“We came to help.” Olivia beams as she joins us.
“With?”
“Nothing,” Lauren rushes out at the same time Olivia says, “With the water heater situation. Callie’s working on the insulation, and I’m on call duty.”
Lauren looks like she’s about to pass out from stress or embarrassment, but Mr. Rhodes doesn’t even look fazed. “And what about you, Mr. Greer?”
“I’ll go wherever I’m needed.”
“With the weather coming in, we’ll need to move the cattle closer to the barn.” Mr. Rhodes crosses his arms. “Are you still handy on a horse or have you gone soft working as a bartender?”
“Hey, I’ve been helping out around here a lot. Besides, I’d never forget what you taught me, sir.”
“Good man.” He claps his hand on my shoulder with a grin.
I head toward the barn to grab a horse as Mr. Rhodes turns to Lauren. “It’s awfully nice of Jax to help out so much, huh?”
There’s amusement in his tone that makes me think he’s suspicious.Already?Apparently we suck at keeping this a secret.
“Yeah, I think Charlie’s been asking him to keep an eye on me,” she explains.
“Oh, I’m sure. I know how he justhatesbeing around you.” Mr. Rhodes chuckles.
“Should we say a toast or something?” Olivia smiles, looking sentimental. “It’s kind of cool to have a group of us together like this.”
I can only imagine how much gatherings like this mean to her considering she had no support system in San Francisco when she left.
“Can we do the toast after dinner, Wildflower?” Rhett hunches forward in exhaustion. “I’m starving, and based on the faces of everyone else here, I’m going to say they are too.”
Olivia looks from Lauren to Callie to me. We’re all grimacing.
“How long do you think my toast is going to be? I could’ve been done by now if you hadn’t complained.”
She holds up her glass of water. “I just wanted to say cheers to good friends who support one another. Y’all have been there for me as I’ve gone through one of the toughest times in my life, and I’m happy we were able to be here this evening to help Lauren in her time of need.”
“Cheers!” Everyone clinks their glasses before digging into the tacos Olivia cooked for us once she found a water heater that was only forty-five minutes away.
“I still can’t believe I missed that store.” Lauren picks at her food.
“Don’t beat yourself up.” I reach out to her, then pause, my gaze flickering to Rhett. I know Oliviaand Callie are aware of our situation, but I’m not sure if he is. As much as I want our secret out in the open, I’d like it to be because Laurenwantspeople to know. I’d hate to make things weird for her considering she has to work with Rhett every day.
Lauren’s eyes widen, and she scoots away from my touch. I guess that means Rhett doesnotknow. She quickly changes the subject, turning to Olivia and remarking, “Dinner is incredible! Thank you.”
Rhett takes a monstrous bite of his taco, making me think maybe he didn’t see, but Lauren keeps glancing in his direction, clearly looking for any indication he knows what’s going on. I wonder if it’s because she doesn’t want Rhett to know or if it’s because she doesn’t wantanyoneto know.
I try not to let that get to me. I like Rhett, but he’s kind of impossible to read. I’m not sure how to feel about him, so maybe that’s how Lauren feels too. I’d much prefer that over the idea that my efforts to prove myself are failing.
“I’m happy to help.” Olivia’s response reminds me of the outside world again.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you did stuff around the house too. I saw you emptied the dishwasher and pulled my towels from the dryer.” Lauren lowers her taco. “Did you throw in a load of laundry for me too?”
Olivia smiles sheepishly. “I wanted to help however I could. I know sometimes it’s the buildup of the little things that gets to you.”
“You’re hired.”
“We should do this more often. It feels like we’re a little family.” Callie smacks her hands down on the table. “Oh my gosh! It’s just likeFriends.”
“I like it.” Olivia bounces up and down in her chair. “Who would be who?”
