Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“I don’t know how to do that.”

How are you a grown adult who can’t take care of yourself? I want to scream it into the phone, but I don’t. Because that will only make things worse, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.

I may be a cold bitch, but even I’m not that cold.

“I will arrange it for you.” I pull a notebook over to jot down a reminder. “What else have you been up to?”

“Just pining away for my children. I can’t believe you moved so far away from me, Nina. You know how I rely on you. Christian is a grown man who can take care of himself.”

“And you’re a grown woman.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, and I cringe. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

“No, it’s what you mean.” She’s sniffling now. “I understand that your brother is your priority, and I’m just second-fiddle to him. It’s fine.”

For the love of all that’s holy, make it stop.

“Mom, I love you both. I just needed a break from L.A. You know I’m not happy there.”

“Well, then, maybe I should move up there. A mother should be with her children.”

I feel my eyes go wide in panic.

No.

I don’t want her here. And I know that makes me a horrible daughter, but I can’t help it.

“I’ll come visit soon.”

“I see. You don’t want me there either. Well, when I die of cancer, you’ll be sorry. I already had a heart attack this year, it’s only a matter of time.”

She hangs up.

I drop my head back on the cushion of the couch and moan in defeat.

Because there is no winning with my mother. Ever.

My phone pings with a text. I don’t want to look at it. I’m sure it’s Mom, and anything she says right now will just irritate me more.

But guilt has me glancing down at the screen.

It’s not my mom.

It’s Fallon.

Fallon: Hey! That’s all. Just hey.

I grin and reply.

Me: Hey yourself. What are you doing?

Fallon: Just sitting here by myself because Noah had to go rescue an owl. What are you doing?

Me: Trying not to feel guilty after telling my mom she’s ridiculous.

Fallon: Your mom is ridiculous.

I laugh, feeling better.

Me: I know. But she still makes me feel guilty. It’s her superpower.

Fallon: Take a deep breath. Will I see you at class in the morning?

Me: I think so. If not the morning, I’ll come to the afternoon class.

Fallon: Sounds good. Lunch later in the week?

Me: Hell yes.

***

I love the water. I didn’t know that I loved it as much as I do until I moved to Montana and bought my little house on the lake. But now that I have this home, I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else.

I purchased a boat earlier this summer, and with the convenience of a boat slip in front of my house, I can come and go on the lake as I please.

It’s the closest thing to Zen I’ve ever found, being on the lake. After no sleep, because I was too worried about the business and my mom and just everything, I decided I needed to take a boat ride early this morning.

It was the right call. I’ve only come across one other vessel, and we waved at each other as we sailed past. That’s the other thing I love about being in a small town. Everyone’s nice. I didn’t think I’d enjoy that, but as it turns out, they’re friendly, and while they do want to be in your business, they’re not pushy about it.

It’s the pushy that I hate.

This works for me.

I made some decisions this morning, about the things I struggled with all night long.

I’m dissolving the idea of the business. It makes me sad. I was excited to offer luxury services to the wealthy residents of Cunningham Falls. And trust me, there are plenty. Everything from housekeeping to culinary and party services. Pretty much anything a person could want, I could arrange it.

And two, I need to set some boundaries with my mother. I love her, but she can’t manipulate me like this anymore. It’s not fair.

I don’t love the idea of giving up on the business, but I can’t do it alone. I don’t have the time, and I don’t have staff. I needed Amanda and Safron.

And that’s where I made my mistake. Depending on others only leads to blinding disappointment.

I sigh and steer the boat back to my slip, then frown when I see a tall figure standing at the end of my dock.

It’s barely seven in the morning.

Suddenly, I’m convinced it’s Brad Hull, Jenna’s brother and the chief of police, here to tell me that my mom is dead. Or that something horrible happened to Christian.

But when I get closer, I see it’s not Brad at all.

It’s Sebastian.

I dock the boat, secure the ropes, and climb out, accepting Sebastian’s proffered hand.