‘Now that we’ve got your pitiful social life sorted, shall we talk about the farm?’ Kyle pointed to the laden trees. ‘It’s time to organise pickers and packers for the next season. Shall I get onto it or will you do it?’
‘You do it,’ Cruz said. ‘I need to focus on getting more buyers for our produce.’
‘And the restaurant? How big are you envisaging?’
‘Small. In the spare shed nearest to the drive. I plan on showcasing avos in every dish—hoping that could potentially drum up business.’
‘Clever. Will El be doing the promo for it?’
‘I’m thinking about it.’
Kyle grinned, a crafty glint in his eyes. ‘That’ll mean she’ll have to stick around for a while longer.’
‘Your point?’
‘Give us all a chance to get to know her better,’ Kyle deadpanned, ignoring Cruz’s glower. ‘It’s okay to like her. And for some unfathomable reason, she seems to like you, too. Go figure.’
‘Are you done?’ Cruz had never had friends to rib him, let alone tease him about non-existent girlfriends. But there was something about Kyle’s easygoing, good-natured jibes that made Cruz wish he had, that he’d been missing out by not bearing the brunt of a mate’s teasing.
‘For now.’ Kyle pulled his phone out of his pocket and brandished it. ‘Better get onto advertising for pickers and packers.’
‘Before I forget, El mentioned that Bindi is looking for work. She seemed a tad quiet last night. Is everything okay?’
Kyle’s expression resembled that of a kangaroo caught in head-lights. ‘She came back to town last month and has been tight-lipped. Only hangs out with us as a group. Doesn’t say much beyond small talk.’
‘Does she know how you feel about her?’
Kyle’s eyebrows rose. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Everyone can see it. Maybe that’s why she’s keeping her distance? Doesn’t want to give you the wrong idea.’
‘Bindi and I have been mates a long time. Just because I haven’t seen her in years doesn’t change that.’
‘Have you kept in touch?’
Kyle shook his head. ‘She doesn’t do social media either, which is a bummer.’
‘Give her some time to readjust,’ Cruz said. ‘Take it from someone who knows—coming back to this town isn’t for everyone.’
‘It’s not the hellhole you make it out to be,’ Kyle muttered, frowning. ‘Some of us like it.’
‘I didn’t say it’s a hellhole, but I had my reasons for escaping, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being resentful at being forced to return. Maybe Bindi feels the same way?’
Kyle pondered that, before slowly nodding. ‘She looks a tad lost and I want to be there for her.’
‘Noble.’
‘Do you think she knows I still have a crush on her?’
‘Blind Gladys probably knows by the way you were staring at her last night.’
Kyle’s smile returned. ‘I’ll tone it down. Make sure she knows she can count on me as a friend, and if something develops, I’ll count myself lucky.’
Surprised that discussing his farm manager’s love life didn’t make him uncomfortable, Cruz said, ‘Thanks.’
‘For what?’
‘Welcoming me home. It helps that I don’t feel as alone as I did when I lived here before.’
