I saw Danni and Jack to the door, where Danni held onto me a bit more than usual for our hug.
"She seems like a nice girl."
"Yeah, she is."
"You take care though, she may just be looking for a free ride."
"I know what you mean sis, but if I'm honest it was a bit of a struggle to get her to come here and she seems convinced she's going to find another place before Christmas."
"OK I trust your judgement but take care."
"And you Sis."
"Tell me one thing though."
"What's that?"
"Is Freddy yours?"
I half laughed, "Hah, hah. Not unless I got her pregnant when she sold me some ham at the deli counter."
I hugged her a bit more, kissed cheeks and shook hands with Jack.
"Thanks again for the help in the garage Jack."
"No worries mate, take care."
I watched them get into their car and closed the door.
Back in the lounge I found Angie feeding freddy. "Is that what she thinks?"
"What's that?"
"Freedy's yours?"
"She asked."
"Sorry Terry."
"No worries. You hungry?"
"A little, I don't want much though."
I prepared a couple of plates of buffet style food with hot sausage rolls, pizza and salad bits. By then there was no sign of Freddy and we settled with one of the talent programs on TV.
"Terry. I really need to know what I'm doing here."
"Well you can't stay at yours, can you?"
"No. but why have you taken me into your home, what are you getting out of it?"
"I'm getting n... expecting nothing out of it but I couldn't see you struggle there."
"It's still a bit weird for me, I'm not used to anyone doing anything like this for nothing. Especially as you know my... er... situation."
"What I see is a young girl, a single mum, made homeless through no fault her own."
"That wasn't what I meant."
"I know I've only seen you a couple of times but I'd like to call you a friend. As to what I'll get out of it..."
I took the empty plates to the dishwasher and returned with some cakes and clean plates.
"Cake?"
"Aaahh Pink French fancies my favourites when I was little."
It disappeared before I sat back.
"So what will you get out of me? Can I have the other pink one?"
"Course you can Angie, help yourself."
I offered the plate then chose a yellow cake for myself.
"I'll get the enjoyment of helping you and Freddy, I may have the fun of sharing Christmas, if I'm really lucky and I really don't have any expectations but if I'm really lucky I may have a little nibble on a nipple."
"I can't make any promises on that I'm afraid, deffo not until I can build up a stock of milk."
I took her now empty hand, lifted it to my lips and kissed her fingers then replaced it on her thigh. I gave it a little squeeze before I removed my hand.
"Thanks." She gave my thigh a couple of taps with her fingers. "Thanks Terry."
Cakes and tea finished I cleared the dirty crocks away, returned to sit and Angie promptly moved towards me.
"May I?"
"Cuddle? Of course, get comfortable, make yourself at home."
Angie twisted round to place her head on my lap.