Page 35 of Sugar Coated Lies
“So, Everleigh.” He rests his forearms on the table. “Where did Daire find someone as lovely as you to work here?”
I force down the bite of sandwich lodged in my throat. “I served him at the place where I used to work. My pecan pie impressed him, and he offered me a job.”
“Huh?” He sits back.
Not wanting him to dig for more information—it’s Daire’s story to tell, not mine—I change the subject. “Is Tennessee expecting you to join her? She doesn’t seem like the kind of girl you keep waiting.”
He laughs. “You got that right.” He taps the table with his knuckles. “Before I go, I was thinking you should come out to the family estate for a swim and barbecue. It’d be fun. My parents are heading to Augusta next week. Tennie and I will be at the house alone.”
“Does she live with you?”
“Nah. She’s an old family friend. Her parents are here too, but they’re leaving for Augusta with my family.”
Dang. How big is this estate? “It sounds fun, but I don’t have much free time outside of work. I care for my sick grandfather.”
“Oh.” He frowns. “Is he okay?”
“It’s Alzheimer’s.” I shrug. That usually sums it up.
“Oh.” He nods and looks at me in a different way, with compassion and understanding. I’ve seen it before. “Well, if anything changes and you end up with some free time, you let me know.” He stands and pushes in his chair.
“I will.”
He walks off in the direction where Tennie had disappeared. I finish my sandwich and gummies, enjoying the orchard view, then return inside to swap with Millie.
A mother and her two twin daughters are at a table eating donuts and drinking chocolate milk.
I greet them with a smile, ask if they need anything, and meet Millie behind the counter.
“Are you all done?” she asks.
“Yep.”
“Great. I gotta check in with my daughter. She called me in a panic over a recipe gone wrong.”
“Take your time.”
“Bless your heart.” She cups my cheek and heads for the kitchen.
I clean up the counters and brew up a fresh pot of coffee. The old one barely has anything left. When the mother and daughters finish eating, I clean up the table where they sat and wipe it down.
Tennessee appears behind me, and I almost plow her down. “Oh God. I’m sorry.” I dodge at the last second, my hands full with a tray and wet rag.
She lifts her chin and stares down her nose at me, even though she’s about an inch or two shorter than I am.
“Did you need something?” I paste on my fake smile. She’s not the first snob I’ve encountered. There were plenty in Savannah and even a few from the diner, who treated me like I was put on earth to serve them.
“Daire and Easton come from a different upbringing than you’re familiar with. If you’re hoping to get with either of them through this job, you’re wasting your time. Your status is beneath them. You follow me?”
I grin wider. “I’m not looking for anything here other than employment.”
“Good,” she says as if pleased, but her brows pull together like my response confused her.
Was she expecting a verbal smack down or for me to challenge her? I wouldn’t waste my time. All it would do is give her fuel to keep up this game and possibly ruin my opportunity here. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take, so if it means letting her believe she bested me with her puny threat, so be it. It’s a small price to pay to keep my job.
Chapter10
Daire
