“I’ve been on break for about five minutes, so your timing is perfect. How are things? How’s Everleigh?”

I fill her in, and she’s relieved by the news. She tells me about Sadie and how well she’s doing in school. It makes me smile.

“And how are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m doing okay. Staying busy. Keeping Sadie occupied. Just doing the best I can. You know how it is.”

“I do.” My next client walks in. “I gotta get back to the gym, but I’ll talk to you soon. Be safe.”

“I will. I love you,” she says.

“Love you too. Give Sadie my love.”

“You know it. Bye!”

My next three clients are happy to see me, which makes me glad to be here. The day passes by in a blink, which I’m grateful for. After cleaning the boxing ring and putting everything back in order, I find Tyler and let him know I’m leaving.

“Have a good one.”

“You too, man. See ya tomorrow.”

I check my surroundings before getting into the car, then send Everleigh a text.

Archer: Want me to pick up something for dinner?

Everleigh: Oooh yesss. I’d like the baked potato soup and triple grilled cheese from the deli. Please!

Archer: You got it, sweetheart. Going there now. Be home soon.

As soon as I walk in, Belinda greets me with a tight hug. She pulls away, keeping her grasp on my shoulders, and looks into my eyes. “How’re you doin’, sweetie?”

She knows that Everleigh could’ve died in my arms. In fact, I’m pretty sure the whole town knows at this point.

I suck in a deep breath. “I’m doing alright.”

“And Everleigh?”

“She’s making awesome progress. Pretty soon, she’ll be back to her old self.”

“I’m glad to hear it. So I guess you came to get some dinner?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She hands me a menu, but I don’t take it.

“Everleigh already gave me her order, and I’m gonna have the same,” I say.

“Let me guess…baked potato soup with a fancy grilled cheese.”

My mouth falls open. “You’re good. So, you wanna tell me what the lottery numbers are for tonight?”

She snorts and shakes her head. “Now, if I could guess that, I might not be standin’ here. It’ll be right up.”

Belinda goes to the back as I wait. When she returns, I hand over my debit card, and she shakes her head. “No, honey. It’s my treat.”

“Miss Belinda, no...”

“You gotta learn how to accept gifts, son. Now go home and eat before it gets cold.”

I laugh and thank her several times before she shoos me away. On the way home, I think about how different my life has been since I moved here. Everyone’s always so friendly, and I don’t always know how to respond to their generosity.