‘You’re the first person I’ve ever told,’ Roger said.
‘About you and Dad?’
‘About me being gay.’ He shook his head. ‘I’m seventy-four and have known since I was a teen, so that’s a bloody lifetime to keep a secret.’
Unable to fathom a burden like that, Cruz said, ‘I won’t clear out this place. You can come here as often as you like.’
‘It’s okay, do what you want with it.’ Roger pointed towards the hill that led to the road. ‘I’m getting too old to park up there and walk here anyway. Besides, I’m a sentimental old fool, clinging onto the past. And while I feel closer to Mac here, being in our place only serves to exacerbate my sorrow. I’ve been staying here on and off since he died. Sometimes for days, and I always leave feeling worse, so I won’t be back.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Cruz said, having no idea what he was apologising for, but recognising the old man’s grief as real.
‘I should be offering you condolences,’ Roger muttered, shaking his head. ‘I know Mac hid so much from you, but he was immensely proud of you. He talked about you non-stop, and he loved going to Melbourne so he could eat your food. Said it reminded him of when you cooked for him at home.’
First Kyle, now Roger. Why had his father sung his praises behind his back rather than reaching out when they still had time?
Then again, learning his father’s secret shed new light on Mac’s recalcitrance. Had his dad been so terrified of spilling his secret that he preferred holding those closest to him at bay?
‘If you want to have a beer any time, you’re welcome at the homestead,’ Cruz said, standing.
‘Thanks, I appreciate it.’ Roger cleared the gruffness from his throat. ‘Your father might’ve been ashamed of who he was, but he never regretted meeting Ferne and having you.’
Cruz didn’t want to think about breaking the news to his mum, and whether he should or not, but at least learning his father’s secret went some way to explaining their fractured relationship. Carrying a secret of that magnitude for so long must’ve taken its toll, and Cruz wished he’d known, for the simple fact they might’ve had a chance to reunite before his father died.
A futile wish, and for now, he had more important things to focus on, like making Kinstead Avocados a success so he could eventually sell and leave this place, and its secrets, behind for good.
CHAPTER
35
Elora slammed her car boot as Bindi pulled into the driveway. She could pretend she had to leave in a hurry, get into her car and drive away with a wave, but she didn’t want Bindi to think her moving into the studio had evicted Elora, so she waited until her friend parked and walked over, giving herself time to school her expression into one of welcome and not devastation.
She’d cried for the ten minutes it had taken her to pack, stunned that Cruz had fired her. Not only had she lost the opportunity to make more money on the restaurant campaign, but she may also have jeopardised the work she’d already done. He’d probably pay her what he owed just to get rid of her, but in the meantime, she’d hole up in the motel in town and finish what she started: putting the finishing touches on the farm’s new website and scheduling a bunch of social media posts for the next month. It’s the least she could do after her idiotic actions lost him a major client.
‘Hey, what’s wrong?’ Concern creased Bindi’s brow. ‘You don’t look so good.’
‘You’re not on social media?’
Bindi screwed up her nose. ‘These days, I can barely afford calls and texts, so I don’t pay for internet access on my phone. I’ve got the most basic SIM there is.’
‘In that case, let me enlighten you.’ Elora huffed out a long breath. ‘I posted a thirst trap of Cruz getting undressed by the pool to the farm’s Insta profile to gain followers. But turns out I’m a numpty, because the music I added didn’t cover a lot of inappropriate commentary and moans while I filmed.’
Bindi burst out laughing. ‘Are you for real? That’s hilarious.’
‘Not for me. The reel went viral. Currently at one-point-eight million views and counting.’
Bindi’s mouth dropped open. ‘What the hell? That’s insane.’
‘Turns out, gaining thousands of followers isn’t worth it when the farm just lost one of its biggest clients because of the lewd nature of the reel.’
‘Uh-oh, that doesn’t sound good. How did Cruz take it?’
‘He fired me.’
‘What?’
‘Yep. I’m out of here.’
Bindi’s expression fell. ‘You’re leaving town?’
