Page 3 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)

En route to Bear Creek, Dustin’s nerves grew as the miles flew by.

With a head full of questions and a mildly upset stomach, he tried to distract himself by reviewing what he’d learned.

At first he’d been worried about the small size of Bear Creek.

Dustin had lived in a big city all of his life, and, well, the quaint town only boasted about four thousand residents.

Where did people shop? Was there anything to do besides work? How would he make friends?

Bear Creek might not be very big, but he’d discovered that their downtown was apparently a hopping place—filled with specialty shops, restaurants, and most of the things he might need.

Even better, Wilkes-Barre was only eleven miles from town and offered the same big box stores as Harrisburg.

On top of that, Bear Creek had a fairly new amphitheater with regular concerts and shows, and was only fifteen miles from a brand new resort complex.

And then there was the whole shifter thing.

The information Mayor Tillman included in her message turned out to be very instructive.

Everything from the way they scented people, to the state and federal laws protecting them.

Dustin found it all fascinating and wondered if he’d meet any shifters on this visit.

He wouldn’t want to insult someone by saying or doing the wrong thing, though maybe the mayor knew someone who could give him further guidance.

This might be one of those ‘learn as you go’ things, but he supposed common manners would prevent most gaffes.

Dustin’s musings were interrupted by the sight of a huge billboard up ahead, broadcasting the exit for Pocono Ridge Resort and Golf Course.

As he got closer, he saw glimpses of the place through the trees—vast glass domes, a ski lift, and an enormous parking lot filled with cars.

It looked like a cool vacation spot, and considered stopping on the way back home to check it out.

Not that he had the money to stay in a fancy resort, but he could look around and take a brochure home to show his family.

He must be close by now, and tried to focus on the surrounding terrain.

Except for the occasional home, park, or lake, there wasn’t much to indicate the quaint town’s existence.

Finally, he spotted the sign for Bear Creek and connected with Highway 115—the main drag through town.

Dustin followed the instructions Carmen Perez had sent, passing a cemetery, church, several subdivisions, and the high school before the downtown business district came into view.

Old brick buildings lined both sides of the street, well maintained, charming, and diverse in their offerings.

Up ahead, Dustin noticed an oval lime green and brown sign for Delicious .

That had to be the candy shop he’d read about, and he was sorely tempted to pay them a visit.

Not now, however, and he kept going for another three blocks before turning right on Chapel Road.

City Hall sat close to the corner; an imposing red brick and stone behemoth that had served the town for over a century.

A clock tower rose three stories above the main entrance, with narrow rectangular windows in the front and larger arched windows on the side of the building.

Two flags fluttered in the light breeze from a single, tall pole, surrounded by colorful flower beds.

Dustin’s heart renewed its incessant pounding as he pulled into a parking space, remembering why he was here in the first place.

An awful lot depended on this interview, and he tried to tamp down his nerves on the way inside.

Dustin climbed the wide polished staircase to the second level and found an ornately carved door with a small sign reading The Honorable DeeDee Tillman, Mayor .

The heavy door opened easily, and he stepped into an antechamber that had been converted into a workspace for the mayor’s Administrative Assistant. The nameplate before him said Carmen Perez, and the friendly woman flashed him a smile.

“Mr. Mowry?

Dustin swallowed hard, determined to put his best foot forward.

“Hello. I hope I’m not too early.”

Perez chuckled as she walked around the desk to join him.

“No worries. Punctuality is always appreciated here, and we’re grateful you could come on such short notice. If you’ll follow me, I believe the mayor is ready to meet with you.”

Carmen knocked once on another heavy door and led Dustin inside the mayor’s spacious office, flooded with natural light.

DeeDee’s superior senses had detected the human’s arrival before he’d reached the outer office, and Tillman sized him up on the way over.

Mowry was a handsome, slender young man with a boyish face and a mop of wavy brown hair.

Though clearly nervous, he seemed determined not to show it.

DeeDee smiled, extending her hand while Perez made a discreet exit.

Dustin shook it—startled when she also leaned in to scent him. The mayor was a bear shifter! The twinkle in her eye meant she’d noticed his surprise.

“A pleasure to meet you, Dustin. I prefer first names, if you don’t mind, so just call me DeeDee. Let’s have a seat and get acquainted.”

One corner of the office was set up with comfortable furniture and a sturdy coffee table, laid out with refreshments—including a small tray of chocolates. DeeDee leaned down to pick up a treat and encouraged her guest to do the same.

“The big lumpy ones on your right are Nut Bombs. The bars are coffee flavored, but they’re all addictive. These come from Delicious , one of our downtown shops you may have noticed on your way in.”

Dustin hurried to chew and swallow the fantastic morsel so as not to talk with his mouth full.

“Yes, I did. I’d like to visit the shop if I have the time. Pardon me, but do all bear shifters like chocolate?”

DeeDee’s eyes danced with amusement.

“I’ve never met a single one who didn’t, and Delicious makes the very best. Perhaps we can stop by together later on.

Before we get started, you may be wondering why you’re here talking to me.

The Shady Lane Orchard is owned and operated by Gruff Cunningham, who like me, is also a bear shifter.

The position we’re interviewing for would be his first employee, and Gruff asked me to help him with the hiring process.

Now, why don’t you begin by telling me why you’re a good fit for the job? ”

DeeDee listened attentively without interruption, nodding and smiling occasionally while Dustin explained his work history at the Round Table (and why he finally left), before answering the question.

“So, I have the experience you’re looking for, but the job also seems like a good fit for my personality and interests. I’m guessing the orchard is more laid-back than restaurant work, which means I could finally have a life of my own.”

DeeDee liked what she heard.

“Indeed. The hours will vary somewhat depending on the time of year, but you would normally have evenings and Sundays free. Any other arrangements can be discussed with Gruff, and you’ll find him to be an easy person to work for.

Keep in mind that Bear Creek has a mixed population, and you would be interacting with both humans and shifters on a daily basis.

We pride ourselves on being an open, friendly, and accepting community while also catering to the general public. How does that sound to you?”

DeeDee’s casual style and friendly manner had a calming effect on Dustin, and he gave her a genuine smile.

“Really great! Until now, I’ve only lived in the city, but Bear Creek looks like an amazing place from what I can tell.”

DeeDee knew by scent alone that Dustin wasn’t blowing smoke, confirming her gut feeling of his suitability for the position.

“Glad to hear it. Next, I’d like you to see the orchard and meet Gruff so you can get a feel for the place. Shall we go?”

When they reached Carmen’s desk, DeeDee asked her to text Gruff, informing him that they were on their way.

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Dustin oohed and aahed properly when DeeDee pointed out a lovely lake and the new amphitheater as they passed by. Apparently, the drive wouldn’t take long, and the good mayor had something important to share with him before they arrived.

“Gruff was only eighteen when he moved to town six years ago and purchased the orchard. It was a run-down wreck at the time, and he’s been making improvements ever since—all by himself and on a shoestring budget.

Now, it’s both beautiful and growing, which is where the new sales barn comes in.

You need to understand that Gruff is a quiet man who keeps to himself, and there’s a good reason.

“As a young cub, he was injured in a vicious attack and left with permanent scars on his face. There’s no way to hide them, and to prevent being asked about it, he stays close to home.

My advice is to ignore what you see and look deeper to the man beneath.

He might appear to be angry or uninterested at times, though you mustn’t take it personally.

Gruff may tell you his story after you’ve become acquainted, but it’s best not to ask him. ”

Dustin’s mind began to whirl with fresh concerns as they drew closer to the orchard.

Was Cunningham just a grouchy old buzzard who hated people?

Could he work for someone like that and still enjoy his job?

Should he be worried about personal safety?

DeeDee scented the sudden angsty pheromones, and hurried to reassure him.

“There, there. Nothing to worry about. Gruff is a kind, gentle man who wouldn’t hurt a fly, even if he comes off as the grumpy sort. Believe me when I say he’s one of the most trustworthy people I know, and I know everybody! Here we are—on the left.”