From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 157

In a cozy living room, three figures stood.

An excited Sarah gripped the hand of a young man, guiding him to Anthea. “Ann, this is my fiancé, Lacy Brown. Lacy, this is Anthea.”

Sarah was clearly head over heels for Lacy; she was barely 20 and already eager to marry Lacy. Anthea had expected Lacy to be a real catch, especially since Sarah, a stunning girl herself, wouldn’t settle for just anyone.

But to Anthea’s surprise, Lacy turned out to be decidedly average. He was the kind of average that could disappear into a crowd, slightly overweight, with a budding beer belly and a receding hairline that added years to his appearance.

He looked to be in his late thirties, at least…

The Browns were business folks, always well–kept and youthful looking. Next to his parents, Lacy looked less like their son and more like a younger brother….

Could it be true that love is blind? In Sarah’s case, it certainly seemed so.

She didn’t care for looks or charm; she valued Lacy’s honesty and the special way he treated her.

She feared that a too–handsome man would only be trouble, the kind to have affairs and flings. She couldn’t risk falling for a playboy.

Anthea raised an eyebrow subtly, her smile warm as she greeted, “Nice to meet you, Mr.

Brown.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Yeager, Lacy stuttered, taken aback by Anthea’s beauty, which seemed to eclipse even Sarah’s.

Sarah playfully swatted him, “What’s with the formality? Too distant! Ann is my best friend; just call her by her name.”

“Sarah’s right,” Anthea chimed in, “Just Anthea is fine.”

Carole to

Σ

much of a talker, giving Carole

social butterfly, “Carole, dear, I’ve heard so much about you from my in–law. Own a

Carole nodded in confirmation.

business?” Debra inquired.

replied with a smile, “It’s doing quite well, thank

11:25

where’s this diner of yours?” Debra

Arcadia Avenue. Feel free to come by anytime.

discount.

612 Arcadia Avenue?

slightly. If memory served her right, the foot traffic here was notoriously

poor,

with many

diners closing shop.

couldn’t be serious about her business booming,

She must be afraid of being the butt

a diner on the brink of closure?

hint of scorn flashed across her eyes, thinking to herself how the company one keeps

been opposed to Lacy’s and

business bringing in

set on Sarah and Sarah alone. So Debra proposed a quick wedding, hoping Sarah’s family would balk at an early marriage.

dismay, they agreed.

was obvious to her, they were after the