She giggled. “It’s fine. Adrienne and Amiyah had me watching Disney movies when they were little.”
“Are you listening, Ms. Alayah?” Ellie questioned.
“I’m listening.”
The ride to the burger spot was filled with Ellie singing along. I knew I was going to hear this song in my sleep because she would most definitely want to watch the movie once we got home.
When we pulled into the parking lot of Burger Bliss, Alayah looked around like she was expecting someone.
“You good?” I asked.
“Adrienne works here.”
“Do you wanna go somewhere else?”
“No. She and I are good.”
That was news to me.
“I’ll tell you about it later,” she said, noticing the look on my face.
I nodded. Unlocking the door, I got out and went to open her door before getting Ellie out. With her balanced on my hip, we walked inside. As we approached the counter, I recognized Adrienne right away. I hadn’t seen her since she was a kid, and now, she was a miniature version of her sister at her age. When she noticed Alayah, she smiled wide.
“You came back,” she said, leaning across the counter to hug her sister.
“I told you I would.”
It did my heart good to see them share a moment. I knew how important reconnecting with her sisters was. Adrienne looked at me and squinted.
“Don’t I know you?” she asked. “I never forget a face.”
“I’m Killian. Your sister and I used to study together at your house.”
“That’s right. You would cook sometimes so she could help us with homework.”
“That was me. This is my niece, Ellie. Say hi, Ellie.”
“Hi. You look like Ms. Alayah.”
Adrienne giggled. “Well, she’s my sister.”
Ellie looked between the two of them. Reaching out, she touched both of their cheeks. “You have matching freckers.”
“Freckles,” I corrected.
“Freckles. Uncle Killian, why don’t I have freckles? I want some.”
“Some people are just born with them. Now, tell her what you want to eat.”
She rambled off her order and kept asking questions as Alayah and I ordered our own food. There was never a dull moment with this child.
“I’m going on lunch in a second, so I’ll bring the food to you,” Adrienne said.
“Thank you.”
After grabbing our drinks, we went to find a seat, making ourselves comfortable in a booth. Ellie claimed the spot next to Alayah.
“I’m glad to see you two reconnected,” I said.
