More Than A Favor

Chapter 30

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By the time I finished, it was 3 AM and my eyes were burning. I tossed my phone aside and shut my eyes.

Just then, footsteps passed my door, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing. Ashton was back. Despite the late night, I woke up early to noise outside. My eyelids felt like lead, so I stayed in bed even though I was awake.

“Ashton, could you come home early tonight? I want to have dinner with the new tenant,” Chloe’s voice made me smile, even half–asleep.

Her enthusiasm about having me for dinner was sweet – it felt like being home again.

“Won’t be back. You two eat without me.” Ashton’s voice was as harsh as a judge’s.

How dull. Any woman who liked this guy had to be into punishment. I mentally criticized Ashton.

After two meetings, he hit every red flag. Not my type at all.

After he left, I got up. Still in my PJs, I lazily pushed open the door. Sunlight flooded the courtyard, filtering through leaves and scattering golden spots everywhere.

“Elaine, you’re up! Just made some sweet potatoes. Want some?” Chloe

held out a bowl.

I loved simple things like this. “Sure,” I said.

“Come sit and eat,” she invited, already at the table under the honey locust

tree.

It reminded me of my parents and childhood. Tears suddenly welled up.

“Mrs. Sutton, I was actually born in this courtyard,” I said, eating the sweet potato while sharing my family’s story. Chloe nodded eagerly, clearly touched. “You’re Ethan Hart’s daughter? That’s amazing! Why didn’t you

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mention it yesterday?”

you might think differently and not let me stay

to worry about,” she said, looking at me. You look just like your mother. Such a

of Mom had faded, but I remembered she was beautiful

about I

matchmaking caught me off guard. Ashton’s cold,

his blunt refusal about the room swap, I

wasn’t serious

breakfast, I borrowed Chloe’s bike and

town.

back in the evening with an art board–drawing was

signed me up for

died, I kept drawing. It was simple enough –

sketched the new Amaty. My parents always wanted to come back

for them.

Chloe rushed over,

wink.

started,

and I talked to him,” she nodded

Chatfer 36

remembered our morning conversation and cracked up. “Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told

you don’t kid about these things.

asked casually, parking the

wants to talk to you himself.” Chloe

works out, you’ll get a wedding

up. I’ll tell Ashton

before.” After all, we’d seen each other at our worst.

is different. It’s official.” Her insistence

I was happy here. Free to wander, draw, speak my mind. This must be what freedom feels

urging, I went to my room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day

hit me. I’d secretly hoped

Not expecting an apology or reconciliation,