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“Is something wrong with Sophie?” I felt my stomach shake. “Where are they?”
“Chloe, sorry, nothing is wrong. Sophie was saying something about moo juice.” Murphy laughed. “I’m guessing that’s milk, right?”
“Yes, she does love her moo juice. I better go see if I can get her some.” I let go of Trey’s elbow. “Maybe we can dance later.”
I left before anyone could see the fear I was feeling.
I never leave Sophie like this. Stop worrying. Mia can take care of her.
“Chloe, wait up, I’ll help you find them,” Trey called from behind me. “I’m sure she’s fine.”
“Yeah, I’m sure she is. I just relaxed too much and she might need me.” I continued looking around. “Look, I know I’m being silly, but I need to find her to make myself feel better.”
“You’re not silly. Parker filled me in about her heart surgery,” Trey said calmly. “Hold on, I see them over at the Easter baskets.”
Relief flooded me when Sophie’s smiling face came into view. I felt tears pooling in my eyes and swiped at them before I reached her.
“I heard you were looking for me, or were you looking for moo juice?” I bent down to hug Sophie.
“Mummy, we were going to find moo juice, then we saw the ladies putting toys in the Easter baskets.” Sophie pointed to the table full of toys. “Miss Victoria said I could help pick toys for the sick kids.”
“Are these the baskets going to the hospital you were talking about?” I asked Trey.
“They are. We started having the entry into the charity ball be a toy. Then, these ladies help make up baskets that get delivered tonight,” Trey explained. “The kids will wake up to Easter baskets. We also have that table over there that we fill with candies for the geriatric floor.”
“That is so special. I’d love to help.” I took Sophie’s hand and walked closer. “Who takes them all?”
“We all do. The whole family delivers them,” Trey said. “We’ve been doing it since I became a doctor and hated seeing sick kids or sick elderly folks in the hospital on a holiday.”
“We’re going to go help make some baskets. Mia, are you helping too?” I asked, realizing she was still there. “Sorry I disappeared. You go have fun dancing with Parker.”
“I can dance with Parker at all the other big parties. Let’s go help with baskets.” Mia took Sophie’s other hand. “Trey, you can come too.”
“How about I go get us all some moo juice and chocolate cake?” Trey offered. “Does that sound good, Sophie?”
“Chocolate is my very favorite, Mr. Trey.” Sophie bounced up and down. “Can you get one for everyone?”
“I’ll be right back with one for all of us,” Trey said, then turned to go. “Chloe, do you want chocolate cake too?”
“Get out of here,” I laughed, until Mia made a face at me.
Chapter 31
Trey
Ihadn’t made it to the kitchen for milk and cake before Natalie caught me. I was trapped with no way out when, out of nowhere, my mother appeared.
“Trey, there you are. I need your help with that favor now,” Mom winked. “Hello, Natalie. You don’t mind if I steal him away, do you?”
I shrugged and followed my mother. I knew she had something up her sleeve. There was no favor. Once we were out of earshot I caught up to my mother.
“I appreciate the save, Mom, but what am I going to owe you for it?” I looked back to see a fuming Natalie. “I don’t get why she would want to spend time with me when I have no interest in her.”
“Because you’re a Hawthorne, dear,” Mom said. “She has daddy’s money but she wants the big ring too, and a husband that will get her in the spotlight.”
“I can’t believe I have to go on a date with her. Couldn’t you just write a check for her amount?” I pleaded.
“Yes Son, I could, but we get more notice when big names like her family give money to the charity.” Mom stopped walking. “Alright, you’re safe for now. You might want to keep a girl on your arm for the rest of the night. That’s the only thing that’s going to keep her away.”
