Page 70 of A Marriage Pact for the Cowboy

“Aren’t you going to ask where he is and why he’s not here?”

“I figured you’d tell me if he asked you to.”

“You two.” Janessa rolled her eyes. “We’ve been having trouble with Steve on the jobsite, and he quit this morning. Maxwell is trying to fix Steve’s mistake.”

“I see.” Of course, it would be work pulling Maxwell’s attention. He’d warned her he was a workaholic, but he always came for meals. Didn’t he realize she’d wonder about his absence? Wasn’t that how he said his parents’ marriage had unraveled? His dad spent all his time at work until his mom had enough of being ignored.

Eryn had met Maribel, who seemed nice enough, but she hadn’t met James. Both would be visiting over Thanksgiving, along with Maxwell’s grandfather and others. It sounded like it should be an interesting weekend… especially if this continued.

“Maxwell doesn’t mean to get wrapped up in his work. It just happens.”

Was Janessa still here?

Eryn managed a smile. “I understand. You should get that to him while it’s still hot. I’m sorry he’s having a bad day.” No, she didn’t comprehend, but she wasn’t going to vent her frustration on Maxwell’s employee. Or to anyone else, because no one ever understood, anyway.

Amelia’s face mocked her.

Eryn banished it.

“Okay, thanks. See you around.” Janessa grabbed the cooler and followed Tory and Jordan out of the dining hall.

“Are you okay?” Paisley stood in the spot Janessa had vacated. “Didn’t Maxwell show up for lunch today, either?”

Eryn hated pity. “Janessa said one of the workers quit, and he’s sorting out the situation.”

“Why don’t you go up there and talk to him? Remind him there’s life beyond the renovation?”

“Are you kidding me?” Eryn pulled back.

“Why not?” Paisley lowered her voice. “You want that guy, you have to go after him. Don’t let him shut you out. Prove to him you’re a good listener, but more than that? That you’re worth spending time with.”

“I’m not brave like you.” Because wasn’t that how Paisley had caught Weston, according to the stories?

“It’s not bravery. Not really. It’s knowing your own value and holding onto it.”

“That’s easy, then. I don’t have much worth.”

“Girl! So not true.”

“It is.” Tears stung Eryn’s eyes. “And I should get back to helping Nadine clean up now.”

“You’re off in ten minutes?” Paisley stared at her until Eryn finally nodded. “I’m gonna fix myself a cup of tea and sit right over there. And then you are going to get a cup of tea and sit across from me and tell me what’s going on. I’m not budging until you do. Got it?”

Eryn’s protest died on her lips when she took in the fierce gleam in Paisley’s eyes. She’d never had anyone fight for her like this before. It terrified her… but it was also somewhat gratifying. “Okay.”

She turned back into the kitchen, but Nadine waved her away. “Go on early. It’s not a problem. There’s not much cleanup left to do, anyway.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, honey, I’m sure. You look like you need a friend, and if Paisley can be that for you, then I’m all for it. She’s been so good for my boy.”

Those blasted tears were pricking again. “Thanks.” She gave Nadine an impulsive hug.

The woman hugged her back. “If you ever need to talk to someone older, I’m right here. And that’s not because I rather like your father.” Nadine winked.

That was all kinds of awkward. “Okay. Thanks.” But what would happen if Dad and Nadine got serious? That would make Nadine her stepmom. Weston and Jude, whom she hadn’t met yet, her stepbrothers. Weird.

Paisley had overheard Nadine, because she pointed to two mugs of tea on the table.

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