Page 1 of Stuck with my Boss Daddies

CHAPTER ONE

Sadie

I never thoughtI’d be back here.

Sitting at Hayley’s kitchen table with my fingers curled around a warm coffee mug, letting the steam brush against my face, it felt almost like nothing had changed.

Almost.

But the weight in my chest told a different story. It pressed against my ribs, a constant reminder that I didn’t belong here anymore. That I had left for a reason, and returning to Medford wasn’t in my plans.

Hayley, of course, was oblivious to my inner turmoil.

She stood at the stove, flipping pancakes like it was just another Saturday morning, like I hadn’t shown up on her doorstep late last night like a stray in need of shelter.

“So, pumpkin,” she said, her voice warm and familiar. “Are you gonna tell me what’s really going on, or do I have to drag it out of you?”

I forced a small smile. “What do you mean? Can’t a girl just visit her favorite foster mom?”

Hayley turned, arching an eyebrow.

“First of all, I’m youronlyfoster mom. And second, you’re not just visiting. You came back in the middle of the night withnothing but a duffel bag and that look in your eyes.” She gave me a knowing glance before sliding a plate of pancakes in front of me. “So, spill.”

I swallowed hard. I knew this conversation was coming, but I still wasn’t ready.

How could I tell her the truth?

That the city had chewed me up and spit me out? That I’d failed, spectacularly?

That I was embarrassed to have returned with basically nothing?

Yeah, Hayley didn’t need to hear about that.

Instead, I poked at my pancakes with my fork and offered a half-truth. “Things just got… complicated.”

Hayley sighed, taking the seat across from me. “Sadie Collins, I have known you since you were a scared teenage girl who refused to let anyone in. And I know when you’re holding something back.” She reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “You can tell me why you’re really here.”

Her kindness was almost too much.

I looked down, blinking away the sting in my eyes. “I’m okay, Hayley. I just need a little time to figure things out.”

She studied me for a long moment, like she was debating whether to push harder.

But finally, she nodded, patting my hand before pulling back. “Alright. I won’t press. But you’re staying here as long as you need, and I mean it.”

Guilt pressed into my chest.

I didn’t deserve this.

Her unwavering support, her trust.

I had already decided I wouldn’t be here long. I just needed a place to breathe, to think, before I figured out my next move.

I set my fork down and forced a lighter tone into my voice. “I was thinking about heading into town today. Maybe reconnecting with some old friends.”

Hayley’s eyes softened, but there was still worry behind them. “That sounds like a good idea. Maybe see if you can find something to keep you here a little longer.”

I forced a smile, not trusting myself to answer.

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