After a while, the babies get fussy, and everyone decides it’s time to leave. Belinda takes me by surprise when she gives me a big hug and invites me to come have lunch at her deli again.
“Will do, ma’am,” I tell her.
“You gotta try the upside down turkey and gravy sandwich,” Everleigh suggests.
“You gonna join me?” I ask.
She looks at me with a smile. “Yeah, it’ll be a date!”
Everleigh drives us back to her house and immediately takes Sassy for a walk. The dog nearly leaps out the door and looks like she’s walking Everleigh instead. It causes me to laugh as she runs to keep up. Perhaps I should try walking the little shit.
I change into some joggers and a black T-shirt. Just as I’m settling on the couch, my phone rings, and I smile when I see my sister’s name on the screen.
“Hey, sis.” I answer the FaceTime call. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Hey, brother.”
“Uncle Archer!” Sadie hops onto Annie’s lap.
“Hey, kiddo! Did you eat some turkey?”
“Yep! And mashed taters, gravy, and corn. Mom made me eat veggies too.” She sticks out her tongue.
I chuckle just as Everleigh returns with Sassy. She notices my phone and pinches her lips. However, Sassy doesn’t get the memo and begins barking at me.
“Do you have a dog?” Sadie squeals in excitement.
“My roommate does. Wanna see?”
“Yes!”
I flip the camera around and face Sassy, who’s sitting at my feet, glaring at me.
“She’s so cute! I want a puppy, but Mom said no.”
“I said not right now,” she corrects. “Not while we’re in an apartment.”
Sadie’s shoulders sag, and I wish I could help them get a house. Something bigger and with a yard.
Everleigh comes into view and gives my niece a little wave. “That’s Everleigh, Tyler’s sister.”
“Oh, she’s pretty,” Sadie says nice and loud. “Is she your girlfriend?”
Everleigh grins, and it’s obvious she overheard.
“No, we’re friends,” I say awkwardly because…are we friends? Or just roommates?
“But you live together?” Sadie gives me a look, and Annie’s just seconds away from sending her off.
“Yeah, but we have our own rooms,” I try to explain.
“Why don’t you get ready for your bath so I can talk to Uncle Archer for a minute,” Annie tells her.
“I’ll talk to you soon, kiddo. Make sure to call me later, okay?”
She blows me a big kiss. “I will! Bye!”
Annie sighs and waits until Sadie’s out of earshot. “How was your Thanksgiving?”