Page 128 of Sweetheart

"Really?"

"I just came to return his shirt."

All the adults' eyebrows hit the ceiling on that one.

"Must've interrupted more than I thought," Betty muttered.

After another cough-laugh, Colton said, "Well, at least, everyone's fully clothed."

"That is so not funny," Sadie said, shaking her head at him.

"Come on, Sadie. It'skinda funny."

"I'm with him," Betty said."This situation is hilarious."

"Thanks a lot," Sadie mumbled. "I thought you were supposed tobe on my side."

"I am, dear. But as I've told you before, you're only young once."

Before she could say more, the twins ran into the room, smiles eating up their faces.

"Betty!" they both said in unison then proceeded to attach themselves tothe woman's legs. She gave a trilling laugh, hugging them each in turn, and as they drew back, little Betty lookedat me.

"This is who I was named after," she said proudly. "Betty senior, my mom's oldest friend.Isn't she fabulous?"

"She is," I said.

"And who is this lovely young lady?" the older Betty asked.

"That's Scarlett," Bennetsaid. "She's Sam's girlfriend."

"It's nice to meet you," I said. "Also, your makeup is flawless."

"Thank you, dear. Politeness and flattery will get you everywhere."

I turned back to Sadie. "I'm really sorry to intrude, Mrs. Bishop."

"It's fine, Scarlett," she said with a sigh. "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

"I—"

"It'll be ready in an hour. We do early dinner on Saturdays."

I debated on whether to accept the invite, but the twins looked so hopeful. When I met Sam's eyes, he said, "You should stay." And that was how I ended up agreeing to eat dinner at my pretend boyfriend's house.

It was truly a family affair.

Music, food, and conversation flowed freely. AlthoughI learned Betty seniorwasn't related to them by blood, everyone at the table loved her. Sadieand she, especially, seemed to have a close bond. Ifound out that Betty did makeupfor the stars back in the day which made sense. She was so put together and gorgeous. When she told me she was 99,my jaw dropped.

"No way," I said.

"Yes way," she said back.

"I can't believe it."

"The secret to staying young is to forget the number. It's all about how you feel. Also, finding a good skincare routine and washing your makeup off before your head hits the pillow." Betty grinned at Sadie. "Unless you're so naturally pretty you don't need it."

Sam's mom laughed. "In case you forgot, you were always asking to do my makeup."

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