It didn’t pay fantastically, but she had never cared. What she did, she loved.
She was at her third location.
Mary Williams was interviewing her, claiming she did indeed have a position coming open soon. The woman was friendly and genuinely excited about Laurie’s possibilities.
By the time Laurie left her office, she felt like it was a sure thing. If not, two other places had taken her resume and told her they would call if they had any openings.
With a smile on her face, she made her way to meet Corbin and Zach at Zach’s parents’ house. She’d met Carlie, his mother, briefly the first morning, but she had yet to meet Zach’s father, Adam, or his sister, Sharon.
“I’m at your parents’ house,” she communicated to both men as she pulled up.
“Good. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes,” Zach said.
“Stuck at work. It will be about an hour for me. Don’t wait to eat. I’m sorry.” Corbin sounded rushed even through the connection.
“Take your time,” Zach said.
A woman looking like the female version of all the Masters brothers and about the same age as Laurie answered the door. She smiled broadly. “You must be Laurie.”
“You must be Sharon.”
Sharon reached out to take her hand and hauled her inside. “More women. Excellent. The men in this family are multiplying at an alarming rate. The testosterone at family dinners is thick.”
Laurie squinted at her.
Sharon giggled and waved a hand through the air as she led Laurie through the enormous great room. “Oh, I know. I know. For every woman we add, we also add a man, but hey, even outnumbered, I like having more females at the table.”
As Laurie followed Sharon into the kitchen, she glanced around at the spacious room and relaxed. She could picture the five Masters kids as children, running through this room and across the living room, laughing, screaming, playing hard. The space was welcoming. Comfortable.
The kitchen was incredibly modern with sleek stainless steel appliances, black and gray granite, and white cabinets.
Sharon nodded to a stool at the enormous island. “Sit. I’ll get you a drink.”
“Water would be great. I’ve been running around town trying to find a job. I’m thirsty.”
Sharon grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and handed it to Laurie. “Preschool, right?”
“Yep.” Laurie took a long drink.
Sharon shook her head. “I don’t know how anyone does that. More power to you. I think I’d sooner be buried alive than work with toddlers all day.” She giggled.
“Love it. They’re so pure. They don’t judge. They can’t see color or religion or language. All they see is friends and someone to play with.”
“True. Never thought about it that way.” Sharon lifted the lid on a large pot on the stove and stirred the contents.
The smells that leaked into the room were amazing. “That smells delicious.”
“My mom’s famous stew. She put it all together early this morning. It’s been simmering all day. You’ll love it.”
Laurie glanced at the set of trays on the counter and realized they were covered with biscuits.
“She makes great biscuits too, but I made those this afternoon, so if they turn out horrible, blame me.” Sharon leaned against the counter. “What happened the other day on the mountain? Rebecca said you saw one of those spirit things.”
Word travels fast… “I did. I mean I guess I did. It startled me. Not sure I can blame it on why I went headfirst into the forest. Probably have to blame that on inexperience more than anything.” Laurie chuckled. “Your brother might have gotten a bit cocky about my abilities when he took me higher up the mountain. And then there was the snow…”
“Well, from what I’ve heard, none of us should take the spirit warnings lightly. I’m spooked.”
Laurie rubbed the goose bumps on her arms. She’d spent most of the day trying to ignore her thoughts on what the crazy black aura meant. “I’ll certainly keep my eyes open wider from now on.”
The back door opened, and Carlie stepped inside. “Hey. So good to see you again.” She came straight to Laurie and gave her a gentle hug. “And thanks for taking time to come to dinner tonight. I know it’s asking a lot. But my husband wants to meet you.” She nodded over her shoulder. “Sharon too. You’ve met all the boys already, right?”
“Yes. Though I’m not sure I should be quizzed on a lineup.” Laurie scrunched up her nose. They all looked so similar.
Carlie laughed. “Don’t blame you there. Only Logan will be home tonight. But you know Griffen and Trace better through their mates.”