Free Bonding Camp by Christelle Mirin Page B

day.”
    Lauren chuckled. “Long day doesn’t even describe it.”

    * * * *
    The next morning, Lauren called Betha.
    “Hello,” Betha answered, sounding tired.
    “Hey, it’s me, Lauren. Were you sleeping?”
    Betha cleared her throat. “Is the sun up yet? Yes, I was sleeping.
    What time is it?”
    Lauren smiled, seeing Betha squinting at the clock beside her bed in her mind’s eye. “It’s six o’clock. Get up.”
    Moaning issued from the phone. “Okay, I’m up. Now, what did you want so early in the freaking morning?”
    “I want to tell you what a great time I’m having.” Lauren tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I was nervous about this bonding camp thing for nothing.”
    “So…have you bonded?”
    Lauren sighed. “Yes, yes, we have. I think I’m going to like working for this firm.”
    “Wow, bonding camp must have done a number on you. I thought this job was going to be a stepping stone to something better.”
    “Um, maybe, maybe not. We’ll see.” If things continued as they were, Lauren didn’t think she’d ever leave Cane, Moss, and White.
    Their philosophy had some substance: a healthy sex life made for a happy work environment. At this point, as far as Lauren was concerned, an innovative sex life was the key to a happy life—period.
    “What’s this bonding all about anyway?” Betha coughed, clearing her throat again. “I need a drink of water. Gosh, it’s early.”

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    Christelle Mirin
    Lauren wasn’t sure how much to tell Betha. Then she remembered…She couldn’t tell her anything thanks to the contract.
    She’d have to make something up. She didn’t want to lie to her best friend, but maybe she could bend the truth a bit, leave things out. “I’ll tell you about it when I get back. I’ll be back late tonight.”
    “Okay, tell me then. I think I need four pots of coffee.” The sound of yawning came over the phone. “Call me when you get back.”
    “I will. Now go have coffee.” Lauren hung up, smiling. She’d come up with something to tell Betha without giving away too much.
    She didn’t want to ruin this new sensation she had found. The sensation of being able to totally trust other people—one in particular.

    * * * *
    Lauren and the others lingered over breakfast, talking about mundane things such as the weather, the flowers that were blooming, and life in general. After breakfast, they convened in one of the meeting rooms for the last appointment of bonding camp.
    “Miss Brooke,” Morgan began, “you’ve done extremely well here at bonding camp. I think the others will agree with me that you will be a nice fit at Cane, Moss, and White, and it will be a pleasure to work with you.”
    A sense of happiness swelled within her. Justice and Crystal both nodded and murmured their welcomes. Lauren leaned forward, placing her hands on the polished wooden tabletop. “I’m very honored to accept the position, and I hope to be an associate for a very long time.”
    Justice, who sat beside her, reached over and clasped her hand. “I hope you’ll be more than just an associate. I hope one day you’ll be family.”
    Lauren grinned. “Family. It has been so long since I’ve felt more welcome than I feel here.”

    Bonding Camp
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    “I’m glad,” Crystal added. “Perhaps one day, your name will be added to Cane, Moss, and White.”
    A rush of excitement thrummed through Lauren. “I will do my best to be an asset to the firm.” A partner? Could it get any better than this? Her original plan of making Cane, Moss, and White a stepping stone on her way to bigger things just flew out the window.
    She’d be a fool to turn a partnership down. Especially with a company she felt so comfortable with. E s pecially now that I’ve found Justice.
    She glanced toward the man she was quickly falling in love with and squeezed his hand.
    He smiled and squeezed her hand in return. “I’m sure you’ll be one of the top assets of the firm, Lauren. There’s no doubt