SIX
Austin
Having my morning coffee on the porch has always been a joy for me, even when times are rough. In fact, I find this morning ritual to be most effective when the going gets tough.
It’s not just the way the early light spills over the paddocks, turning the dew on the grass into a soft, glistening haze. It’s peaceful out here, just me, my mug, and the view that stretches out across the land. I rent out paddocks to local farmers—cattle now, horses later, and goats coming soon. It’s the best part of this place. I get to sit on my porch and watch the slow rhythm of life unfolding before me.
Even the pond—especially that pond—right there in the distance, the one Bex mentioned wanting to see. Too bad that boxwood hedge blocks her view.
I hear my thoughts and I hang my head. Sipping my coffee, I realize I’ve hit a new low. I should make her feel welcome, but here I am, hiding behind hedges and memories. Seeing the ghost of a crush from my past is obviously spinning me out.
I remember Bex from when she first came to Sweetkiss. Her hazel eyes were a bright emerald green that day—vivid, alive, like the first breath of spring. Of course, I’ve thought about her. More than I should, honestly.
The sound of my phone ringing beside me breaks the quiet. The familiar ringtone,Thunderstruck,blares out. I don’t have to look to know it’s my brother.
“What have you done to your neighbor now?” He all but spits the words at me.
I blink, surprised. Bex and I only had our last big row less than twenty-four hours ago. Unless she put it out on social media, I have no clue how he’d know this.
“Why? Has she called the police on me?”
“No. I hadn’t had the chance to tell you, but I hired someone to help us out. Well, to help me out, and it’s Bex. She’s already tried to quit before she even started, citing irreconcilable differences.”
I can’t help but chuckle. Of course this is my life.
“Don’t laugh, Austin. It’s not funny. You need to make nice, and fast, or I’m going to kill you. Until you sort your issues out, she’ll go through Georgie or myself, which is not ideal since we’re both busy. So, I need you to stop being such a child.”
“Why do I need to be on my best behavior for her or for anyone?”
“Didn’t we just go over this with Mom? You have got to get a grip. Seriously, shut up and get over it.”
Oof. I really don’t like it when someone tells me to get over it.
“I don’t need to—”
But Levi is ready and cuts me off. “Come on, Austin. Stop it. At one time, you got along with her. You got along with everyone.”
How do I explain that, yes I did. I got along with all kinds of people, and I definitely got along with Bex. I thought about her a lot, and now here she is and I’m broken.
“Well, things changed, didn’t they?”
“Look, I need you to work with her, okay? I need you two to get along so I can be on the road with the team, and in Charlotte when I need to be, and so Georgie isn’t stressed. We’re in a position where we can have help, so we do. Please, work with her. For me.”
“But we want to kill each other. I think she would gladly put a pillow over my head and watch the life leave my body as she smothered me to death.”
“Well, you both need to push past it together, then. I need you to play nice. As far as I’m concerned, this is a you thing.”
“She’s fifty percent of the issue, too,” I say, aware I’m quite maturely (insert maniacal laugh here) laying blame when it’s not needed. I know in my heart of hearts she doesn’t deserve this, but it feels good to have someone to be irritated with right now. Granted my irritation is blind, irrational, and uncalled for, so we’ll call it a slow leak for my pent-up anger.
“Look, no matter what you say, it’s done. Bex is working for us. We’ve had a carpeting issue in one of the rental properties and need someone to keep an eye on the painters as they get an apartment ready to rent out. Can I count on you?”
I lean back in my chair, staring out at the cattle moving slowly in the paddock. My attitude has kept people away from me, which is how I like it. How I needed it. But now?
“Yeah,” I finally say, the word heavy in my mouth. “I can do it.”
“Good,” Levi replies, his tone softening just a fraction. “And, Austin, maybe give her a chance, huh? She’s not the enemy.”
Therein lies my issue. I let out a breath, watching the steam rise from my coffee. “Yeah, I’ll try.”
