Page 32 of Harboring Shantae

Shantae was stumped. She had no idea what she actually enjoyed doing. It had been so long since she was able to choose to do anything for herself that she didn't know what she liked. It was actually pretty pathetic when she thought about it.

"Umm." She nibbled on her lip. This shouldn't be that hard. Then something hit her like a tsunami. "I like kids and animals. Not a huge fan of adults though," she laughed.

"Most people aren't. Unless you're around the right ones."

She definitely wasn't around the right one's back home. But she could see how Camron and his friends would be better. Everyone she met so far was honest and open. She doubted any of them would turn out to be backstabbing social climbers.

"Okay, so kids or animals? I can work with that. There aren't many farms close by, but I'm sure we could look farther out. Or maybe even a veterinary clinic is hiring. But what about going back to school? You could get your teaching license or become a vet."

Shantae thought hard about it. While she liked being around animals, she wasn't sure she wanted to treat sick ones. She was too sensitive for that. Plus, she would want to bring all the lonely animals home and she doubted Camron would be okay with that.

"A teaching certificate takes time. I wouldn't mind going back to college to get it, but I need something now."

"Panther mentioned you feeling the need to contribute."

Trista leaned back in the chair and gazed at her so intensely. Shantae figured the woman was thinking out her options, so she gave her the time.

"Okay, hear me out."

Oh boy. Nothing good ever came from a phrase like that.

"Wes has a daycare at the barn. It's only for the kids of the two teams. Right now, we all just rotate who's there watching the kids, but mostly Missy is in charge of it. She doesn't complain, but I know it can be a lot for her since technically she's the receptionist and does a lot of the bookkeeping. There has been talk of hiring someone, but the guys are picky about who they let into the barn and around their kids. It wouldn't take much convincing to have Wes hire you."

Shantae was going to need ChapStick if she continued to mutilate her lip. It was apparently a nervous habit she didn't realize she had until now.

"I don't want a handout. My last job was exactly that. I was only given the position because my father asked a friend of his. I'm trying to avoid making the same mistakes here."

But the job did sound appealing. She loved kids, and if she had the chance to pick her own career, she would've wanted to be a teacher.

"I get it, but think about it this way. It won't be full-time so you can work while also taking classes. It would allow you some flexibility. Plus, Wes pays well, and even though he can act grumpy most of the time, he's a great boss."

"I need to speak with Camron about it. I don't want him to think I'm taking over his life."

Yes, they were married.

Yes, they lived together.

But working together would mean a lot more time in each other's presence.

"Talk to me about what?"

"Speak of the devil." Trista grinned. "Those sleuth skills of yours are normally annoying, but this time it works in my favor, so bravo!"

A raised brow. That was all Camron gave either of them while he waited for someone to answer him.

"Fine," Trista huffed. "I see you're not going to play into my antics today. Not that you do most days anyway, but I've made it my life's mission to crack a smile or joke from you. Just be warned."

"You had something to speak to me about?" he prompted.

"We were talking about what kind of jobs I would like and I mentioned I'd love to work with kids. I'm considering going back to school to become a teacher but still want to work in the meantime. That's when Trista mentioned the daycare at your work. She thinks Wes would have no issues hiring me, but I wanted to speak with you first since you work there as well, and I've already taken over every other part of your life."

She waited on pins and needles. The more Trista talked about it, the more she liked the idea. It didn't have to be forever, and it would mean she was safe. The thought of going to a job every day scared her a bit. Even if she didn't want to admit it aloud. She doubted her father, or Zion, was just going to accept that she married someone else. So going to a public place to work could put innocents in danger.

"Trista, you can head on out. I want to speak with Shantae alone."

"Yup." Trista winked as she stood up from the table. "Definitely a man who takes charge. I'll see you two lovebirds later."

T.R.O.U.B.L.E.