Prejudice Meets Pride Read Online Free PDF

teachers are wonderful, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.”
    “That’s a relief to hear,” said Emma. “And speaking of teachers, I know I’m kind of late to the game, but do you happen to know if any schools in the area are looking for an art teacher? I could really use a job.”
    Becky gave her an apologetic look. “Not that I know of, but I could ask around. I would think most schools have already hired teachers by now though.”
    Exactly what Emma had been afraid of, although some teachers had to bow out at the last minute, like she’d had to do. So there was some hope. “I know, but it doesn’t hurt to call around and make sure.”
    Becky nodded, still not looking very hopeful. “I’m friends with a few teachers in the area, so I’ll give them a call tomorrow and let you know what I find out.”
    “Thank you. I’d really appreciate that.” First dinner and cookies, and now this. Why couldn’t all her neighbors be this nice? If Kevin had showed up with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile, things would have gone down a whole lot differently. Instead, he’d felt the need to patronize her.
    Realizing the girls hadn’t interrupted once, Emma glanced their way and found them with Sam. She’d drawn a few simple line drawings that the girls were now coloring. Emma walked their way and looked over Kajsa’s shoulder. “Wow, Sam, I’m impressed. Are you taking art classes?”
    Sam looked up and blushed, then quickly dropped her marker. “No. I just like to draw. I’m really not that good at it.”
    “I disagree,” said Emma. “You’ve got a good eye.”
    Sam shifted, looking uncomfortable with the compliment, and Becky laughed. “I completely agree. Sam’s just really modest and doesn’t like people making a fuss about her. But before I let her off the hook, I have to add that she’s a wonderful babysitter as I’m sure you can see. She’s a junior in high school and is probably more responsible than I am. Feel free to call her anytime you need one.”
    “I’d love to babysit,” Sam was quick to say. “Your daughters—” She stopped herself. “I mean nieces are adorable.”
    “Yes, they are.” Emma loved the idea of a sweet, budding artist watching the girls when she couldn’t. Sam would be perfect, and Kajsa and Adelynn already seemed to love her. Emma’s heart warmed, feeling like Becky had just heaped on a large spoonful of sugar into her life. If Emma could do her part and find a decent job, it was only a matter of time before her lemonade sweetened even more.

    Emma’s brow furrowed in concern as she set her phone down with a frustrated clang. She’d spent the last two days calling all the schools in the area—high schools, junior highs, elementary schools, charter schools, even private schools—and, just like Becky had warned her, no positions were available for an art teacher. Emma was welcome to bring by a resume in case something opened up later on, or fill out an application to be a substitute teacher, but that was all the schools could offer. Becky didn’t have any luck either.
    Dropping her head to her hands, she went over her options. She could always find a job working as a receptionist or a clerk in a store, but the thought of doing that made her stomach clench. Her entire life, she’d fought to take forward steps in her life, no matter how small they were, and now it felt like the only options available included a very large step back.
    Emma loved art. She loved painting. She loved teaching. But now, here she was, in a strange state with two girls to look after, contemplating a job answering phones all day long. Or worse.
    Giggles sounded from the open front window, and Emma went to investigate, leaning her shoulder against a pillar on the front porch. The girls had wandered from the enclosed backyard to the front, looking bored, and who could blame them? The hot, August heat and crusty grass wouldn’t appeal to anyone. Emma wouldn’t be