Read A Matter of Destiny for Free Online

in the receptionist\clerk position. We had many qualified applicants, making it a difficult task to decide upon one. We are sorry..."
     
    Sharon wadded the letter into a ball and threw it into the trash basket. Her hopes were dashed with those few words.
     
    She'd have to start all over again, maybe check with the employment agency. She hadn't realized until that moment just how badly she wanted to work at the school.
     
    It would have meant she was capable of supporting herself and her children. What would happen to them if she never found a decent job? The thought troubled her so much she refused to accept the possibility.
     
    Sharon decided to make pies, stomping to the back porch and lugging a sack of apples into the kitchen. She slammed a knife and a newspaper onto the table, then sat down to peel, furiously skinning each apple in turn, leaving very little of the fruit. By the time the boys came home, however, the pies were baking in the oven, and she felt a little calmer.
     
    Joe was right behind them as they came through the back door. He sniffed the aroma and murmured appreciably. "I don't mean to barge in, but we've got all the ingredients for a celebration, bubbly and all."
     
    "Champagne? What's there to celebrate?" She refused to acknowledge how her heart had skipped a beat when Joe stepped into her home.
     
    "Not really champagne, just 7-Up," he explained, then asked, "didn't you get the letter from school?"
     
    His cheerful mood was beginning to get on her nerves. Did he have to rub it in? She nodded and pointed across the room. "It's in the trash can."
     
    "I thought you'd be pleased." Joe looked bewildered, and her boys exchanged puzzled glances.
     
    David spoke first. "There's nothing to be ashamed of, Mom."
     
    "What's wrong with working in the cafeteria?" Luke asked.
     
    Sharon studied their faces. "What are you talking about?"
     
    Joe went to the wastebasket and lifted out the letter, smoothing out the wrinkles. "Didn't you read the whole thing?"
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
     
     
     
    Sharon took the crumpled letter from Joe and pored over the contents until she reached the place she'd left off.
     
    "We're sorry we couldn't place all the applicants. However, there is an urgent need for help in the cafeteria. It would entail six hours a day, five days a week, starting right after the Thanksgiving holiday. If you're interested, please contact our office immediately."
     
    She tore her gaze from the page, her mouth open. "No, I didn't see that part, but a cafeteria job?" She shook her head and read it again.
     
    David said, "It might be fun, and we'd see you during the day."
     
    "Yeah," Luke added, "and the food would improve."
     
    They waited, poised on the edge of the sofa. She needed a job and couldn't afford to be too choosy. Should she keep looking?
     
    What if she didn't find anything better? This was close to home and near the boys. It was the expression in Joe's dark eyes that made up her mind.
     
    Shrugging, she said, "Why not? Cooking is one thing I know how to do."
     
    "All right!" Luke shouted, jumping up to give her a hug. David smiled, looking proud.
     
    Joe picked up the green bottle. "See what I mean? There is a reason to celebrate. Who wants a drink of pretend champagne?"
     
    "Sounds good," Sharon said, turning to Joe. "Would you like to stay for dinner? There's apple pie in the oven." It seemed more of an occasion with Joe there.
     
    "Thanks, I'd love to."
     
    The boys offered to round up the glasses. When they'd disappeared into the kitchen, Joe approached Sharon, his dark gaze sweeping her face.
     
    A light seemed to shine from behind his eyes.
     
    "There's something I want to tell you before anyone else does."
     
    The ominous tone in his voice alerted her. "Is it about Luke?" Joe shook his head. "David?"
     
    "No, Sharon, it's about the job. Mrs. Moran, got the receptionist position."
     
    She stared in disbelief. "Celia Moran? She doesn't even