and overworked. Who’s going to suffer because I decided to chuck it and work in a bookstore?” Megan leaned back to make room for her food to be put in front of her.
I eyed the bowl of thick soup when it was set in front of me. My stomach twisted. Maybe there really was a reason no one got the soup. It was a bright, unnatural orange color with globs of green suspended in it.
“Enjoy, ladies. Let me know if you need anything.” The server hurried away.
I dipped my spoon into the bowl, pressing my lips together at the amount of resistance I encountered. Maybe it was a good thing I was still full from dinner last night. “I guess I can see that. I’m not sure I could walk away from teaching. But the big difference, at least in my mind, is that you’re not thriving there.”
“What do you mean?” Megan poked at the coleslaw on the side of her plate with her fork.
“You feel burdened for these people. You want to help them. But you’re not succeeding. Or at least that’s what it sounds like to me when you talk. When was the last time you had a win? On anything?” I gave the bowl of soup a little nudge away from me. I was definitely not eating it.
“You’re not even going to try it?” Whitney eyed the bowl. “For science, if nothing else?”
I snickered. “Help yourself.”
Whitney pressed her lips together, shaking her head vigorously.
“Exactly.” I glanced at Megan. “Well?”
“I’m thinking. And maybe the fact that it’s taking so long is the answer in and of itself.” Megan sighed. “I’m not helping. I’m tilting at windmills.”
I rubbed her arm again. She sounded so defeated. “I’m sure there are ways you can still help people. Even working at the bookstore. Maybe you should talk to Austin. I bet there’s a way books could factor into his after-school center.”
“That’s not a bad idea. I’ll do that. Am I allowed to know about the center?” Megan’s eyebrows lifted. “He didn’t swear you to secrecy or anything?”
“Nope. It was just friends chatting over dinner.” I couldn’t quite keep the frustration out of my voice.
“Sorry.” Whitney slid out of her seat, her hand over her mouth, and held up a finger. “Be right back.”
I watched her all but run toward the restrooms, then turned to Megan. “Pregnant?”
“That’s my guess. Think she has any clue?” Megan picked up her sandwich and took a bite.
“Nope.”
“Are we going to suggest it?” Megan looked over toward the guys’ table.
I turned my head in the same direction and my gaze locked with Austin’s. He lifted an eyebrow and tipped his head toward the bathrooms. I shook my head. He frowned at me. Finally, I had pity on his confusion and mouthed the word, “Tomorrow.”
Austin nodded.
