Page 26 of Where the Little Birds Go (Little Bird Duet 1)

He doesn’t mention our families, but I know it’s who he means. “They are. All of them.”

Olivia dismisses herself with a small wave before heading over to a woman who shakes something in her hand at her.

“You were leaning forward,” Corbin states quietly. “I always knew you were into a movie when you did that. Some things don’t change, huh?”

I slide off the chair. “Some things do.”

He turns and catches my wrist to stop me from walking away, quickly lowering his hand from mine before anyone sees. “Do you really believe what she said?”

“What do you mean?”

He sighs. “Don’t play stupid, Little Bird. Do you believe you’ll meet the right person again when the time is right?”

A humorless laugh bubbles out of me as I meet his gaze straight on. “I’m not the married one, Corbin. Maybe you should ask your wife.”

I walk away in silence.

The familiar name on my phone has me smiling as I walk to the car at the end of the day. There’s no hesitation in answering like when other people call. I’m never too tired to hear from my brother.

“Hey, Gav.”

“Dickwad,” he greets.

Rolling my eyes, I laugh and mouth a quick thank you to the driver who’s opening my door. Before I can climb in the back, my name is being shouted from across the lot.

“Who is that?” Gavin asks.

My eyes search the surroundings, but I don’t know why. It isn’t like I’m not familiar with the rasp of Corbin’s voice by now. I’ve seen countless scenes, watched too many interviews, and I'm pretty sure I dream in the low gravelly tone that puberty has blessed him with.

No longer is the teenage boy encompassing the burly man that is Corbin Callum. It’s almost like he doesn’t want any piece of his old self embodied in the life he lives now. It’s sad.

Knowing how Gavin feels about Corbin, I nibble my lip and watch as Corbin jogs over to where I sit with my feet still dangling out the car door.

All I get out is, “Uh…”

He deadpans. “It’s him, isn’t it?”

Lie. “No?”

Dropping my head back at the questionable answer, I listen to him curse over the line. “Please tell me the asshole isn’t harassing you. It’s bad enough you’re working together—”

“That’s a bit of a stretch,” I cut it.

“Well, you have to see him every day.”

“Not the same, but whatever.” I debate on getting in and closing the door before Corbin can try talking to me, but something holds me back.

“I was checking to see how you’re doing over in the big-leagues,” Gavin redirects, though reluctant based on his mutterings.

“It’s been an experience, but I’m okay.” I want to ask him about the farm, the new barn renovation, and how my little nephew is doing. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do that before Corbin is standing beside the car.

“Hey,” he says, out of breath. “Glad I caught you. Mind talking for a minute?”

Gavin says, “Tell him no.”

“Oh, shut up.” I smile despite my brother’s obvious distaste even after all these years, causing Corbin’s brows to pinch. “Gavin is on the phone. I’ll tell him you said hi.”

“Tell him to fuck off,” my brother replies.

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