‘Laurel, please,’ he said again. ‘I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’ll talk to him. The site deserves recommendation, and if he doesn’t give it then I will be having a very strong conversation with the BAS.’
What was she supposed to do? She could let him try and fix it, or she could try and fix it herself. But could she even do that? Alex probably wouldn’t even listen to her and she didn’t have any sway with the BAS. But she’d have to try.
‘I don’t know, Nate—’ she started, wrapping her arms around herself.
‘No,’ he interrupted. ‘This is my mess. Please, please let deal with it.’
‘What are you doing, Laurel? You’re in the way,’ Jack called, ushering a pig past her with a large stick.
For fuck’s sake. First Nate absolutely ruining the farm’s chances of funding recommendation, and now her stroppy big brother on at her as well. Great.
‘Oh, sorry, Jack.’
He was still in a mood with her, even though his and Rebecca’s marriage was literally nothing to do with her.
‘Are you alright?’ She couldn’t help herself asking.
‘Yeah, I’m fine, Laurel, just fine.’ Okay, so that meant he wasn’t fine. ‘Nate, hey man.’
‘Hey, Jack,’ he said.
‘I was just asking, Jack. No need to bite my head off.’ She crossed her arms across her chest.
‘I’m sorry. I’m just tired.’ He took a breath and stopped, letting the pig wander slightly. ‘Thanks, Nate, for the other night at the pub. Good chat.’
Oh, so it was Nate who had been to the pub with Jack. Were they now the bestest of friends? And had Jack opened up about him and Rebecca’s child discussions? That would actually be quite good for Jack, having someone to talk to, rather than just their dad. Or even worse, Robin.
‘I enjoyed it. Thanks for inviting me,’ Nate said.
Laurel sighed at the dark bags under her brother’s eyes.
‘You need a break, Jack. Why don’t I see if I can find cover for the weekend? I’ll have the kids, and you and Rebecca can go away somewhere nice?’ she suggested, knowing full well that it would never happen.
‘Who would you get to cover?’ He kicked at a couple of dandelions. She must remember to have the gardeners go around and tidy up.
She shrugged. ‘Robin, Dad, me? Everyone would muck in.’
That drew a smile from Jack. ‘You? Really?’
‘What?’ Laurel feigned hurt. ‘Just because I don’t, doesn’t mean I can’t milk as well as the rest of you.’ Although she wouldn’t, unless it was the very bottom of the last resort pile.
‘I’ll think about it,’ Jack said, giving her a half-hearted smile. He glanced around the farm. ‘Look, I know I give you a hard time, but I’m grateful that Rebecca has you for a friend,’ he mumbled, colour chasing up his neck.
Like their father, Jack was never good at expressing his feelings. Whatever Nate had said to Jack at the pub must have worked, must have made her brother revisit his long-held beliefs, have a little self-introspection.
Begrudgingly, Nate was good.
‘I love you too, big brother,’ she said.
‘Yep,’ he said. ‘I’ve got to get this pig back, the vet’s coming to check her udders.’
Laurel craned her neck to have a look. Yep, the telltale red swelling of mastitis.
‘Okay, see you later.’ And just like that, all was forgiven.
‘See you later,’ Jack said to both of them.
She turned back to Nate and took a long look at him. Laurel was so tired of having to do everything and maybe Nate would be better at dealing with it.
