“Not even close,” he says, but there’s a trace of warmth now. “Talk to you later.”
The line clicks dead. I drop my phone into the passenger seat, groaning loud enough to startle myself. Five minutes later, it rings again. I slap my hand over my face before answering without even looking to see who it is.
“Why is everyone calling me this fucking morning? It’s not even ten a.m.”
“Exactly,” Xavier’s voice fills my ear. “And you’re not here. Why the hell do I need to find out from Bradley that you’re not working with me anymore?”
I grin, even though he can’t see it. “Surprise.”
“Surprise?” he shoots back. “You call bailing on me a surprise? Jesus, Liv.”
I roll my eyes even though I know he’d kill me if he saw it. “Relax. You don’t even need me half the time. You’ve got Nash, Toby, and a whole line-up of blokes ready to work seven days a week. If it were up to you, you’d do the whole bloody farm yourself and be done with it.”
A sharp huff rattles through the line.
“You’ve been carrying this place on your back since Dad slowed down. Doesn’t mean I don’t feel guilty leaving you to it.”
“Yeah, well. Guilt doesn’t feed cattle.”
That one stings more than it should, but I don’t let him hear it. “I’m on my way home now. We can continue this conversation there, and you can give me the full Mitchell brother lecture face-to-face.”
“Oh, you’ll get it,” he warns, but his voice softens by the end. “Drive safe.”
“Always.” In no time, I’m pulling into my driveway. I cut the engine, slump back against the seat, and finally check my phone. The girls’ group chat is blowing up.
Isla: Well? Did you get it??
Imogen: Don’t keep us waiting, drama queen.
Zoe: Spill.
A grin pulls at my mouth as I scroll, thumbs already moving.
Me: Good morning ??Isla: Stop dodging. Job? Yes or no?
Imogen: I’m betting yes. She’s got that smug tone already.
Zoe: I second that.
Me: Fine. Yes. I started today.
Zoe: I knew it. You’re officially a babysitter doll ??
Isla: You could’ve babysat for me and saved yourself the hassle!!
Imogen: Or me. At least you already know my kids’ chaos levels!
Me: Nope. Wouldn’t take your money. And I actually need to earn more cash, so this way works.
Isla: Rude. I pay in wine too, you know.
Imogen: And I pay in baked goods. You’re missing out.
Me: Still no. My bank account doesn’t accept cake as currency.
Imogen: Well… God help the person who hired you.
Me: Lol. Wanna know the best part? It’s Sebastian Daniels.
