ALYSSA'S POV

I was relieved. I would have felt bad if I had to say no, especially since they were both being so nice to me. I didn't have to think about it, but at least I didn't have to tell them I couldn't do it now.

“Thank you so much, ma'am,” I said sincerely.

She frowned. “Don't be so polite, dear. Just call me Martha,” she asked. I nodded reluctantly. “Okay…Martha,” I said awkwardly.

She smiled at me and squeezed my hands affectionately. My throat bobbed, and before I ...