Page 15 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

I simply say, “Don’t waste my time with stupid questions, Eddie. You’re better than that.”

The room watches us intently.

When Eddie laughs, the atmosphere lightens. It’s no surprise that people are intimidated by him. Not me. “Then do what’s best for her, son.”

Playing unfairly is what he’s known to do to get what he wants. The son of bitch knows what he’s talking about. I rarely go against his wishes because he gets results. He gets me money, which in turn gets him paid too.

He’s just not getting his way this time.

Chapter Six

Kinley / 17

The light blue chiffon dress flows against my shins as I walk down the steps. When my feet hit the banister at the end of the staircase, I inhale before rounding the corner.

Dad sees me first, lips wavering before giving me a nod of appraisal. “You look beautiful, kid.”

Blushing, I flatten the material.

Gavin walks in and shrugs after giving me a quick once over. “You look all right. Better than the usual hobo vibe you give off.”

I roll my eyes. “Dweeb.”

“Dickwad.”

Mom comes in with a camera, making me groan. “Be nice to your sister. Now, come on. I want photos of you three together.”

Gavin shakes his head. “I don’t do—”

“You’ll be in the picture,” Dad states firmly, pulling him toward us.

Gavin and I both sigh and relent while Mom positions us for photos. After a few with the three of us, Gavin takes over to get some with me and our parents.

“You guys are going to make me late,” I mutter through my smile. After another ten, I flip off my brother and step away from my parents.

It’s Gavin who says, “Why isn’t your boyfriend picking you up again? Isn’t that how these things work?”

I slide into my black ballet flats and eye him while Dad gets my coat. “I don’t know, Gavin. Remind me again how you did it?”

He glares at me and picks up the popcorn he was snacking on. Dad chuckles as he helps me into the sleeves of my jacket. “She’s got you there, son.”

“Just because I never went—”

“Which means you can’t judge,” I add.

“—doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”

I button my coat and cross my arms over my chest. “I love you but you’re annoying me right now. Corbin wanted to pick me up, but I told him I’d meet him there. Stop being stupid.”

“But—”

Mom cuts him off, swatting him away to the living room. “Your sister wants to surprise him, Corbin. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

I nibble my lip. “Thanks.”

Dad offers me his arm. “Ready?”

It took him a while to be okay with me dating, especially when Gavin expressed his dislike over Corbin. But since Mom met him and his family in town, she told them to leave me alone. Despite her support, I can’t help but feel like she feels the same way Gavin does. I don’t talk to any of them about Corbin and they don’t ask. I should be glad, but something tugs on my chest telling me that I need their opinions on how to make things work.

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