He secured the thick gray cotton around his waist and signed,“I’m done here, so let me shower and get dressed. We can have lunch then head out. I promised Rylee a fun day and touring schools isn’t what I think a six-year-old would consider fun. We can find something else to get into while we’re out.”
I cleared my throat.“Sounds good. I’ll start getting her prepped while you do that.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and left his gym. I needed space from my thoughts and the man consuming them.
When I made it back to the kitchen, Joy was setting a platter full of subs on the kitchen table, along with a bowl of kettle chips. There was also a pitcher of what looked like iced tea and one of lemonade with berries floating in it.
Rylee darted my way as soon as she saw me.
“Somee, look what we made.”
“I see. It looks good. Are you ready to eat?”
“Yes. Can I now?”
“Hands washed?”
“Yes, Joy said I had to before I could help.”
“Then you’re all set. Do you want me to make your plate?”
She shook her head while her hands were moving.“I can do it.”
While Rylee moved toward the table, lifted a plate, and climbed into one of the chairs, propping up on her knees to grab what she wanted, I entered the kitchen to wash my hands so I could join her. Joy was putting away what was left of what they’d used to prepare lunch.
“Thank you for including her. Everything looks great.”
“No thanks necessary. She made this fun.”
I glanced at Rylee who had her head bowed, blessing her food, before I signed,“I think you might have created a monster. You may not be able to keep her out of your kitchen. She loves to help cook.”
I moved to the sink and washed my hands, keeping my eyes on Joy who began signing her response.“I don’t mind. She can help anytime she wants. Rylee is such a sweet little girl.”
She truly was and I was beginning to feel sad that others were getting to experience all her light, but at the same time, I was happy she would be loved and cared for here.
We were halfway through our food by the time Ryland joined us. He was dressed in sweatpants, a hoodie, and a pair of 1s. As soon as he entered the kitchen, Joy smiled and spoke to him without signing. It wasn’t until then that I realized she was hearing.
Whatever she asked, Ryland’s response, which he signed, was, “Check with Somee and Rylee. I’m cool with whatever they want.”
She then neared the table, offered a smile, and signed to me.“I’m going to do some shopping to get what we need for dinner. If you want something specific, let me know. If not, I can just prepare one of the dinners from the preplanned menus I set up.”
My eyes darted to Ryland who had a plate in hand which he loaded with three subs. They had been cut in six inch sections and he was about to consume three. Based on the way he polished off a full large pizza last night, I wasn’t surprised.
“I’m not very picky, so I guess you can just make something but if you’re shopping would you mind grabbing me some matcha?”
“We already have some. Ryland asked me to be sure we had it stocked because it was one of your favorites.”
My stomach fluttered as my body warmed with the realization that he thought about me and what I liked.
“Thanks I didn’t know. That’s all for now.”
Joy smiled amusedly.“Wonderful, I’ve already discussed a few likes and dislikes with Rylee, so I think I have her figured out. She made sure to let me know you insist on vegetables with every meal. Are there any allergies I should be concerned with?”
“No, but I’m not a fan of spicy food,”I signed.
“Got it,”she responded, then spoke to Ryland, signing at the same time. “Can you share my link with Somee so she has access to the menu selections?”
He nodded and dug his phone from his pocket, swiping and tapping the screen.
