Her face falls, and I want to rush to my little sister’s aide. But for maybe the first time in her life, I resist the urge to protect her from the little barbs Hayes habitually throws her way.
Instead, I hand Junie to Hayes and go after Frankie.
Hopefully to convince her to stay.
Chapter 9
Frankie
The sun dips in the horizon, washing the Holloway ranch in an orange so vibrant my eyes water with the intensity and beauty of it. It hurts, but I can’t look away.
My heart pounds, and I can’t catch my breath while my mobile buzzes in my pocket. I know without looking that it’s the ANM chat. It’s been going mad since this afternoon, and I haven’t answered with anything more thanchill, mates.
They’ve done the opposite.
Rhys has texted more than once in the chat, plus reached out to me separately. Stella too. Dex’s message in the chat was just two words:you alright?Archie and Piper, though, have taken turns ringing me. While one texts, the other rings. They’re waist-deep working at Bombora, their surf wear brand, but if I don’t answer soon, they’ll send out an emergency search.
I pace the driveway, gravel crunching underfoot as I pass Cal’s truck—once, twice, three times—replying to their texts;the equivalent of putting out campfires while a wildfire rages just out of reach.
I’m good.
No, you don’t need to come. It’ll only make things worse.
It’s not a big deal.
Everything’s under control. Cheers.
The heavy front door opens, and I stop. Cal steps out, concern—or is it pity?—written all over his face. I put on my smile.
“Sorry to be such a bother.”
“You’re not a bother, Frankie. “
I scoff. “Doubt your sister agrees with you there.”
He stops in front of me, and I go still. “Ignore her. Cassidy’s got no filter, but she’s got a big heart. This’ll blow over. Come back inside.”
I shake my head, staring at the faint dirt track in the gravel formed from my pacing. “I reckon I should go. Things are about to blow up. I’ve got to head back to LA. Maybe Australia.”
He winces. “Is that what you want to do?”
No.I want to say. There are too many content goblins in LA—vultures looking to go viral with a mobile, a ring light, and the right moment. Not to mention Brandon, although apparently, he’s somewhere in Serenity Cove now. But my dad’s in Australia, which makes the whole continent the last place I want to be.
So, I shrug instead. “My only option is to findsomewhereto go. I’ve caused enough drama in Serenity Cove. You don’t need that spilling over here at the ranch, too.”
“I can decide what I need. I’m not worried about the drama.” The certainty in Cal’s voice draws my eyes to his.
I want to believe him, but I want to protect him even more. Junie, too.
“You should be worried.”
I’ve seen Cal handle emergencies with calmness and ease—Junie escapes being the exception. But he has no idea the kind of drama he’s in for with me around. This isn’t an animal emergency that will pass. This is my life.
I take a deep breath. “I should go.”
My eyes drift back to the sinking sun. The orange is softer now, bathing the valley below in a soothing glow.
“Let me show you the best spot to watch the sunset first,” Cal says, like he’s read my mind.
