What Autumn brings

Duffy did his best not to be too happy to see Effy at the library circulation counter, but wasn't this what he came for? To adore her sincere smile and listen to her sweet voice.

They were almost dating, but she was still in limbo with her beau who was now in Seattle. She'd briefly mentioned him that it was possibly over. Of course, it was Duffy's toddler Alvin that Effy was really in love with. Usually, if they ever met up it was with Alvin, but today he was alone.

"You'll be here the next couple of Wednesdays with your choir, won't you?" She asked.

He gave her a nod thinking it was too complicated to talk about all the children he saw and five elementary schools in the district. Even he wasn't sure he could keep it straight and take care of a toddler all on his own, but it was his life.

True, when he first met Effy she immediately made him think of Duffy's ex-wife Megan. But he knew they were very different. If he thought about it now, he would be sad too, thinking he just wasn't smart enough to know the truth about someone. Yet, he felt he knew Effy enough to be friends. And he seriously didn't have enough friends in his life.

He was just that guy who either had a kid on his back or his guitar. Perhaps, he wasn't exactly conventional. Maybe even a hopeless romantic.

Duffy couldn't say what he loved more in life, seeing Effy smile or listening to those little voices come together in harmony. And of course, there was Alvin who was walking and saying new things every day.

"Hope your Thanksgiving is a good one," Effy made it sound as if she wanted the best for him.

He shrugged.

"And what are you doing for Thanksgiving?" He couldn't help but ask.

"Oh, I don't know, watch some dramas and crochet," Effy shrugged.

Duffy meant to smile, but didn't. Couldn't. Wouldn't. He'd asked weeks ago is she would spend Thanksgiving with him, but she said no. This meant, he'd be alone with Alvin and they could get by on spaghetti-Os.

Duffy cleared his throat ready to walk away. He didn't want to keep anyone from needing the circulation desk.

"You know, what I think," said a voice from behind him. "You both should come to my place for Thanksgiving."