‘Good. I’m just going to check and see if the permits have come through, then we can get started on converting the shed.’
Bindi cocked her head, studying him, and he didn’t like the intensity of her scrutiny.
‘Do you always give up on people so easily?’
‘What are you talking about?’ Though of course he knew, but discussing El with Bindi was the last thing he felt like doing.
‘I hope you don’t fire me if I mix up an order or spill guacamole on a diner.’
‘This is my place and I’ll do what I damn well please.’ He crossed his arms, hoping she read his glower:Back the hell off. ‘If you have a problem working with me, it’s probably best you say it now so I can find someone else.’
Bindi’s frown deepened and she jabbed a finger in his direction. ‘See? That right there is you giving up on me before you’ve seen what kind of employee I am.’
Damn her for being right.
‘I’m not in the mood to stand here and discuss El or anything else with you.’ He unfolded his arms and pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘It’s been a tough morning and I just want to get this restaurant up and running sooner rather than later, before I go insane.’
Understanding lit her eyes and her expression softened. ‘You decompress in the kitchen preparing meals.’
‘Yeah. And I need to decompress badly.’
‘Losing El has you this rattled?’
He wanted to say,I haven’t lost her, but although Cruz may be many things, delusional wasn’t one of them. Firing El had put paid to their burgeoning romantic relationship and every angry, resentful feeling he’d managed to subdue on that manic quad-bike ride rushed back tenfold, winding him.
‘We need to get started,’ he said, desperate to change the subject. ‘Kyle’s in the packing shed. Why don’t you find him and ask him to find a suitable piece of wood for the restaurant sign, then help him paint it?’
To his relief, Bindi lost her combative stance. ‘What are you calling it?’
‘Smashed.’
She guffawed. ‘Corny and cringey, but cute.’
He didn’t need Bindi’s approval, but her reaction to the name brought back the memory of him discussing the name with El, and how he’d allowed himself to get excited about something for the first time in ages. The thought of running a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing this place’s fresh produce hadn’t entered his head until she suggested it. He owed her, and what had he done? He’d let his temper get the better of him.
‘You’ve got a funny look on your face,’ Bindi said. ‘If you’re thinking about El, she hasn’t left town. She’s staying at the motel until the end of the week, working on what you’d already hired her to do.’
‘Ferne hired her, not me.’
‘How is your mum?’
Guilt at not contacting his mother since she’d left mingled with his regret about firing El and his shock at hearing the truth about his dad. Today could officially be classed as the pits.
‘Good, as far as I know,’ he said. ‘I’ve been swamped since I came back and thought she might appreciate her space, considering it’s the first time she’s left the farm in years.’
‘That’s code for you’re a shitty son and haven’t called her.’
Rather than Bindi’s judgement annoying him, he couldn’t help but admire her forthrightness. They’d get along well.
‘Stop being such a smartarse and go get that sign done.’
She grinned and saluted. ‘Sure thing, boss.’
As Bindi turned away, Cruz said, ‘It’s good to have you here. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything.’
She surprised him when she turned back, her eyes clouding with emotion as she said, ‘Thanks for taking a chance on me. I won’t let you down.’
Their nods of mutual respect made Cruz want to run after her and delve into how she’d ended up here, depending on the kindness of an old high-school acquaintance, but he’d unearthed enough secrets for one day. Time to get cracking with setting up the restaurant.
