Page 25 of Sugar Coated Lies
Please give me this one break until I figure out a plan.
“Your mother has already booked a spa day. That's how set we are.”
That doesn’t give me much time. I’ll need to email Steven to make this a rush job and keep my fingers crossed that he can find something by next week.
Benedict's anger is long-lived, cynical, and immature. I can’t believe I was a part of his game the other night, even if it was only to minimize the damage. We can’t act like careless pricks anymore—not that I ever joined in his antics, but I knew about them. I heard him retelling stories the day after, and I know he severely lacks empathy.
I don’t know how bad things will get if he learns about Everleigh, but I know there will be retaliation—which, sadly, means instead of making her life better, I might have just made it worse.
Chapter8
Everleigh
Millie exitsthe freezer into the kitchen, where I finish cleaning the counters.
She unties her apron and hangs it on a hook. “This was a surprisingly nice day. You are a delight, Everleigh. And your pecan pie is spectacular. I’m comfortable with changing our usual recipe to yours, if you don’t mind us using it.”
“Not at all. I love that idea, and I’m flattered. Today was the best workday I’ve ever had. Thank you for giving me all your time.
“You are most welcome.” She sends me a soft smile. “Now, finish up. The café is closed for the day. Time to go home and rest our feet.”
I giggle and add my towel to the basket of other items that need to be washed from our cooking session.
Millie lifts the basket. “I’m going to take this to the laundry.”
“I can do that.” I reach for the basket, but she turns her body away.
“I’m just dropping it off. We have an employee who handles this. Stella. She’s retired but comes back to do the laundry. She loves it.” Millie shrugs.
“Wow. That’s nice.” At the diner and the restaurant where I worked during my brief time attending Savannah State, we always had to take turns doing the laundry.
Millie stops at the kitchen door. “You have a good night now. See you tomorrow at eight? The café opens at ten. That’ll give us plenty of time to make some fresh pastries for the day.”
“I’ll be here.” I beam, unable to believe how lucky I am to work at such a wonderful place.
I grab my stuff and the box of goodies I made today, which I get to bring home to Grandpa. He’s going to love them.
Dim lights lead the way as I cross the store to the front entrance. The sun hangs low in the sky, painting it with streaks of orange and purple as I push through the doors and step onto the porch.
Easton rises from one of the rocking chairs. “Miss Everleigh.” He nods, feigning tipping a hat like a character from Bridgerton. Not that I have time to watch the show, but I’ve seen the trailers. “How was your first day?”
“It was great, better than I imagined. Millie is wonderful and this place…” I glance around the parking lot, large barn, and pecan and peach trees beyond. “It’s like a pecan farm Disney World to me.”
“You’re a sweet girl, aren’t you?” he says with a flirty grin.
“Most of the time.” I shift the box of pastries to my other hand and dig out my car key.
He takes a step closer. “Are you up for a drink to celebrate your first day? I know a great bar nearby.”
“That’s sweet, but I’m tired and I have to get home.”
“Why? Do you have someone special to get home to?” His tone is teasing.
“I do, as a matter of fact.”
“Oh.” He frowns, as if not expecting that answer.
“But thanks for the offer. You have a great evening.” I take the steps to the parking lot and unlock my car. As soon as I set the pastries and my purse on the passenger seat, my phone rings. I dig it out.
