Page 95 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Although there’d been no time to explore anything that hadbeen said the night before, Tami hadn’t forgotten the detail Ash let slip. Thathe couldn’t undo his illusion without his friend’s help. “Is he still here?”
“He needed to go home for something.” Ash eased further intothe room. “It’s just us.”
“Kip left without you? Don’t you live together?”
“I meant he went to … to where his family lives.”
“The enclave?”
Ash simply nodded.
She stood and came out from behind her desk. “Do you need aride?”
“Thanks, but … I don’t fit in most cars.” He looked away andlooked back, clearly flustered. “I wanted to ask if we can meet sometimes.”
“Away from work?” she ventured. “Like a date?”
“Yes. No. It’s an Amaranthine thing, I think. Or an avian instinct.”Ash was having difficulty meeting her gaze. “I’m not entirely sure. Sometimes Ifeel compelled to do things that don’t make sense, even to me. It’s …embarrassing.”
“If it’s important to you, I don’t see a problem.”
His gaze lifted to hers. “Really?”
Tami smiled. “Have you seen some of the things Kimiko Miyabehas to do in order to court Eloquence Starmark? They don’t make any sense untilthe commentators explain the history behind each gesture or tradition. Ofcourse, he’s canine and you’re avian, so there are bound to be differences. Butexploring them will help us get to know each other.”
Ash whispered something.
She missed it, so she stepped closer. “Pardon?”
He reached for her, tugged her into his arms, and repeated,“I love you.”
“Even though it may lead to embarrassment?”
“You really don’t mind?”
Tami lifted her face. “I’m looking forward to being courtedby the one I love. Where did you want to meet?”
“The loft in your barn would work.”
Certainly convenient, at least for her. “How often would yoube dropping by?”
“Every evening.”
She couldn’t hide her surprise. “That often?”
“If you’ll permit it.” Ash sighed. “My father swears it’snecessary, and I don’t think he was teasing. This time.”
“Your father, as in your Amaranthine parent?”
“Not my biological father. My adoptive parent is also avian,but from a different clan. He’s been helping me sort through my urges.” Ash’sfingers sifted through her hair. “Courting and building and nurturing a matingbond. He’s very excited, since he likes you so much.”
“I know your father?”
“Cyril Sunfletch.”
Tami laughed. “Dr. Bellamy is going to be my father-in-law?”
“You sound glad.” Ash was smiling more naturally now. “Andit’s nice to hear you refer to my proposed bond as if it’s a foregoneconclusion.”
