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“I’m sure your customers love it,” I say, and she agrees with a nod.
As soon as I finish my breakfast and look at the time, I hear a car door shut outside. I’m not sure Tyler has a late bone in his body. A few knocks ring out, and Everleigh answers it, allowing him inside.
“You clean up nice,” he tells her.
“Of course I do,” she throws back.
“Mornin’,” I say, chugging the rest of my coffee because it’s too good to pour out.
“Good mornin’. Ya ready?” He looks around the spotless house but doesn’t say anything.
“Want some coffee?” Everleigh offers just as Sassy runs toward him.
“My sweet girl,” Tyler says, bending down to pet her. “No, thanks. I had a cup already.”
“Wanna take her outside?” Everleigh asks. “She’s already gone once, but she’d probably go again.”
“Sure. But quickly ’cause we gotta get goin’,” he says, then leads Sassy to the back door to go outside.
Everleigh’s standing so close to me that I can smell the faint hint of her floral perfume. When her arm brushes against mine, electricity streams between us, and it nearly knocks me down. I’m convinced she feels it too.
Her eyebrow perks up, but thankfully, Tyler returns. He looks at us standing close to each other and narrows his eyes at Everleigh.
“You ready?” I ask, putting much-needed space between us.
“Yep,” he says, giving Sassy one last pet before telling Everleigh goodbye.
“See y’all later. Try not to bore Archer to death.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Tyler responds.
We walk to his car and get in. There’s a car seat in the back, and I still can’t believe he has a baby. We used to talk a lot about what our futures would look like, and I’m happy he got exactly what he wished for.
“First up is the DMV since it’s a thirty-minute drive. The doors open at seven, but it’s best to get there before the rush. Afterward, we’ll hit the post office and bank. Then I’ll give you a tour of the gym,” he says, pulling out of the driveway.
“Sounds like a solid plan,” I admit. These tasks are daunting for most people, but it means ultimate freedom to me.
It takes a few hours for us to get everything done, and I had almost forgotten how impatient people can be while waiting. Couldn't imagine any of them being behind bars for five years.
After I get a license with my new address and open a checking account, relief washes over me.
After the bank, Tyler puts the car into drive, and we head to the gym. “Oh, tomorrow I have to meet my parole officer at eight.”
“Ya need a ride?” he asks, and the guilt begins to pour in because the last thing I want is to inconvenience him even more. He’s already driving me all over today.
“Nah, I don’t want to be a burden. I’ll order a taxi or something.”
“You kiddin’ me? You aren’t, not even close. I want to help you, Archer. That’s why I told you to come out here. Trust me, I’m more than happy to do whatever you need.”
“Thanks, man. I just feel…I don’t know. I can’t really explain it.”
“You don’t have to. I understand, and I’m here for you, man. Please don’t ever forget that.”
I nod, grateful to have a friend like Tyler.
Once he parks, we walk to the entrance. The place is larger than I imagined, and I love the oversized windows across the front that give a perfect street view.
Once I step in, I’m even more impressed than I already was. The first thing I notice is the juice bar along with all the equipment.
