Page 46 of Where I Should’ve Been

“Luv ya, Bee!”

Autumn runs back over to her dollhouse, and my phone buzzes on the kitchen counter.

Logan: Everything is going to shit without you.

Logan: I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. You know that. I know that. Help me. Please. I’ve already fucked two artists into sharing an exhibition slot because I don’t understand how this scheduling program works.

My throat tightens, but I won’t give him that power. Instead, I slide the phone to dark, but not even ten seconds later, it buzzes again, and the screen comes to life.

Serena: We should do a girls’ trip. Ibiza, maybe? Henry would have wanted us to support each other through such a difficult time.

Serena: Also, do you have the number for the private banker in St. Barts? I’m here and need to move some funds. I tried to get ahold of Logan, but he didn’t answer.

Good grief. My father’s widowed wife is apparently having such a difficult time with his death that she’s currently on vacation in St. Barts. Not to mention, she wants to grieve together in Ibiza and find a way to get access to more of my dead father’s money.

But seriously, why is my family so screwed up?

I laugh out loud. A bitter, genuine, but ridiculous laugh. Autumn notices.

“Funny?” she asks.

“Nothing, sweetheart,” I murmur.

She goes back to playing with her dollhouse and I’m about to sit down on the couch, but my phone vibrates again in my hand, and a deep sigh escapes my lungs. Good God. Who is it now? My dead father texting me from the freaking grave?

Tad: I’m knee-deep in riled-up sheep. And it’s so cold outside, I’m questioning my life choices. How’s your Sunday going?

Now this is a text I can entertain. Want to, even.

Me: I’m babysitting Autumn. We’re still in our pajamas.

Tad: Wanna trade?

Me: You know what? I really appreciate that offer, but I think I’ll pass.

Tad: What? Why? You have so much potential as a sheep farmer, Breeze. I’ll even offer my mentoring services.

Me: From what I hear from the Red Bridge busybodies, those sheep mostly farm you…

Tad: Lies. Slander. Unfounded rumors.

I snort, shaking my head.

Me: Uh-huh. And what excuse do you have for me literally seeing five of your sheep in the town square two days ago?

Tad: Sabotage. Clearly, someone planted them to ruin my reputation.

Me: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I laugh so loudly Autumn joins in, though she has no idea why.

Tad: Glad I got you laughing. I like picturing that.

Heat prickles at the base of my neck. Damn him. Why is he always so much fun?

Me: Careful, Farmer. You’re supposed to be tending your flock, not distracting me from being a good babysitter.

Tad: Who says I can’t do both, City Girl? It’s called multitasking, and I’m a pro. Wanna come over tonight, and I’ll prove it to you?