Sweet Hill Homecoming Read Online Free Page A

shot.”  
    Mia nodded, making a mental note to call the council woman and set up a time to meet with her. Hopefully it came with a bit of money. Anything at this point would help. But the prospect of getting to be a part of the community? To show that she wasn’t the rebel teen she once was and that she was interested and excited about making Sweet Hill her home.  
    “Thank you so much, Jen.”  
    For the first time since she got here, Mia had a bit of a bright spot in her day. It was a long shot, but it was something. And with her record of striking out lately, she’d take the small dose of hope she could get.  
    “Now that you’re in better spirits, back to Deputy Stuck-Up.” Jen smiled. “If I were you, I’d try to stay on his good side.”  
    Mia shook her head. The one drawback to a small town was that everyone knew everyone. It could be a good thing in certain instances, but if the Deputy already had her number, Mia was at a deficit in her hopes to gain the town’s approval.  
    Yes, she wanted to fit in and be seen as a valued member of society, but she wasn’t going to get walked on.  
    “Why should I be nice to him?”  
    “Because he’s running for Sheriff, and from what I hear, he’s unopposed.”
    Of course he was going to be Sheriff, and Mia’s reputation with the current Sheriff wasn’t perfect. Branch had hauled her in over curfew and suspicion of Minor In Possession back in the day. But he was always kind, honorable and gave Mia a fair shot.  
    “Now the Deputy is following in Branch’s footsteps,” Mia said. Only Deputy West seemed uptight and didn’t seem to care what Mia had to say.  
    “Tate’s a good guy. Similar to Branch, only younger and hotter.” Jen winked.  
    “I think Tate’s ego is bigger than his—”
    “Night stick?” Jen filled in with a smile. “Not from the rumors I’ve heard. I don’t think Deputy West is lacking in any area.”  
    Mia tried to roll her eyes again but a small grin slipped out instead. She couldn’t help but remember just how non-lacking Tatum was. He had an effortless presence that engulfed her, despite her being raging pissed. Like his demeanor was one that solicited instant respect and authority. Kind of hot if she were being totally honest.  
    “He looks nothing like he did in high school.”  
    Jen frowned. “Well, that’s obvious.”  
    “Yeah…I didn’t even recognize him.”  
    Jen’s eyes went wide. “Oh man. Seriously? Even I remember him. Pretty sure he even did your homework.”
    “Yeah, I know that now,” Mia said and the moment the words left her mouth, she heard how bad they sounded.  
    She wasn’t mean in high school, but she wasn’t exactly friendly. Guys liked her and she took advantage of what she could get. But that was a long time ago and she wasn’t that insecure, lost girl anymore. She was here to work hard and start fresh with Kyle, get him through senior year successfully and happy and send him off to college.  
    The bell on the door of the café dinged and Kyle walked in.  
    “Hey, buddy,” Mia said. “I was just thinking about you. What are you doing here this early?”  
    “I came to give you this.” He handed her a key. “I heard about what happened last night. Figured it would be good to have a spare since we share the car.”  
    “Thanks.”
    “Hey, Jen.” Kyle glanced at Jen, then at the floor, then at Jen again and blushed a little.  
    “Hey, great game last night.”  
    “Thanks.”
    Mia had to fold her lips to keep the smile at bay. Her sweet baby brother had a crush on Jen. It was cute. Granted he wasn’t so much a baby as a full grown man. Still, she would always see him as a five year old getting into her makeup.  
    “I’m sorry I was so late last night, Kyle, I wanted to be there,” Mia said.  
      “I know. It’s cool. I am actually heading to the weight room.”  
    Mia grabbed a muffin, stuck it in a little brown paper bag and handed it to him.