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?”

emotional. “I worried you might think

place from your parents, it was all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking at me. You look just like your mother. Such a

but I

How about I fix you up with Ashton?” Chloe’s words made me choke.

caught me off guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless face

about the room swap, I felt

wasn’t serious

breakfast, I borrowed Chloe’s bike and spent

town.

in the evening with an art board–drawing was my

signed me up for everything–dance, painting,

died, I kept drawing. It was simple enough

Amaty. My parents always wanted to come back here, but never could. So I decided to capture

for them.

took you so long?” Chloe rushed over, giving me a

wink.

I started, “Mrs. Sutton…”

back, and I talked to him,”

Chatfer 36

up. “Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told him?

you don’t kid about these things. Besides, it’s done,

say?” I asked casually,

to you himself.” Chloe nudged me, grinning hopefully,

“If it works out, you’ll get a wedding

up. I’ll tell

After all, we’d seen each other at

official.” Her insistence made me

to wander, draw, speak my mind.

My phone had

disappointment hit me. I’d

expecting an