Page 53 of Talk Birdie to Me

“Yes, but not for whatever reason you think.”

He was threatening to spend another night on her couch, and Geena wasn’t about to tell her sister that.

Not yet, at least.

And there was only one way she could think of to satisfy Cody’s protective impulse for now.

“Hey, so what do you think about coming over tonight?”

Taylor tilted her head inquisitively. “To check on Gary?”

“Just to hang out,” Geena said. “Like a sister sleepover. We haven’t hung out much lately.”

That part was true. Geena had been busy with work, Gary, and her divorce, and Taylor had been busy with work and Austin. Despite their differences, they’d grown closer, and Geena missed her sister.

“On a Tuesday night?” Taylor narrowed her eyes at Geena. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Geena lied. “Just want some sister time.”

Taylor’s narrowed gaze remained glued to Geena. “Only if I get to pry more about Cody.”

Geena let out an exasperated sigh, but said, “Fine.”

Taylor’s expression perked up. “Then I’m in.”

Geena sent a quick text to Cody, telling him she would be fine, and he didn’t need to babysit her because Taylor would spend the night.

She’d worry about the rest of the week later.

“I’ll let Austin know, then I’ll pick up some clothes before heading over after I’m done here.”

“Great,” Geena said. “Looking forward to it.”

Taylor’s grin grew wider. “And I’m looking forward to grilling you about your feelings for a certain zookeeper.”

Geena rolled her eyes. This was beginning to sound like a big mistake.

“Go get another puppy for photos and save the grilling for later.”

“Okay, I’m here.” Taylor dropped her duffel bag on the couch and put her hands on her hips. “Now tell me why I’m here.”

Geena had been rehearsing how to explain this the whole drive home. And now she was making clucking noises at Gary. Stalling.

“Can’t I have my little sister over for no special reason?”

“You could. If you were someone else.” Taylor frowned, but her eyes displayed a deep concern. “I’m worried about you. Tell me what’s going on.”

Geena opened the cage door so Gary could stretch his wings. She put the paper on the coffee table like Cody had told her to the night before. Then she sat beside her sister on the couch.

“Okay, but don’t freak out.”

“That’s my line,” Taylor said. “Just tell me. Please.”

Geena couldn’t stand the concern in Taylor’s voice. She was supposed to be the one looking out for her little sister. Not the other way around.

“Cody’s worried someone might come after Gary. That they were specifically after him at the zoo. His was the only room tampered with.”

“Right. We knew that. Or at least that he wasn’t safe there. That’s why we brought him here.”

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