Page 2 of Haystack

“Woah! Talk about a plot twist.” Archie laughs and Dakota shoots him a look.

“I was going to say I’m sorry to hear it, but I’m not. He was awful and I’m glad he’s gone. Dakota stretches out her arms to me and when I lean into them, she wraps me in a tight hug. “It’s good to see you.”

It’s nicer to be home than I imagined it would be. Nothing has changed with my younger two siblings. They are here with open arms and that makes me feel like even more of a garbage person. But Jameson’s face is unreadable.

I cut to the chase. “Jameson I’m sorry for the way I left. After all that happened with Jake I didn’t think I had a choice. This isn’t easy, but Darren has made my life hell. He’s put the airline on a witch hunt to fire me so I left before they had the chance. But he took everything, my money, the house, it’s all gone.”

“Fuck that guy.” Archie balls his fist and pounds the bartop.

I continue, “I need to come back to Findlay. Not forever, just for a while.” The words rush out of me and I keep going before he can stop me. “But I’m not asking you to support me, I have a plan.”

Jameson holds a hand up to stop me. “I was upset with you for a long time. We could’ve used your help. Losing Dad and Jake so close together put Mom over the edge. She retired on the spot and there were so many pieces to pick up. But I’m not upset with you anymore. I’ve learned to let it go and I think you’ll feel better when you do too.” He sits back and relief washes over me. “I am curious to hear your plan in light of the recent developments around here.”

Shit, a plan.

“Right. Okay. I’m going to,” I hesitate, my mind grasping at straws. “I’m going to fix up the guest cottages and reopen them as an inn for travelers to stay at. That way, we can bring in additional income and compete with the Robinson’s dude ranch.” The words fall out of my mouth and admittedly, it’s not a terrible idea. I’ve always liked the hosting element of being a flight attendant and this would be similar. “Well, what do you think?” I can’t help but hold my breath.

He leans back in his chair. “I think… I think that we don’t have a choice. We need the revenue. Besides, you’re family, Findlay Farms wouldn’t be what it is without family, even if you are a pain in my ass. We lost Jake and we lost you too, but the difference is, we have a chance to get you back.”

I blow out a breath of relief. I’ve never given my siblings enough credit. “Thank you.”

“I can’t believe Darren,” Archie says. “I had a bad feeling about him from day one. It’s unreal that he thinks we’re not going to come after him.” He lets out a sarcastic laugh.

“Calm down.” Jameson shoots him a look. “We’ve got bigger things to worry about. We’ve got to submit our revenue numbers to the county in a few months. Those inns are going to have to come together real quick. I have a guy who works renovations on the farm for us. I’ll send him out to the guest cottages to meet you bright and early tomorrow morning. Y’all can come up with a game plan.”

“Yes, while they’re in process, you can stay with me,” Dakota says.

Relief wells in my chest. “Okay, I’m on it. I’ll have a few design concepts ready by morning.” I blink close my eyes and force my tears to stay behind my eyes. “Who’s your renovations guy?”

Silence falls at the bar. Archie’s smile broadens and Dakota won’t make eye contact with me. The only sound I can hear is Travis’ low chuckle from behind the bar.

I turn to look at him.“What? Who is it?”

Travis smiles. “None other than that brother of mine, Trent.”

Shit.

CHAPTER1

TRENT

When I gotthe call from Jameson telling me Olivia was back in Findlay, he asked if I could meet her on short notice. But that was a stupid question. I’ve been waiting for this call since the moment she left. I’d drop anything for that girl, always have. Nothing has changed on my end, but I’m guessing she can’t say the same.

Last I saw them, the guest cottages needed a considerable amount of work to be turned into an inn. But with Robinson Ranch sniffing around, I can’t blame the Findlays for wanting to get some more revenue in their pockets.

Still, I’d bet the floors need sanding, the windows need replacing, and everything needs paint. It won’t be too hard for me to get them polished up. Wish I could say the same for Liv and me. But it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than a bucket of paint to bring us back from the dead.

Now it’s bright and early, my favorite time of day on the farm. As I walk toward the cottages, I hear a loud bang followed by shattering glass and pick up my pace. The muffled sound of the Vulgar History podcast drifts toward me from somewhere near the first cottage. It’s not hard for the sound to carry given the wide open hole where the window used to be and the even wider open skies. But something tells me I would’ve heard her no matter what. The host’s voice is accentuated by loud curse words. There’s not a doubt in my mind where those are originating.

That’s my girl,I shake my head with a laugh.Damn, I’ve missed her.

I stand in the cottage’s crooked doorway and my heart leaps in my chest when I see her. It’s been a long time, too long. But Olivia is as stunning as ever even in ripped jeans and a t-shirt. She’s standing amidst a pile of glass shards holding a hammer in one hand.

She isn’t wearing any safety equipment, but at least the massive sunglasses she’s got on will keep glass out of her eyes. Liv’s managed to stay true to her own style, part badass, part big city girl, even while she’s doing construction. I watch as she takes a swing at the remaining shards of old broken window. Another sharp curse flies from her lips as the glass rains down.

Olivia rears back for another swing. “You son of a b—”

I stand behind her and put my hands together slowly.Clap. Clap. Clap.“What the hell did that window do to you?”

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