“Especially if he has a date,” Noah says. “As soon as chicks see him at the gym, I have a feeling membership numbers are gonna climb.”
I stiffen and wait for Everleigh’s smart-ass remark, but she stays silent.
Clearing my throat, I speak up. “Nah, I have no plans on dating anytime soon. Gonna focus on getting clients and working.” I promised Everleigh I’d pitch in as soon as I got paid, and I plan to keep my word.
“I’ll be your first client!” Owen announces.
I flash him a wink. “Thanks, buddy.”
Belinda talks about some of the stories she’s heard at the deli recently as I continue eating. It's weird to know personal details about people in this town I haven’t even met.
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?”
“Great. Tyler and Everleigh invited me to lunch with their friends, and I ate my weight in turkey and cake.”
“Cake? No pie?”
I chuckle. “Nah, Everleigh was in charge of the dessert and made Better than Cuddling cake.”
Everleigh cough-laughs from somewhere in the kitchen, and it’s obvious she’s listening.
“Is that a Southern recipe?” Annie asks as I try to hold back my amusement.
“You could say that.” I shrug.
We chat for a few more minutes until Sadie returns and says she’s ready to get in the tub. I tell them goodbye and that I love them before hanging up.
“Your niece sounds adorable,” Everleigh says when I open the fridge. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
“No, it’s fine. Sadie’s loud like her mother, so it's impossible not to hear her.” I take out a bottle of water.
“I bet you miss them being far away.”
“I do, but then again, I’m kinda used to it. I hate that I wasn’t around when Sadie was born and only got to see her during their monthly visits. It’s all she’s known of me, and I hope to change that eventually.”
“Should have them come visit. They’re more than welcome to stay here. I can get an air mattress and make room for them in the living room. Could have one big slumber party.” She leans against the counter and smiles genuinely. When she crosses her arms, the movement lifts her breast and I find myself lowering my gaze, then quickly meeting her eyes.
“I bet they’d love that,” I say. “But I don’t want to put you out even more than I already have.”
“Archer.” Her voice lowers and it’s obvious she’s being serious. “This is your home now. At least that’s how you should think of it.”