Asa:Where’s Duke?
Dallas:Making dumb ass mistakes.But, Dex, it’s on sight when I see you.
I should’ve known I wouldn’t be able to keep this visit a secret from them. Privacy was a rare occurrence among my siblings, even though our parents had encouraged us to mind our own damn business.
Bliss:You officially talk too much, Sissy.
I didn’t blame Bliss for telling her, though. Dallas had probably badgered her all morning with questions about my whereabouts. And Bliss had probably tried to lie and tell her she didn’t know, until she couldn’t anymore.
That one text from Dallas unleashed another round of messages from everyone,includingDex and Blake, asking for details. I chose peace, not violence, and closed the thread. To my surprise another text came through.
Demi:Look at this shit.
A picture of a seemingly half-baked turkey with no seasoning popped up.
Demi:They’re trying to kill me.Save me some turkey, please.
Thanksgiving was a whole vibe in our house, and Demi had been part of it since the day she came to live with us. And maybe even before. When she’d mentioned she wouldn’t be there this year, it felt odd to not have her with us.
Me:Where are you?
Demi:Pray for me.
Another pic came through. This time of macaroni and cheese that looked more like buttered noodles. The next one she sent was a little harder to make out. But I finally figured out it was green bean casserole.
Demi:I need some cornbread too.
Demi:Just make me a whole plate.
Demi:I wonder if you can get it on the plane.
I couldn’t help but imagine her face in the moment. Thebitch, pleaselook she’d perfected long ago.
Me:Eat dinner rolls with butter to get full.Don’t touch that turkey.Not done.
Demi:OMG!
I frowned and replied:What?
Demi:She’s sprinkling raisins in the mac and cheese.
I chuckled, almost forgetting where I was. I glanced up at Carolyn, who was watching me intently. Clearing my throat, I texted:I got you on the plate.
A second later, she responded:Save pancakes too. At the cabin.
I responded with a thumbs up emoji and tucked my phone in my pocket. Without acknowledging Carolyn’s questioning gaze, I finished beating the sweet potatoes. A little while later, I set the sweet potato pie in the refrigerator. “Once the yams are done, I’ll put the pie in the oven. Then, I’ll be on my way. I’ll leave instructions on how to finish the rest.”
“Who is she?” Carolyn asked.
I frowned. “What?”
“The woman on the phone.”
“It was Demi.”
She sat back in her seat, eyes on mine. “Really?”
I raised a brow. “Really.”
