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?”

worried you might think differently and not let me

it was all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking at me. You

faded, but I

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

caught me off guard. Ashton’s cold,

about the room swap, I felt mischieras

wasn’t

borrowed Chloe’s bike and spent

town.

the evening with an art board–drawing was my thing

up for everything–dance, painting, calligraphy, even

dropped everything after they died, I kept drawing. It

I sketched the new Amaty. My parents always wanted to come back here, but never could. So

for them.

so long?” Chloe rushed

wink.

I started, “Mrs. Sutton…”

to him,” she nodded

Chatfer 36

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

about these things. Besides,

asked

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

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

up. I’ll tell Ashton to

we’d seen

different. It’s official.” Her insistence made me

had to admit, I was happy here. Free to wander, draw, speak my mind. This must be

on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing

hit me. I’d secretly hoped

from Logan. Not expecting an apology or reconciliation, but…