Page 33 of Bear's Heart

“Oh?”

“If I lived in Marietta, could you put me to work?”Josie asked.“With it being summer, you have significantly longer hours and I’d be happy to come in and do some evenings or work on the weekend.I know you have someone who helps you out part-time, but you wouldn’t need to pay me—”

“Of course I’d need to pay you!You’re already working for free for Bear Anderson.”

“That’s different.It’s part of the requirements for my design project, but I’d feel weird taking money from you.”

“What if we worked it out so that you’d earn a percentage of everything you personally sell?That way it’s a win-win.”Ansley gave her a penetrating glance.“My work isn’t inexpensive.They don’t just walk out the door.”

“I think it sounds fun, and it would give me something to do on the weekends, and evenings.”

“But isn’t that a lot of driving back and forth to Bozeman?Or are you thinking you’d like to stay with Rye and me this summer?You’d be more than welcome.We have plenty of room and Rye has already said to your parents that he doesn’t want you driving late at night.He worries about drunk drivers and people not being responsible.”

Of course Rye did.Rye had become everyone’s surrogate father after their dad was injured and gave up on life.

It crossed Josie’s mind that now was the time to tell Ansley everything.Josie would need an ally and she hoped Ansley would be that person.“Bear has offered me a room in his house, and since I’m going to be spending so much time in Marietta, I’ve accepted.I won’t be paying rent, so I’ll also be saving money.”

Ansley didn’t immediately speak.Her gaze dropped and she seemed to be concentrating on her salad, but Josie knew Ansley was stalling for time.Seconds continued to pass, a tick ticking that Josie felt in every bone in her body.

“You don’t approve?”Josie asked, forcing the issue.

Ansley’s shoulders shifted.“It’s not for me to approve or disapprove.You’re a grown up.You can do what you want.”

“Yes, but you’re usually so enthusiastic about everything and I’m not sensing any enthusiasm from you.”Josie watched her sister-in-law’s face closely.“What are your concerns?”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable with us?”She looked at Josie now, her expression uncertain.“I mean, I’d love to have you stay.Rye would, too.”

“I have thought about it, but you’re both outside of town, and I am excited about being in town.Bear’s new house is an easy walk from Main Street, as is the Farrell Building, and I’m looking forward to walking everywhere and exploring Marietta.It will also be helpful when I need to meet one of Rye’s subs or be there for a delivery.”

“Does your brother know your plans?”Ansley asked.

“Not yet, but I don’t think he’d mind.He likes Bear, and the fact that I’m no longer costing anyone rent should be a plus.”

“You’ve always chipped in and done your share,” Ansley protested.“This last year in particular.You were working full-time while also going to school full-time.I don’t know how you did it.”

“It helps that I love design, and I get excited about every project.But it would be fun to do something a little different this summer, and being here in Marietta would be like a summer vacation.I could help out at your gallery.I could make some friends—”

“Maybe go on some dates,” Ansley added.“You haven’t had a social life since I met you.”

It was on the tip of Josie’s tongue to confess that she had feelings for Bear, but at the last moment managed to hold back the words, realizing Ansley wouldn’t welcome the news, and no one in her family would probably be that thrilled, either.

She forced a smile, hiding her turbulent emotions.“I like the idea of working for you on commission.I think it’s ideal.”

“But I can go days without selling anything.Some weeks paintings move quickly, and other weeks, they just hang there.”

“I don’t mind.It’s a challenge and you know I love those.”

“Oh, I do.”

“And just think if I can sell one of your huge canvases”—Josie lifted a hand—“that would be amazing.Just know, I’m not wanting a big percentage.Whatever you think is fair is good with me.”

Ansley gave her a long look.“Can we talk about Bear for a minute?”

Josie’s smile slipped.“Sure.”

“Why are you moving in with him and not us?”

Josie didn’t know how to answer.Eventually she just shrugged.“I think it’d be fun.”

---