Chapter 35
CHAPTER
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?’
‘No, I’ll stay until the end of the week to finish working.’
‘Where will you go?’
‘The motel.’
‘I feel bad, evicting you from the studio.’
‘You didn’t. Cruz did. I can’t exactly stay in the homestead when he never wants to see me again.’
‘This is fucked up.’ Bindi crossed her arms. ‘Want me to put in a good word for you?’
‘Thanks, but it’s probably best you don’t mention my name when you’re only just starting.’
‘He’s a grouch at the best of times,’ Bindi muttered. ‘I bet he’ll be a moody prick after you leave, and it has nothing to do with work.’
Elora didn’t bother asking what Bindi meant. She’d been ignoring the twanging of her heart since Cruz fired her, hating the thought of not being in his arms again almost as much as the prospect of losing money she’d been depending on.
‘The way he looks at you … he’s got it bad.’
‘Not helping.’ Elora opened her car door. ‘Anyway, you know where to find me. And good luck with the new job. I’m happy for you.’
‘I wouldn’t have got it if it wasn’t for you.’ Bindi launched herself at Elora and hugged her tight. ‘Thanks, El. You have no idea what this means to me.’
Elora wanted to say, ‘I think I do,’ but this wasn’t the time for either of them to bring up Bindi’s homelessness.
‘I’ll definitely see you before I leave town.’ Elora forced a smile, trying to stifle the dread that arose at the prospect. ‘Keep the grump in line, okay?’
‘I’ll do my best.’
Elora blinked back tears as she slid behind the wheel and drove away, resisting the urge to look back. When she finally glanced at the rear-vision mirror, Bindi appeared a mere speck.
It would’ve been hard enough leaving Kinstead Avocados at the end of the week, but having her stay cut short hurt more than she could’ve anticipated.