‘I love the rustic sign,’ she said as they reached the entrance. ‘Captures the essence of a farm-to-table restaurant perfectly.’
‘Bindi and Kyle’s doing.’
As they stepped inside, he struggled not to gawp. The furniture had arrived early, and Bindi must’ve set it up with Kyle’s help. Not only that, but they’d also found glass jars and placed tea light candles inside each one, alongside sprigs of golden wattle in tall, narrow glasses. The fairy lights that had been strung up outside also covered the walls, along with bark art he couldn’t remember seeing around the farm.
‘Wow. The place looks magical,’ El said, squeezing his hand. ‘You did good.’
‘Bindi and Kyle must’ve done this while I was at the motel with you.’ Unexpected emotion lodged in his chest.
‘I’ll take some shots first thing in the morning and set up pages for Smashed on Insta and Facebook. They can serve for the website too. And I can preschedule posts for a month in advance to gain traction, plus I can give Bindi access to everything so she can update as needed.’
‘Thanks,’ he said, a tad overwhelmed that this was happening so quickly. ‘I might pop in and see her before we go to bed.’
‘Okay. I’m glad she’s settled in so fast. It must be disorienting to be homeless.’
‘Yeah, I can’t imagine what she’s gone through. I’m happy I could help.’
A strangled sound came from over their shoulders and as Cruz turned, he saw Bindi glaring at them with devastation in her eyes.
CHAPTER
43
Elora released Cruz’s hand and moved towards Bindi, who backed away with her hands held up to ward her off.
‘Youknow?’ she yelled, her face flushed an angry puce as she jabbed a finger at Cruz. ‘Is that why you gave me a job? Out ofpity? And having me stay in the studio to help set up the place is bullshit, isn’t it? You felt sorry for me.’
‘Is that so wrong?’ Cruz shrugged.
Bindi’s hands balled into fists. ‘You know what you can do? You can stick your job up your—’
‘Bindi, hey.’ Elora laid a hand on her arm. ‘Do you think we could talk? I could really use your help.’
Her low tone had the desired effect, as Bindi visibly relaxed, her shoulders lowering and her fingers unfurling.
‘Can we talk in private?’ Elora asked. ‘Maybe in the studio, away from flapping ears?’
She glanced at Cruz over her shoulder and mouthed, ‘Sorry.’
Cruz gave a brief nod of understanding and Elora turned back to Bindi, relieved her friend’s colour had returned to normal.
Bindi remained silent as they walked to the studio but Elora could feel the tension radiating off her. She had to tread carefully, because what she said next might make Bindi drive into the night with no intention of returning.
They entered the studio and Bindi waited until Elora had closed the door before whirling on her.
‘How did you know?’
‘That day you texted me to meet at the food van, I saw you leave the pool after you’d showered. And I figured you wouldn’t be sneaking in and out before it opened unless you didn’t want to pay? Then you mentioned your financial difficulties after your ex …’
Resigned, Bindi sank onto the sofa as if her legs had given way. ‘Why didn’t you say something?’
Elora sat next to her. ‘Because I respect your privacy. Our friendship is new and if you’d wanted to tell me, you would’ve.’
‘Yeah, like that’s something you want a new friend to know. “Hey, El, I’m so hopeless I’m living in my car.”’ She shook her head. ‘Who wants to hang out with a desperado?’
‘You’re not hopeless,’ Elora said, wanting to hug Bindi but giving her space. ‘From what you’ve told me, you’re lucky you escaped your ex, and that’s a blessing.’
‘Having nothing but a change of clothes, a few toiletries, a prepaid phone and dwindling savings that I keep for fuel isn’t a blessing.’
