Page 160 of Holiday Hire

26

Phoebe

Alexander's face reddens with anger. He hangs up the phone, then points at me, ordering, "Call him."

"I'm not calling him," I repeat.

His eyelids lower into slits, and he accuses, "I told Cheyenne it was over. It seems like you haven't told Lance anything."

I put my hand on my hip, insisting, "That's not true. I told you I broke up with him."

He tosses his arms wide to the sides. "Then why is he still calling you? You don't see Cheyenne blowing up my phone, do you?"

"No, she just tells you to your face. In front of me, I'll add. Real classy woman you picked to hook up with!"

"That's rich coming from the woman who dated Mr. Douchebag for four years! And that was a week ago we ran into her. Ialso made it perfectly clear I wanted only you! Not once did I backtrack in front of her about my intentions," he shouts.

"I've told Lance several times I don't want to be with him anymore and to stop contacting me!"

He points at my phone again. "Call him." He gives me a challenging stare.

I meet it, not flinching, but then I finally cave. I say, "You're being ridiculous," and pick up the phone.

"Humor me," he mutters.

"Fine!" I pick up my phone and turn it on. Then I swipe the screen, and hit the call button. I put it to my ear, and it rings. My stomach flips.

Loud noises fill the background. Lance slurs, "Phoebe, why haven't you been answering my calls?"

Rage fills me. It wasn't a big deal for Lance to ignore my calls when we were dating, but now that we aren't together, he thinks I owe him expediency. I spout, "Lance, you need to stop calling me. Don't contact me again. I've told you it's over."

The music gets louder, and I'm about to hang up, then I freeze. Goose bumps erupt on my skin.

Since when does Lance listen to country music?

He barks, "Phoebe, this game you're playing is over. You're coming back with me."

Panic hits me.

What does he mean by coming back? As in, he's in Texas?

The last thing I want is Lance on the ranch. I don't want him anywhere near me; Alexander will go nuts if he comes close.

Please, please, please don't be in town,I repeat over and over in my head.

Alexander's eyes narrow further.

I lift my chin, repeating, "Lance, it's over between us. You need to let this go. Don't call me again."

"Phoebe, I'm not joking. You're returning to California with me, and we're getting married. This nanny business is over," he states.

I close my eyes. "Lance, you're not listening to me." I exhale deeply, then open my eyes and see that Alexander's expression is even more pissed off. My insides shake harder. I assert, "Lance, it's over. Don't call me again." I hang up.

Alexander stares at me.

I ask, "Are you happy now?"

He doesn't say anything. He just continues staring at me.

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