Page 48 of Pinch of Love

My hands no longer shook, but I felt like I was going to get sick.

As soon as I was done with the attorneys, I’d need to draft a memo to my employees. I’d hoped to keep everything quiet, but Rob obviously wanted to make it messy and public. I hadn’t checked my work inbox since I woke up thinking that life was under control and moving forward. Who knew that by seven o’clock in the morning, Rob would wreak havoc?

I scrunched my eyes closed as the receptionist picked up, and I asked for my lawyer. Within seconds, the calm voice of reason greeted me.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your much-needed vacation,” my attorney said.

“I’m glad you did. I joined a book club, and this morning was the first meeting.” I laughed. “Who knew I couldn’t make it through without Rob adding some drama?”

“He does have a certain theatrical flair.”

“Do I need to fly out today? I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get a flight out until—”

“Not at all,” my attorney assured me. “I’ve drafted a memo that you can send to the employees. They all have the capability to work from home, I assume?”

“Yup. Every single one of them.” I watched a cardinal hop on the ground before flying to a nearby shrub. “How can he do this?”

“Well, he can’t. But he did. Legally, we can get the doors open immediately, but I think it’s in everyone’s best interests to have your employees work from home while we make certain this doesn’t happen again.”

I nodded as if my attorney could see me and let out a sigh.

“Don’t let this get you down, Maya. This guy, at the most, will walk with a small settlement. But nothing else.”

I snickered. “How small can we make it?”

My attorney chuckled. “The memo should be in your inbox. I’d send it out company-wide this morning. I also have a letter that is being sent to Rob and his legal team. I’m sure they aren’t thrilled with his latest antics. I didn’t mean to alarm you with my voicemail, but this situation needs to be dealt with swiftly.”

“Totally understand. But you’re sure I should stay away?”

“Absolutely. I think this is far more personal than business, and we don’t need to complicate matters.”

A little relief wiggled its way into my chest, but it still felt tight and uncomfortable.

“I’ll be in touch if I need anything else.”

“Okay, thanks.”

My attorney gave a quick goodbye and hung up just as I saw a familiar Jeep roll into the parking lot. I glanced back at the row of windows where the book club met and noticed some movement near the blinds.

Suspicious.

Cash pulled into a parking spot across from me and hopped out of the Jeep with Chewie in hand.

Trying to pull myself together, I stood, dusted myself off, and walked toward Cash as he turned to smile at me.

“A smile? For me? So early in the morning?” I teased.

His eyes connected with mine, and suddenly, nothing seemed as important.

Chapter Twelve

Cash

I’d just finished prepping a house for new vacationers when I received the call from Grace. She didn’t say much other than they were at the community center for the Sunshine Breakfast Club and that Maya had received some stressful news and needed a ride. At first, I assumed it was a setup, but judging by Maya’s pacing under a birch tree in the parking lot, maybe I was wrong.

Maybe she really did need help.

“Hey there,” I said, smiling at Maya.

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