Page 86 of Sugar Coated Lies
Her lips curve with a sheepish grin. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all. You’ve been beyond helpful, and I really need to get back to work.” Not that I’m worried about getting fired. I won’t have to worry about that ever again. “Lounging around like we have makes me anxious. I need to be busy.”
“You always have. But now you can take a break every now-and-then, and I suggest you do. It looks good on you.” She gestures to my figure. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.” I’m adjusting to the weight I’ve put on and not looking like I’m sickly or starving. It’s different, but Daire seems to love it.
“I’m going to skip out before Easton wakes up.” She stands.
I do, too. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Nope.” Her response seems genuine. “However, should Easton ask where I went, tell him it was fun, but it was time for me to go.”
“It kind of seems like you’re running away.”
“I’m not. I promise. Easton is great, but he’s not looking for anything serious. We’re on different pages. He wants fun, whereas I want stability.”
I nod, understanding completely.
She sets her coffee cup in the sink and turns to hug me. “Thank you for letting me stay with you this week. It ended up being a lot of fun. This might sound weird, but I think your family is happy that you’re here. I feel like they had a hand in it. Your mom and grandma were always making sure everyone was having a good time and felt welcomed. This is much fancier than what we grew up with, but in a way it’s the same, with all the barbecues and outdoor time. I mean, this backyard is like a private park.”
“It is.” I smile, feeling the same way. “Thank you for helping me with everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I wouldn’t have let you.” She smirks. “And when you have the memorial, I’ll drive back down.”
“Thank you.” We hug again, and although I’m sad she’s leaving, I don’t sprout tears for maybe the first time in my life. But then, I know I’ll see her again.
Daire appears as soon as the conversation is over. “Everything good in here?”
“Yep.”
He pours himself some coffee, and I resume filling my travel mug.
“Is this goodbye?” he says to Sadie.
She nods. “It was really nice meeting you, Daire. I told Everleigh you’re perfect for her. But I wouldn’t be her best friend or myself, for that matter, if I didn’t threaten to have you offed should you break her heart.”
Daire grins. “I accept your threat and promise that you will never have to make good on it.”
We take turns hugging goodbye. Daire makes sure one of the staff helps Sadie with her luggage, then we go our separate ways. For now.
Chapter24
Everleigh
“We needto find you a special place to put that ring,” Millie says from the kitchen of the cafe. “I know you don’t want to bake with it on, but I’m terrified you’re going to lose it.”
I stuff the ring in a special satchel in my purse. It’s what I do every morning when I arrive. “Like what, a safe?” I tease.
“Maybe.”
“I suppose I could put it in Daire’s office.” He must have something secure or safer than my purse.
“That’s an excellent idea.”
“Do it now. Before I have another panic attack.”
“Another?” Is that why she’s been kneading the dough with more vigor lately?
