Page 8 of Crossed Lines

I smile at him even though I’ve noticed he won’t look directly at me, which is strange. I wonder if I’ve somehow upset him. “I’m good right now. Thanks, though.”

He nods. “Yep.”

There’s a beat of awkward silence before Sawyer chimes in. “Well, I’ll let y’all talk. I’m gonna go play with my favorite girl.”

“I thought I was your favorite girl,” I say.

“Sorry, Wills. You’re still in the top five if that makes you feel better.”

“It doesn’t, but thanks.”

Sawyer laughs as he goes to sit down on the floor, picking up one of the dolls who desperately needs her hair brushed.

“So, you’re, uh, home for the summer?” Beck asks. He sounds… off. Like he’s uncomfortable or something, and I can’t figure out why. I’ve seen this man do the most idiotic things, from doing a keg stand on school property to streaking down Main Street when he lost a bet. There’s no reason for him to feel uncomfortable around me.

“Yeah, I’ll be here until the beginning of August.” More silence. “Are you alright? You’re acting a little strange.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just…” He takes his hat off and rubs his hair before putting his hat on the counter. “Just a stressful weekend, I guess.”

I nod. That makes sense. “Sawyer said Gemma didn’t give much notice before she left?”

He blows out a breath. “No, she didn’t. But it’s fine. I love to have more time with Jade. Just wasn’t expecting it, is all.”

“Well, I’m happy to help. How often do you think you’ll need me?” I ask. Job hunting in town yesterday was abysmal. Nobody was hiring. And any place that might have needed extra help for the summer hired seniors from Blue Haven High School before the semester even ended. My plan seriously backfired. When Sawyer told me Beck might need help, I jumped on it. Not only is it the extra money I need, but I’ll get to hang out with a little kid and play all summer. Yeah, sign me up.

It’s a plus that Beck lives at Moonlight Ranch. It was one of the only places I really liked about Blue Haven. Not only is it beautiful here, but there’s so much to do. Hiking, riding horses. Plus, they have a huge swimming pool and several lakes where you can canoe. It’s the best during the summer.

Beck clears his throat. “Well, my schedule changes week to week. So, it won’t be anything set. But if there are ever any days you can’t make it, Brooks said he’d be able to help out.”

“Ok, well, I don’t really have any plans for the summer other than making extra money, so I should be available whenever you need me. I’m at your mercy.”

Beck’s eyes go wide, and then he chokes on… air?

“You ok?” I seriously don’t know what is going on with him today.

“Yeah. A tickle in my throat, I guess. Anyway, it’ll be at least five days a week. I’ll provide food and money for any activities you want to do with her or anything like that. She’s a pretty easygoing kid. She does have a lot of energy, though, so fair warning now.”

I laugh. “I can handle it.”

He nods and gives me a few more details about the pay and his typical hours. Truly, it seems like the perfect summer job. Jade is super cute, and I think we’ll have a lot of fun together. Beck did so much for Sawyer and me when I was growing up that I wish I could pay him back by watching Jade for free, but unfortunately, I really need the money.

“So, what do you think?” he asks me once he’s done going over everything.

“I think it sounds perfect. When do I start?”

“Tomorrow, if you can.”

Sooner than I was expecting, but why the hell not? Might as well get started. “Absolutely. What time should I be here?”

“Is six a.m. good?”

I try to keep my surprise in check, but I’m not sure if it works because Beck chuckles softly.

“That’s early,” I admit. “But yeah, I can be here.” I can’t remember the last time I got up that early, but I mentally remind myself that I’m doing this for Italy.

“If it’s too early, I can take her to the stables and you can get her from there.”

I shake my head. It’s time for me to be a grown-up. Responsibilities and all that. “Nope. I’m good. I will be here at six.” It hurts just to say it out loud.