‘No, I’ll stay until the end of the week to finish working.’
‘Where will you go?’
‘The motel.’
‘I feel bad, evicting you from the studio.’
‘You didn’t. Cruz did. I can’t exactly stay in the homestead when he never wants to see me again.’
‘This is fucked up.’ Bindi crossed her arms. ‘Want me to put in a good word for you?’
‘Thanks, but it’s probably best you don’t mention my name when you’re only just starting.’
‘He’s a grouch at the best of times,’ Bindi muttered. ‘I bet he’ll be a moody prick after you leave, and it has nothing to do with work.’
Elora didn’t bother asking what Bindi meant. She’d been ignoring the twanging of her heart since Cruz fired her, hating the thought of not being in his arms again almost as much as the prospect of losing money she’d been depending on.
‘The way he looks at you … he’s got it bad.’
‘Not helping.’ Elora opened her car door. ‘Anyway, you know where to find me. And good luck with the new job. I’m happy for you.’
‘I wouldn’t have got it if it wasn’t for you.’ Bindi launched herself at Elora and hugged her tight. ‘Thanks, El. You have no idea what this means to me.’
Elora wanted to say, ‘I think I do,’ but this wasn’t the time for either of them to bring up Bindi’s homelessness.
‘I’ll definitely see you before I leave town.’ Elora forced a smile, trying to stifle the dread that arose at the prospect. ‘Keep the grump in line, okay?’
‘I’ll do my best.’
Elora blinked back tears as she slid behind the wheel and drove away, resisting the urge to look back. When she finally glanced at the rear-vision mirror, Bindi appeared a mere speck.
It would’ve been hard enough leaving Kinstead Avocados at the end of the week, but having her stay cut short hurt more than she could’ve anticipated.
CHAPTER
36
Cruz rode back to the homestead in a daze, the truth about his father and Roger reverberating through his head like an annoying earworm.
He’d spent the first twenty years of his life living on this farm and hadn’t seen the slightest hint that his dad was gay. Then again, Mac Wardlow wouldn’t advertise the fact. His father had been obsessed with projecting a good image to ensure the farm’s reputation never suffered. He’d be turning over in his grave at El’s thirst trap debacle.
But the thought of his father hiding his identity saddened Cruz. Is that why Mac had worn a perpetual scowl? Why his father couldn’t lavish affection on his only child? Why he treated his wife like an adjunct to the farm?
Hiding his sexuality would’ve been an immense burden and, for the first time since his father died, Cruz wished they’d had a chance to talk. Until now, he’d barely grieved. How could he feel sorry for a man who had been a father in name only? But learning the truth, imagining how difficult it must’ve been for Mac to exist in a small country town with a secret of that magnitude, softened Cruz’s resentment.
He parked the quad bike and strode towards the homestead, his heart pounding in time with his steps as he noticed El’s car was gone.
She’d left without saying goodbye.
Though what did he expect after he’d unceremoniously fired her?
As he neared the back door, Bindi appeared around the corner.
‘You’re back,’ she said, a frown grooving her brow.
‘Thanks for stating the obvious,’ he muttered. ‘I take it you’ve settled into the studio?’
She nodded. ‘El let me in and gave me her key.’
