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 stay

Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking at me. You look just like your

Mom had faded, but I remembered she

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

off guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless face flashed through my

the room swap, I felt mischieras “Yeah,

wasn’t serious

bike and spent the day cruising

town.

evening with an art board–drawing was my thing

my parents passed, they’d signed me up for everything–dance, painting, calligraphy,

kept drawing. It was simple enough – just

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

for them.

took you so long?” Chloe rushed over, giving

wink.

I started,

talked to him,”

Chatfer 36

remembered our morning conversation and cracked up. “Mis,

these things. Besides,

he say?” I asked

wants to talk to you himself.” Chloe nudged me,

out, you’ll

she said earnestly. “Now go freshen up. I’ll

After all, we’d seen each other at

official.” Her

wander, draw, speak my mind. This must be

urging, I went to my room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone

Maya’s avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d

Logan. Not expecting an