Anna was probably the nicest and kindest person she knew. She was always welcoming and warm. She was definitely mom material and she was a spectacular friend. They had spoken over the phone a few times over the last few years but this had been the first time in a very long time since they had actually seen each other.
“You look awesome Anna. More importantly, you look happy and that makes me happy.” Daphne felt the twinge of guilt for not staying in contact and as usual Anna read her face clearly.
“Hey now, none of that. I am happy, and at lunch tomorrow I’ll tell you all about it.” Anna said, smiling at Daphne.
“Lunch?”
“Oh yeah and you’re definitely buying. I figured since you’re trying to escape, I won’t keep you longer than necessary. We can catch up over good food.” Anna winked at her and Daphne nodded in acceptance. Man, she forgot how well she and Anna got along.
“Of course. Text me where you want to go and give me a time that works for you. I’ll just be at Grams working on some paperwork.”
“Okay, well try not to spend all of your vacation working. I’ll text you later.” Anna reached in for another hug, and Daphne smiled as Anna walked back into the gym.
When she looked over at the door she saw Trent leaning against the doorway. He was watching her. But he was too far away for her to see his expression. Her cheeks were flaming once again as memories flooded her brain. She turned away from him, unlocked the car, and slid into the driver's seat. The engine purred as she turned the key. She floored the gas pedal, trying to get away from Trent Bradshaw as far and as fast as she possibly could.
Chapter 2
Daphne smiled as she watched her Grams move around the kitchen. It didn’t matter that Grams was the only one left in the house these days, she still got up at 7:00 am every morning to make breakfast. This morning was no different. Daphne had woken up to the smell of chicory coffee and bacon drifting up the stairs.
It had been too long since she had seen her Grams. After her parents died when she was seven, Grams had taken her in and raised her. She was one of the most amazing women she had ever met in her entire life, and she was glad to be back in the old house.
Grams was currently at the sink washing dishes. She had never bought a dishwasher. She didn’t believe in the things. Daphne shook her head at her grandmother as she sipped her coffee. She had offered to help but that was out of the question too. Even though she was family, she was currently a guest in the house, and guests didn't help clean up. So she sat quietly looking out the window into the back yard.
The house sat on about ten acres and the backyard extended about 100 feet before it became a forest. It was a sunny day and Daphne loved how peaceful it was compared to her apartment in the city.
This particular morning Grams had curlers in her grey hair, and was wrapped in her Asian–print night gown. Her house slippers were yellow and Daphne noticed they were the ones that she had sent her for Christmas a few years ago. Daphne liked the fact that they looked well–worn.
Grams never turned around, she just kept washing the dishes. However, her voice was clear over the sound over the sloshing water. “How are you doing these days, Magnolia?” Daphne smiled at the old nickname. It was the only thing that used to comfort her when she came home. It made her feel special and beautiful during a time when most of her days were spent thinking about much she hated herself. Daphne shook her head at her depressing train of thought. That always seemed to happen when she returned to Ambrosia, Georgia.
“I’m doing alright. Staying busy.” She liked watching the methodical way her grandmother moved.
Grams looked over her shoulder. “Is that right? Busy with work or men?”
“Grams!” Daphne laughed when the older woman winked.
“I was just curious, sweetie. With that body I’m sure they are lining up for you these days.” She was now drying all the dishes she had just finished washing. Grams had been surprised when Daphne had shown up with a new body, and although she wasn’t particularly fond of the plastic surgery, she was happy if Daphne was happy. She loved her Grams for that. She never questioned something too much, as long as she was happy. And Daphne loved the way she looked.
“Grams, most of the men who line up for me these days are slime balls who just want to see my tits.”
“Daphne!” She looked shocked for a moment but then Daphne saw her smile and she knew she wasn’t really in trouble. Grams raised her to be lady–like, polite, and to think before she spoke. Unfortunately, Daphne had a hard time filtering her mouth most days.
“Well it’s true. Besides, it’s not like I have a lot of time on my hands. I’m either working on a shoot, working out, or trying to finish up my business plans.”