“And Eli?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Make some plans for yourself. Get out for a bit. Make a memory. ‘Kay?”
I hear the worry in his voice, and it gives me pause.
It also makes me think of Lia, immediately.
“I’ll make sure to do that,” I say.
“Good. And quit with the ‘sir’ shit, too.”
I chuckle. “Yes, Bern.”
“Good. See you tomorrow.”
“Have fun, you guys. And give Joanne my love.”
“Will do.”
The phone call hangs up, and I stand there, staring at the tumbler I’m still aimlessly drying in my hands. I finally put it up before I sling the rag over my shoulder.
A whole Saturday to myself. That doesn’t happen often. Usually, Amber’s already racing back through the door.
I look at all of the ingredients for breakfast I pulled out. I lean against the countertop, folding my arms across my chest.
The house feels bigger when Amber’s not here.
Make a memory. ‘Kay?
I’m picking up the phone and dialing Lia’s number before I can stop myself. Hey, if I’ve got a free Saturday to myself, I might as well try. Walker doesn’t take her out until Sunday evening, so who’s to say she’s not free?
I don’t let myself overthink it before I press down onto her number. I put the phone back on speaker as I go back to washing the few dishes still in the sink.
She picks up on the second ring. “Hey there, Eli.”
Her voice makes me smile. “Alley Cat. I was hoping you’d pick up.”
Her giggle sends butterflies kicking up in my gut. “Everything okay?”
“Oh, yeah,” I say as I put up another dried tumbler. “Everything’s fine. Am I catching you at a bad time? You at the kitchen?”
“Not today. I just finished getting some deliveries done, and now I’m just planning out my next few days at the vineyard. What’s up?”
“Well,” I say as I dry off my hands and pick up the phone, “I just found out that Amber’s staying with her mother’s parents again tonight. Something about a trampoline park and lunch.”
“Sounds like a fun day. I bet she’s excited.”
“Oh, very. But that does leave me with a free day today. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out.”
She doesn’t immediately respond, so I backtrack a bit, hoping not to put too much pressure on her.
“Totally casual. No pressure. Just figured we could spend some time together. You’re more than welcome to bring your planning and anything else you may need to do today. Just figured if we’re putzing around, we may as well do it together.”
She’s silent for a little while longer. Enough for my brain to chastise me.
And then, she responds. “I’d like that, actually.”
