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?”

“I worried you might think differently

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

memories of Mom had faded, but I

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

off guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless

refusal about the room swap, I

wasn’t

borrowed Chloe’s bike and spent the

town.

with an art

up for everything–dance, painting, calligraphy,

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

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

for them.

long?” Chloe rushed over,

wink.

started, “Mrs.

talked to him,” she nodded toward his

Chatfer 36

“Mis, Sutton,

kid about these things. Besides, it’s

say?” I asked casually,

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

works out, you’ll get a wedding

go freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton to get ready”

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

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

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

changing. My phone

disappointment hit me. I’d secretly

Not expecting an apology or