“I see how it is.” Archer’s laugh fills the room.
“What’s up?” I ask him.
“Just seeing what you’re getting into tonight? Thought maybe we could go to the Tavern and grab a beer.”
“I’m beat,” I tell him. “I put in one hell of a week.”
“I hear you there. Well, I guess I’ll just head over to Declan’s to play with Blakely.”
“Surely you have other options?” Don’t get me wrong, I love my niece to pieces, but Archer is young and should be out painting the town and all that. “You’re too young to be settling for a night in with our five-year-old niece,” I tell him.
“Ha! I’m only four years younger than you, and you’re sitting at home on a Friday night.”
“I’m not alone. Alyssa is here.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t have an Alyssa in my life.”
I glance across the table at my best friend. I’m damn lucky to have her. “Want me to have Alyssa fix you up?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah, no, I’m out on that.”
“We have plenty,” Alyssa speaks up. “You can come and have dinner.”
“Might as well,” I tell him. “She made a ton.”
“Because you eat a ton, Tank,” Alyssa sasses.
“We’re growing men, Alyssa,” Archer tells her.
“Just come on over before I put it all away. Oh, and stop and grab your brother a six-pack. He just had the last one with dinner.”
“Twelve-pack. Got it.” Archer chuckles. “I’m putting my shoes on now.”
“See ya soon.” I tap End Call on my phone, not waiting for his answer.
“You hung up on him.” Alyssa gives me her best stink eye.
“I did not. We were finished.”
“You didn’t say goodbye.”
“He’s going to be here in like fifteen minutes. He can tell me whatever else you think he needed to say when he gets here.”
“I’d be pissed if you hung up on me like that.”
“I didn’t hang up on him. We were done talking. Besides, you know I’d never hang up on you.”
“Well, I’m glad that he’s coming over. That way, you don’t have to eat leftovers all weekend.”
“You know if you make it, I’m eating it even if it’s for days.”
“I’ve already made you dinner. You don’t have to suck up.” She grins. She stands and grabs our empty plates, but I reach out, placing my hand on her wrist to stop her.
“You cooked. I clean. You know the rules, Tink.”
“I know that’s how we usually do it, but you’ve had a long week.”
“Doesn’t matter. It will take me no time to rinse these and put them in the dishwasher. Besides, I’m leaving it out until Archer gets here. Go sit. Pick us a movie, and I’ll be right there.” She nods, hands me our empty dirty plates, and moves to the living room.