Page 42 of Holiday Hire

Phoebe.I forgot about her for a brief minute.

I shrug. "Fine. She'll be gone on Monday though."

Amusement fills Georgia's expression. Her lips twitch. She tilts her head, questioning, "Really? You haven't found any value in her?"

The question makes me feel guilty, especially with Georgia looking at me like that, but I answer, "No."

Georgia's voice turns stern. "Alexander, you've found zero value in Phoebe? There's nothing she's done that's been helpful?"

"No, I didn't say that."

She keeps pushing. "I figured. So tell me the things she's done that you see as valuable."

The hairs on my arms rise. I stepped into a trap. I didn't think Georgia would do that to me, but she has. I ignore her question and ask, "So you're on their side too?"

She shakes her head. "I'm not on anyone's side. Well, I'm on all of your sides. So tell me what value she's added."

"You can't be on everyone's side," I state, ignoring her demand again.

"Well, I am. I love all of you and want what's best for you. But I'd love to know what value you see in Phoebe. Because I know she's worth a lot more than you're giving her credit for."

I sigh. "I didn't say she wasn't worth anything. I admit she has done some valuable things."

"Okay. Like?" She arches her eyebrows, waiting.

I confess, "She was helpful with the boys' homework, especially with that TEKS math crap. You know I hate that stuff."

Georgia nods. "Yeah, I hear most parents don't like it."

I grunt. "It's the most useless thing I've ever seen. Why can't they teach kids the normal way?"

Georgia shrugs. "No idea. But it's good that Phoebe understands it, especially since your kids have to learn it. Is there anything else?"

I rack my brain, not wanting to answer, but a list of things scrolls through it.

"Come on. Phoebe's had to have done more good stuff than just homework."

Sighing, I cave, and answer, "She put groceries in my house. I'll admit it's nice for the kids or me to grab a snack. And the other night, she cooked. It was a nice change to eat at home instead of at Mom and Dad's.

"Is she a good cook?" Georgia questions.

I hesitate but admit, "She made some pretty mean tacos."

Amusement fills Georgia's expression. She teases, "Well, Alexander, I do believe that a girl from California who can make tacos in Texas is a winner."

I reply with a "Hmm," not wanting to admit much more.

"Is there any other way she's added value?"

I can think of all the things Phoebe has done in the last few days, but I still don't want to reveal them all to Georgia.

I'm saved by Mason, who teasingly shouts, "Get away from her! You're not worthy!"

I turn and squeeze my fists at my side.

One of the bull riders, Jericho, who I've never liked and tries to date Willow all the time, is talking to Phoebe. Before I can think about it, I charge toward them.

Right as I get there, I hear him say, "Come on, just give me your number. It's not that hard. Plus, I'm not a psycho."

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