Page 40 of Alpha Daddy's Little Secret

“Linda, of course. It’s her birthday!”

Emily is way louder than she needs to be, but that’s probably because I’m the only sober one here.

“Emily…Is it true you’ve been thinking of a plan to come onto Freddy, Sadie’s uncle?”

“He’s not my uncle. Can you guys stop saying that?”

I’m not sure which gets on my nerves more. Linda referring to Freddy as my uncle? Ugh, gag! Or is it the answer that Emily gives?

“Yes, it’s true.” Her cheeks are rosy as she gives us a naughty smirk paired with a short shrug.

“Really?” I have to respond.

“Have you not seen that man? Sadie, he’s like a walking god in this town. He’s like, 100-percent muscle, and that salt-and-pepper hair with those ocean eyes are to die for. Like,Angela? Why?” Emily makes a gagging face.

I’m totally zapped. I can’t bear any more emotional weight. I could be so down and miserable right now. I ought to just smile and nod like I have no idea what this conversation is about.

“She’s very pretty, but I see her with someone less edgy.” Linda makes a good point.

“Meh! All I know is I may wanna lurk around Dartmouth to see if he’ll let me in.”

“You are so naughty!” Linda tosses a random napkin at Emily.

Emily catches it and uses it to collect pretend sweat pellets on her skin.

So predictable. Freddy, the super-hot Hillpike native, is divorced and hotter than ever. He’s back in town, and all the ladies are exactly where I knew they would be, right outside his door.

Then I remembered the random blonde in the black SUV I assumed was following me. Maybe it was a premonition. I really need to pay Flora another visit. Maybe she’ll be more telling the second time around. In some way, I believe she was holding back something.

“Okay! So, Sadie?” Emily clears her throat, signaling it’s about me right now.

“Yes?”

“Truth, dare, double dare, promise, or repeat?”

“I forgot to ask you that, Emily!” Linda covers her mouth as if she really forgot something important.

“Truth,” I say.

“Okay. Don’t select Truth because you think it’s an easy one.”

“I think it’s probably the safest one, and if I say dare to you, I’ll be taking a shot!”

“Fine, then…is it true you went to Chicago with a truck driver, or did you hitch a ride with Freddy?”

I want to bolt so fast out of Waffle House, but I swallow this urge by making a shocked face and sipping my water.

“That was an embarrassing time. I went with a truck driver.”

How would Emily know if I went with Freddy? I mean, I totally hopped in his SUV while at home, but no one was around.

Right?

“What was his name?” Emily asks.

“Pauly.”

“How old was he again?”

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