Selling the Dream, Living the Lie – Kerry

Chapter 18

Pretty, Petty, and Perfect – Vic

Chapter 19

Lights. Camera. Tension. – Kerry

Chapter 20

Excuses – Kerry

Chapter 21

A Double Date with Darkness – Kerry

Chapter 22

Her Last Touch – Vic

Chapter 23

Lovesick Lunatic – Kerry

Chapter 24

Family Night – Kerry

Chapter 25

Mile High Club – Kerry

Chapter 26

Resurrection – Kerry

Chapter 27

Sinfully Sweet – Kerry

Chapter 28

His Second Chance – Vic

Chapter 29

Kerry Kind’s Got A Man – Kerry

Chapter 30

Kerry Kind – Family Vacation

Chapter 31

Syllabus Complete – Kerry

Epilogue

Kerry

Chapter 1

Kerry Kind – Kerry

There’s nothing more beautiful than realizing the beauty around us, in the people we love, the moments that shape us, and the dreams that keep us moving forward. I’ve been shaped and reshaped more times than I can count, with each experience carving away pieces of me until only the core of who I am remains.

At my core, I’m a teacher—a homegrown teacher who never quite got out of my small Southern Georgia hometown.

But just because I never left doesn’t mean I didn’t want more for myself. I never thought I needed to run away to find fulfillment or success. Sometimes, more is right in front of you. Sometimes, more isn’t about escaping. It’s about believing that something greater is within reach. I just need to keep dreaming and trust that those dreams can still be achieved.

I dream of possibilities, of a life bigger than my existence, where my dreams aren’t tethered to overdue bills or dwindling paychecks. One day, I’ll fulfill every wild hope I’ve ever dared to dream—starting with my bank account. I need to dream big because my balance is extremely low, and I’m one misplaced decimal away from financial disaster.

My name is Kerry Kind, and I’m on the brink of being kind of broke.

For twelve years, I’ve been teaching and tutoring kids in Beverly Mills, Georgia. I’ve poured every ounce of myself into shaping their futures, hoping to inspire them, guide them, and empower them. Teaching isn’t just my job; it’s my life. Or at least, it was. Now, I have to figure out life without it.

I’ve been fired.

Well, not technically. The district calls it “placed on hold.” A neat little euphemism meant to soften the blow of losing the one thing that ever made me feel truly whole. The board claims there’s an overabundance of teachers now that Beverly Mills has merged with its wealthier neighboring city, Greer.