Page 16 of Sutton and the CEO Forever

Indeed, you never truly knew about anyone.

8

Sutton - A few weeks later

Having Sadie come work for us was a complete and utter godsend. Not only was she a natural with the girls, but she was as sweet and soft-spoken as they came. Being younger than me and behind me in school, I hadn’t had the chance to get to know her.

I was learning to enjoy her quiet humor and bubbly personality. Sadie had been instrumental in getting the girls on a schedule. She also insisted that I get some time with my girlfriends out of the house. I had to admit that in the few short weeks she had been with us, I had learned to like her.

There was something very real about Sadie. She was utterly transparent. I still found it hilarious that Brian had suggested she wrote erotica on the side. I just didn’t bother to share that with Sadie. For all I knew, the girl was still a virgin, and the mere suggestion likely would cause her a stroke of some kind.

On this particular afternoon, Candice and Natalie had stolen me away to grab lunch at Abberly’s. I had to admit that I was having the time of my life.

“Martha, this is the best thing I have ever eaten!” I mumbled through my ginormous bite. I was inhaling the sandwich that Martha had brought to me and honestly thinking about ordering two more for supper.

Martha rolled her eyes, but I could tell by the twitch of her lips that she enjoyed the compliment. Martha had been a thorn in my side for most of my life. What I hadn’t known was that it was only a cover so that nobody would suspect she and Earl were protecting me. I felt a certain closeness with her because she also was protecting my mom all of those years.

Some people might have left when the person you were trying to keep safe was slowly killing themselves with drugs, men, and alcohol. But Martha and Earl didn’t. I loved them—sassy mouths and all.

“Girl, just you listen to me. If that handsome husband of yours wants to hire another nanny for the night, you take him up on it. Lord knows you can afford it.”

Laughing, I shook my head. “I don’t need another nanny. Besides, I haven’t had a major meltdown in ages.”

Martha shook her head as she refilled our sweet tea and then left to help another table.

As she ambled over to see what they needed, Candice said, “She’s getting older. I wonder how long she’ll be able to keep up with the diner.”

Natalie nodded. “Yeah, it’s her that needs the extra help. But I don’t think I am brave enough to offer it. She can be scary.”

“I used to think so,” I added. “But it’s all just a front. Underneath her gruff exterior, Martha is a cupcake.”

“Oh, why did you have to go and mention confectionary goodness?” Candice complained. “Now, I want one.”

Laughing, I replied, “Then get one. This diet of yours is going to be the death of all of us.”

Candice snorted. “Well, we all can’t have twins and then fit into our jeans a few weeks later.”

I felt heat staining my cheeks as I shook my head. “To be fair, they are my fat jeans, and it’s been nearly two months.”

Everyone has that one pair in their closet that’s just a little bit larger than the others.

Natalie picked up her coffee. “Fat jeans are essential for happiness.”

We all clinked out sweet teas together in a toast to fat jeans everywhere.

“Seriously though,” Candice continued. “I have put on so much weight since coming to Otterville Falls.”

“It’s the down-home cooking,” Natalie added wisely. “There isn’t an organic or vegan shop within a hundred miles.”

I made a face. “Who would want that?”

“I’m going to need to do something drastic soon,” Candice complained.

“Has Knox said anything?” I asked.

Candice shook her head. “No, in fact, he’s been very complimentary about my body. I just don’t feel good about how I look.”

Natalie and I exchanged a look. Candice was gorgeous, and I am not just saying that because we’re friends. She has a dark olive complexion and nearly black hair. Her eyes are a deep brown and tilted, just a touch on the end. She looks like a fashion model, but one with curves I’d kill for.

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