Page 91 of Hide and Sneak
“That explains why they were both so nice and eager to make up,” Lila says, trying to keep her tone light. I know she’s hurting and I could choke them both for it.
I catch her face in my hands before she can get in the car. “Do you have any idea how proud I am of you?” Emotion begins to shine in her eyes as I continue. “Not just for standing up for yourself in there but realizing how much more you deserve. You’ve worked so hard to get where you want to be and still helped everyone you could along the way. You’re amazing. I’m proud of you for putting yourself first. I’m sure as hell going to.”
She swallows hard and shakes her head. “We’re going to put us first.”
CHAPTER 31
LILA
I haven’t heardfrom Amos, and Mom has only left one message saying she’s going to give me some time to calm down and come to my senses. Amos isn’t the only one used to getting his way. She’s going to learn this time.
I haven’t let the whole thing upset me. I’ve been busy and it’s such an exciting time. Maren’s offer to provide toys for the kids at tonight’s Christmas party was so kind, and Cara also started reaching out for monetary donations. After the fire department made an extremely generous cash donation, we realized we could do something special for every kid who’s signed up to come. In addition to the kids from Happy Haven, we were able to include some others in town whose parents are struggling.
“Do you want us to put out the cupcakes and stuff now?” Fern asks.
“As soon as I get these tablecloths on.” I paid her and her friends to help me set up and supervise the kids tonight. Their parents will be with them, but if there’s a problem, I want to know quickly. Fern also asked about working here in the afternoons on her summer break and I promised I’d talk to Holly about it. It’d be a good job for a teenager and she could make a little of her own money.
Assuming this place doesn’t fail and fall apart by then.
Everything has been finalized for me to open for business in ten days. I don’t know whether to be sick or excited. It feels like I’m standing at another starting line just like I was when I carried my things into that trailer park. I’m starting a new part of my life. It’s thrilling and terrifying and so fucking wonderful that I can’t stop smiling every time it hits me.
I’ve just finished putting the brightly colored disposable tablecloths over the tables when Sutton walks in with his mother. He’s carrying a stack of thin cardboard containers.
“Hey!” I call out. I’ve only met his mom, Cathy, a couple of times. Once when we took her to dinner and once when Sutton brought her to see his place. She was so proud of him, exclaiming over everything and tearing up when he told her he could always put another container on the property for her if she ever wanted to live there. She’s the kindest person.
“Wow, this place is amazing! I can’t believe what you’ve done with it,” she exclaims.
“Thank you so much.” Sutton told me he was going to visit her earlier, and he’d be here in time for the party. “What have you two been up to?”
“Sutton told me about your party and I wanted to bring some cookies! We’ve been baking them all afternoon.”
I slide one of the boxes out of Sutton’s arms and set it on the table to open it. It’s filled with an assortment of holiday cookies. All iced and glittery.
“Oh my goodness! You didn’t have to do that!”
She chuckles as I give her a hug. “Sutton bakes cookies and treats with me every Christmas. This time I really put him to work.”
I’m not sure what’s sweeter, that he went to bake cookies with his mom or that she made them for the kids. “You sure did. There’s more than enough. I may have to eat the surplus.”
Sutton grins when I munch on one of the sugar cookies. “She can’t resist my baking,” he brags. “You should hear her beg for me to make muffins.”
“Well, she shouldn’t have to beg. You should keep her in a steady supply of goodies,” Cathy teases. “I’m sorry I can’t stay. My knitting club holiday party is tonight too, but Sutton said you had some flyers for your opening day? I thought I could hand some out at the party. Lots of them would bring their grandkids.”
The knot that appears in my throat is hard to swallow and I can’t hide the emotion in my voice when I turn to walk away. “That’d be great. I’ll go grab them.” She’s so supportive of me when we barely know each other. I love that she and Sutton are close after all they made it through.
After she takes the flyers and leaves, I glance over at Sutton.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you saw a puppy trip over its ears.”
“I can’t help it. Baking cookies with your mom. You’re cute.”
He marches over, then glances around to make sure Fern and the others aren’t near. His deep voice is in my ear. “We’ll see how cute I am when I spank your ass and fuck you to sleep tonight.”
A shiver runs through me, and he chuckles, dropping a kiss on my neck, then walks away. “Don’t go upstairs!” I warn him. We agreed to trade gifts tonight and his is waiting in my apartment.
