Stopping in front of her desk, Patrick braced his hands on the edge and leaned forward. I repeat, does she know football?
I would think so, having coached football at the college level. Surely she can manage high school boys. Josephine Mackie felt her gaze soften as she studied Patricks stubborn features. She thought she knew exactly why he was so upset, and chose her words carefully.
I realize that when I asked you to join our coaching staff ten years ago, Patrick, your dream was to one day be football coach here at your alma mater. I believe you took on coaching basketball temporarily, thinking that when Dale McCormick retired, youd shift over to football. But youve done such a tremendous jobguiding the basketball team from class B to class A status and giving us a championship season for the past two years. We dont want to lose you in that capacity.
Patricks blue eyes were serious as he straightened. Hed figured that was what shed thought, and the rest of the town, too. But they were wrong.
Hed been a star quarterback during his years at Tyler, and at the small Midwestern college hed attended while earning his teaching degree. Then thered been problemsserious problemsand hed had to rearrange his dreams. When he returned to his hometown, hed been pleased to be asked to coach basketball
and assist Coach McCormick occasionally in football. Even now, what he really wanted was what was best for the Tyler High boys. But he knew that changing the thinking of a whole group of people who had their minds made up wasnt something he could do without revealing more than he felt comfortable doing.
Miss Mackie, Im perfectly happy coaching basketball. Youre aware, Im sure, that many of the boys on the football team also play basketball. I know these guys, and they arent going to accept a woman coach.
She narrowed her pale gray eyes and zeroed in. They will if you encourage them to accept her.
Settling into the old wooden chair facing her desk, Patrick scowled. I dont know if I can do that, in good conscience.
Propping her elbows on her desk, Miss Mackie leaned forward. Patrick, I dont have to tell you that this town gets greatly involved in our school athletics. And the football teams been on a long losing streak. Dale McCormick was a good coach once, back when you were playing for him. But for some time now, hes been merely coasting along, counting the days to retirement.
I agree, Patrick admitted.
The school board felt we needed new blood, someone to get the boys all stirred up. Of our six applicants, Pam Casals is by far the most qualified. Ive talked with her on the phone and shes personable and intelligent. Ive hired her on a one-season trial basis and shes arriving next week. Wont you open your mind and give her a chance?
Miss Mackie was a good administrator, her judgment usually on target, Patrick felt. This time, though, she was wrong. I have nothing against this particular woman, you understand. I just dont feel any woman can coach football. Its too rugged a game, too physical. He picked up Pam Casals file and flipped it open, to where her picture was clipped to the inside front cover. See how small she looks? She could get hurt out there.
Josephine Mackie sighed. Patrick Kelsey was an instructor who seldom gave her problems. He was making up for lost time today. Glancing at her watch, she stood, realizing she could debate this issue with Patrick all day and neither would bend. Its only the first of August. We have several weeks before classes start. During that time, well be observing Pam and her training and practice methods closely.
Picking up her purse, she walked around the desk. The school was deserted; shed come in to get a head start on some paperwork and had been somewhat surprised when Patrick cornered her. Why dont you study her file a bit more and then leave it on my desk? I have an appointment.
The gentleman in him had Patrick rising and smiling at the slim principal. I dont mean to give you a hard time. But you know what these guys mean to me.
She smiled back at him. They mean a great deal to me, too.
Patrick nodded. You off to a board meeting?
Josephine found herself blushing as she patted her sparse gray hair. No, actually I have an appointment at the Hair Affair.
He grinned at her. Big date tonight, Miss Mackie?
Girlishly, she pursed her lips, turned from him and opened the door, choosing to ignore his question. Please lock up when you leave, she said, then hurried down the hallway.
Chuckling, Patrick sat back down, wondering why Miss Mackie had never married. Too wrapped up in her job, he supposed. Few women could juggle work and children, and still maintain a happy marriage. His mother, Anna Kelsey, was about the only one he knew of. But she was one of a kind.
He opened the file again. Pam Casals did not look like his idea of a football coach. From the picture, she appeared to be of medium height and quite slender, with the muscular legs of a runner. Her shoulder-length brown hair, wind-tossed, framed an oval face, and her large brown eyes gazed directly into the camera. She didnt appear aggressive or arrogant, but there was a hint of determination to the angle of her chin. Still, if this woman could handle that rowdy group of high school boys, then he was the Easter Bunny, Patrick thought with a frown.