Page 26 of Bear Boss’s Mate (Pleasantville Shifter #1)

THE WEEK AFTER THE Christmas party, Marcy was true to her word. She called her friend Amara, who lived a couple of hours away in the city.

“I can’t believe you’re engaged, and I haven’t even met Austin yet,” Amara gushed.

Marcy beamed. “I know. It’s crazy, right? I miss you so much. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. So much has happened.” Marcy thought about the last few months. It felt like years had passed instead.

“So, when is the wedding?” asked Amara.

“In May. I’m calling you for two reasons.” Marcy held her breath after she spoke. There was a pause.

“Okay, don’t keep me in suspense. What?” Amara chuckled.

“I would like you to be my maid of honor.”

Amara gasped. “For real? Oh, I’d be honored. Of course, I will,” Amara said. “And? The other thing?”

“I also wondered if you could come a week before the wedding to help me with a few things?”

“Of course,” said Amara happily.

Marcy paused, knowing this request might be met with more resistance.

“The other thing is that the company I work at. Austin’s company.

Well, they’re looking for a new marketing person.

The last one quit unexpectedly. They’ve hired someone temporarily to assist the other people in that department.

Still, they want someone to fill the head of the department position permanently. ”

Amara was silent for a moment.

Marcy waited, giving her time to think about what she’d just said. Amara was a city girl now, but they both came from the same small-town out west. She knew Amara loved the convenience of living in the city. She also had a job that she apparently liked, since she never told her otherwise.

Marcy thought she would turn down the job. But hoped she’d at least consider it.

“You know I work in public relations, right?” Amara remarked.

Marcy scoffed. “I know. But you studied marketing, and I know you’d be perfect for the job.

I just know it. The last person was in a low-key position, and they’ve been able to cover for her with temporary help.

I convinced Austin to create a department head position for you to fill. The job could be yours if you want it.”

Amara was silent for a moment longer. “I’ll think about it. I can’t be there until spring, and I want to talk about it first. Can my decision wait?”

Marcy squealed with delight into the phone. “I can talk to the guys. I can’t believe that you’re seriously going to consider it. Do you realize what this means? We could end up working together. It’ll be so much fun. I can’t wait.”

Amara interrupted her. “Hang on, I said I’ll think about it. We’ll talk more in person.” She laughed.

Marcy rolled her eyes. She knew Amara well enough to know she was considering taking the job.

Marcy couldn’t wait to tell Austin and hoped he would hold the position open until May.

“I can’t wait for you to get here. I’m so happy about seeing you.

You’re going to love Austin. He’s amazing,” Marcy gushed.

It was exciting to know Amara was not only going to be her maid of honor. She was going to spend the week before the wedding helping Marcy prepare. It would be great to have her best friend nearby.

“I’m so happy for you. You deserve a great guy, and he sounds like one. Especially after the nightmare that was Mick-the-dick,” said Amara.

Both women laughed.