Page 152 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“She looks so much like her,” Jean says from behind me as I push open the timber door.

Dear god. What?

She follows me outside.

“Who?” I ask.

“Daynah.”

I swallow hard unable to form words.

Aunt Jean hooks her arms through mine as we descend the porch steps. In the distance, Pirate chases Jay across pristine green lawns bordered with green hedges that stretch up towards another smaller cottage. If he doesn’t pull those baggy jeans up from his hips, he’ll trip over.

“She looks just like Skylah.”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I swing around to ensure no one’s followed us. The littlest thing Jean says could get us into deep shit. I swore to Jerry I’d keep his secret.What are the odds that my aunt has history with Skylah?

“Aunt Jean—”

“I can’t be imagining it, and that necklace?” She scratches her temple and shakes her head, as if her mind is reeling. “I feel like I should say something. It’s uncanny.”

I try to keep my cool as I stare into her blue-grey eyes. “Please don’t say a word. We can’t talk about this here.”

“Why n—”

“Um, Olive?” a gravelly voice calls out from behind. A rush of goosebumps charge over my skin at the sound of her voice and the mention of my proper given name. I turn as Penny reaches the last porch step.How much did she hear?

Her scowl turns to a forced smile as she glances between Jean and me.

“Penny,” I say on an exhale. “Hi.”

“I’ll get Jay.” Jean pats the top of my hand, leaving my side.

Penny wipes her hands on the edge of her blue and white checked waist apron and approaches me.

“Please, call me Liv.”

She stops just in front of me. “Mind if we have a chat?” Penny motions for me to join her closer to the porch, where a wrought-iron seat for two is surrounded by bright yellow and white daffodils.

“Sure.” I walk over and take a seat.

Penny stands in front of me.Guessing she doesn’t want to sit.

“I’m sorry,” she barks.

I pause, waiting for what comes next. She closes her mouth and blinks several times.That’s it? For real?

This might make me sound like a bitch, but she’s not getting out of it this easy. “For what exactly?” I smooth my hand over my belly, drawing her gaze.

Her scowl returns. “I’m sorry if you were offended by what I said.”

Fire rips through my veins, my face heating at the audacity of this woman. Jerry said she rarely makes a peace offering.Is she fucking kidding me with this shit?

I spring to my feet. “Of course, I was offended. You basically called me a gold digger who’s entrapped your son. Is that truly how you see me? Are you even sorry for what you said?”

She huffs and hooks her hands on her rounded hips. “Listen, missy.” Her voice is louder now. “You might have money, and you may have my son wrapped ’round your little finger.” She holds up her left hand and wiggles her pinky. “But if you mess with his head or his heart, you’ll have me to answer to.”

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