“I don’t have time,” I say automatically. “You do it without me.”
“Then let ushelp,” Cameron says, heading over to the sink to wash his mug out. I watch his movements. Is he limping more than usual?
Fraser nods. “He’s right, Alec. You haven’t taken a night off in months.” He gives me a lopsided grin. “We miss hanging out with you, mate.”
For a second, I remember how things used to be. Lochview didn’t use to feel like this. Like some grey, relentless machine I was stuck in, day after day. It used to be a place where things grew. Where people were happy.
Since my dad died, it mostly just feels haunted.
“It’s fine,” I say. “It’s my farm. My responsibility.” My eyes track Cameron. He’s leaning against the counter. Shit, his legishurting. Guilt makes my stomach turn.
Your fault.
“I’ll fix the gate,” I tell him. “I don’t want you to aggravate your leg.” I mentally add it to my list.
There’s a long pause. Then Cameron turns off the tap and storms out of the kitchen. The door slams shut behind him like a thunderclap.
I close my laptop slowly. The jagged scars that cross my palms itch. For a second, I swear I can feel the shadow of cold rain against my skin.
God, I need some sleep.
Fraser leans closer. “Seriously,” he says, making me flinch out of the memory. “You don’t have to do all of this on your own. We want to help you.”
I glance at the clock again. 6:36. I was meant to start today’s paperwork six minutes ago.
If you can’t manage your time, how in the hell are you going to manage a farm?my father’s voice whispers in my ear.
“I have to go,” I say, ignoring Fraser’s sigh. As I head out of the kitchen, I pass by the window overlooking the garden. Summer’s outside, sitting on the wall.
She looks…upset. Concern tugs at me. I force myself to keep walking. I can’t afford the distraction.
I have work to do.
I always have work to do.
SIX
SUMMER
“Ten million views?” I repeat, gaping at my phone.
“Yep.” Lulu’s voice drifts out of the speaker. “Breathe. Are you breathing?”
I don’t respond. I’m sitting on the short stone wall surrounding the farmhouse’s small kitchen garden. It’s cute out here. Birds trill overhead, and the fresh air is scented with the herbs growing in the guys’ neat little rockery.
Unfortunately, I can’t enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. I’m too busy staring at my phone in horror.
Overnight, the video of me crying has hitten millionviews.
I don’t understand how this has happened. I’m breathing hard as I scroll through the comments.
What a spoiled brat
Guys, I don’t think you get it. IT WAS LIMITED EDITION
Grow up and get a real job
“Are you spiralling?” Lulu asks, businesslike.
