Page 6 of His Arranged Plus-Size Mate

I pushed the door open and entered the back space. I could hear Chelsey and Marie talking in the storage room just around the corner. I popped open my locker, taking in the few pictures I had hung. There was one of Gabriella and me when we were little. A group picture of all of us witches out for drinks and some individual ones.

I stuffed my jacket into the locker and pulled out my sneakers. I slid my boots off and heard footsteps coming down the hallway. I glanced over my shoulder as Chelsey and Marie came down. Chelsey had recently colored her hair a deep red and was wearing scrubs. She gave me a big grin. “Morning, Hazel!”

Marie had her blond hair pulled back in a tight bun and was also wearing scrubs. “We didn’t even hear you come in.”

“I was quiet. What does the day look like?”

“Actually, it looks nice. We just have a few people in right now. Marie and I were looking at the storage, and we’re going to need an order placed. Would you mind doing that?”

“Of course.” I slipped my shoes on and made my way to the storage room.

I spent the morning in the storage room, and in the afternoon, when we had a wave of patients, I gave a hand where I was needed. I helped Chelsey put a bone back in place and helped Marie stitch up a kid’s thumb after he fell off his bike.

I cleaned the rooms and swept the floors. I organized the medications and restocked each tray with everyone’s tools. I was sweating and hadn’t thought about my issues all day.

That was what I liked best about the center, I didn’t have time to think about my problems. I was busy, even when I wasn’t. I had things to occupy my mind. I was counting itemsand running around, trying to help whoever needed a hand. I left my problems at the door and did nothing but work.

“I’m starving,” Jill, a younger witch, chimed from her chair, which was next to one of the empty beds. We just cleared out the beds and were all taking a breath.

“We could put an order in for lunch,” Chelsey added. “I’ll buy.”

“You bought last week, I’ll buy,” Marie said. “And we can just get something at the bakery across the street. Hazel, do you want to run with Jill to grab food?”

I nodded as I set my stuff aside. Jill pulled herself up eagerly. She hummed as she walked, and I followed.

“Does everyone want their usual?” Jill asked as she pushed the front door open. Everyone nodded.

We walked down the street and crossed the road. The bakery looked busy as we stepped inside. You could see the gals working, running around, trying to keep up with the orders.

We headed inside, and I noticed that eyes went on me right away. Jill didn’t seem to notice as she headed for the counter, making the order for everyone. I followed behind her and swallowed. I felt that weight fall on me once more. I glanced at my watch, counting the hours left in the day.

I left work a couple of hours after lunch and headed over to the town hall. I knew Brandon would be there, and I wanted to talk with him before speaking with Asher.

I headed down the hallway toward Brandon’s office. I knocked on the door, leaning back on my heels.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open and froze when I realized that Brandon wasn’t alone. Westley and Asher were sitting with him. They had a map spread out on his desk, clearly deep in a conversation. “Sorry, I thought you were alone.”

“It’s fine, Hazel. Did you need something?”

I swallowed, trying to find my voice. I glanced at Asher, who was still looking at the map. “Yeah, I came to say I accept the proposal you brought up the other day.”

Brandon leaned back in his chair, and Asher’s head snapped up. Brandon placed his hands together. “You do?”

I nodded. “Yes.” I glanced at Asher for a split second before looking back at Brandon. “I accept.”

Brandon turned to Asher. “Asher? You agree as well?”

Asher nodded. “Sure, I agree.”

I suddenly felt angry at how easily he agreed. There was no demand, not irritated in his face. It was like he was being asked to pick up dry cleaning. And I realized, this was just part of his job.

Chapter 3 - Asher

“I can’t believe you’re getting married.” My mother said as she adjusted my tie. Her fingers were moving quickly as she tugged at my collar. “And so quick.”

“It’s an arranged marriage.” My father said from his seat across the small room where I was getting ready. He had made his disapproval clear as soon as I told them. I hadn’t expected them even to come. I was only doing this because Brandon asked me to.