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?”

might think differently and not let me stay

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

had faded, but I remembered

How about I fix

Ashton’s cold, expressionless face

the room swap, I felt

I wasn’t serious about it.

Chloe’s bike and spent the day cruising

town.

back in the evening with

they’d signed me up for everything–dance, painting, calligraphy, even

dropped everything after they died, I kept drawing. It was simple enough – just needed a pen and paper.

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

for them.

Chloe rushed

wink.

started,

to him,” she nodded

Chatfer 36

and cracked up. “Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told him? I was

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

I asked

to you himself.” Chloe nudged me,

“If it works out, you’ll get a

she said earnestly. “Now go freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton to get

After all, we’d seen each other at our

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

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

my room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day I was curious

me.

Not expecting an apology or