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 and

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

but I

must be single. How about I fix you

off guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless

refusal about the room swap, I

I wasn’t serious

I borrowed Chloe’s bike and

town.

the evening with an art

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

they died, I kept drawing. It was simple enough

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

for them.

what took you so long?” Chloe rushed over, giving

wink.

started,

to him,” she nodded toward his

Chatfer 36

“Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told

kid about these things. Besides, it’s done, she 240

he say?” I asked casually, parking the bike.

wants to talk to you himself.” Chloe

out, you’ll get

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

We’ve met before.” After all, we’d seen each other at

It’s official.” Her insistence

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

and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day I was curious who’d messaged.

avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d secretly hoped for

expecting an apology or reconciliation, but…