My eyes snap open.
Two enormous dark eyes stare directly into mine, less than two inches from my face. Oxford’s fluffy face fills my entire field of vision, his nostrils flaring as he exhales another gust of llama breath.
“AHHH!” I shriek, jerking and nearly tumbling off the couch.
Oxford doesn’t even flinch. He just continues staring at me with that unblinking gaze, like I’m the one being weird about this situation.
“I told you she’d scream,” Finn’s voice carries over from the kitchen, followed by the clatter of coffee mugs. Then a little louder to me, “Good morning, sunshine! Your fluffy llama hasbeen watching you sleep for the last ten minutes. It’s equal parts adorable and deeply unsettling.”
I press a hand to my racing heart. “You could have warned me!”
“And miss that reaction? Not a chance.” Finn slides a mug of coffee across the counter. “I think he might be in love. He hasn’t moved from that spot since we came downstairs.”
I glance at Oxford, who’s still watching me with intensity.
“Is this normal llama behavior?” I ask, untangling myself from the blanket. It smells like Everett: pine, and peppermint, and I resist the urge to bury my face in it.
“I wouldn’t know. My llama expertise is limited to that one children’s book about the one who wears pajamas.” Finn shrugs, his hair still sleep-mussed. “Though I’m beginning to think Oxford isn’t a typical llama.”
I yawn and stretch, wincing at the crick in my neck from sleeping on the couch. “What time is it?”
“Just after seven. We’re heading to the farm to help Everett with the morning rush.” Finn drains the last of his coffee.
My phone buzzes from somewhere under the blanket, and I fish it out with a groan. “If that’s Marcus again—”
But it’s not Marcus. “It’s my aunt Karen. I should take this,” I tell Finn, who nods and starts gathering his things.
“We’ll head out. There’s breakfast in the oven, staying warm.” He tugs on his coat. Only four layers today, I notice. “Will we see you later?”
“Probably. I promised Oxford a walk, after all.” I glance at the llama, who tilts his head as if confirming our appointment.
I wait until the door closes behind him before answering the phone. “Hi, Aunt Karen. How’s the cruise?”
“Terrible,” she says immediately. “Melody, thank goodness I reached you.” Her voice sounds strained. “Are you doing alright all alone?”
The passive-aggressive emphasis on “alone” makes my skin prickle with irritation. “It’s actually been lovely. I’ve made some friends, and—”
“That’s nice, dear,” she interrupts, and I take another sip of coffee, bracing myself. “Listen, I just got a very concerning call from Vivian.”
My anxiety spikes. Vivian is my aunt’s college roommate, the one who “pulled strings” to get me the job with Marcus.
“What did Vivian want?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Marcus has been trying to reach you. Apparently, you haven’t been responding to his calls or emails.” Her voice takes on that special tone, the one that says I’ve disappointed her deeply. “Melody, this looks very bad for me. I vouched for you with Vivian.”
I take a deep breath. “Aunt Karen, I’m on vacation. Marcus approved these two weeks off months ago.”
“But surely you understand that executives like Marcus need support even during vacation. That’s how these things work. Your mother and I are worried that you’re throwing away this opportunity.”
“I’ve been checking emails, but I can’t be on call 24/7, even during normal work weeks. It’s my first real break in a year.”
“Don’t be dramatic. You had Labor Day off.”
One day. I had one day off, and Marcus called me twice.
“Emergencies don’t take vacations, Melody,” she scolds. “When you’re in an executive position, you need to be available.”
I suddenly realize how Marcus must have gotten hold of my personal number.
