Page 79 of Anyone But Her

"You seem to think Birdie has a type. So what's her type?"

"How the hell should I know? I'm just saying you're not it. Neither is that idiot taking her to the opera."

"She dumped that guy. She said it wasn't going anywhere."

He smiles. "I knew it! I knew he was all wrong for her. Opera Guy with Monster Truck Girl? They never even had a chance."

"I gotta go. I told her I was leaving five minutes ago."

"What time will you be home?"

I laugh as I open the door. "What are you, my dad? You got a curfew for me?"

"Don't be an ass. I was just asking. We've got an early tee time."

"I'll be up in time. Don't worry."

He watches me leave, then I hear the door shut behind me, harder than normal. He's angry I'm going out with Birdie, which makes me wonder if he secretly wants her for himself. But that would be crazy. The two of them fight constantly and act like they hate each other. So maybe it's like he said and he's mad because he thinks I'll break Birdie's heart and he'll have to deal with the fallout from Birdie and Taylor. This is why he can't know about Taylor and me. If he's this upset about me dating Birdie, just imagine how upset he'd be if he knew I was seeing his sister.

I text Taylor as I get in my car, On my way.

Driving there, I go way past the speed limit because I can't wait to see her. When I arrive at the park I spot Birdie's yellow Jeep and pull up beside it.

I chose this park because it has secluded areas with benches surrounded by trees where Taylor and I can be alone without being seen. We can sit and talk. Or kiss. I'm not really sure what will happen tonight. We don't have much time. It's already eight-thirty and she wants to leave by ten.

Getting out of my car I hear Birdie's voice.

"Hi, Boyfriend!" she says, laughing as she walks up to me.

My eyes quickly go behind her to where Taylor is standing, wearing a short denim skirt, white tank top, and bright white sneakers. The white shows off her tan and the skirt shows off her long, lean legs. I'd love to run my hand up and down those smooth, beautiful legs, ending in places that would make her moan like she did when we kissed that night.

"Hey, Birdie," I say as she gives me a hug. I smile at Taylor. "Hey."

She smiles back as she walks up beside Birdie. "Hey."

We don't hug because we'll be doing that and more as soon as Birdie's gone.

"So did he buy it?" Birdie asks.

"Cal? Yeah, but he was pissed."

"Because you left during the movie?" Taylor asks.

"Because I was going out with Birdie."

"Why would he care?" Birdie asks.

"He thinks you'll fall for me," I say, "and then I'll break your heart and he'll have to deal with you and Taylor getting mad at him because somehow it'll be his fault."

Birdie hangs her arm over Taylor's shoulder. "We'd never do that, would we?"

"I wouldn't, but you would. You love blaming Cal for stuff."

She laughs. "True. I guess he has reason to be worried. Oh, well. I'll let you guys..." she smiles at me, "do whatever you're going to do."

I'm curious what she means by that. Did she and Taylor talk about what would be happening tonight? I'm guessing they did but now I'm wondering what that is.

Birdie walks off. "See you at ten. Meet here for pickup?"

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