Page 44 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

When I walk back in my room, Zach is sitting on my bed and reading the Stephen King book that I keep on my nightstand. I don’t know why I haven’t put it away. It isn’t like I cracked it open since Corbin left.

“Did he corrupt you?” he asks, waving the thick novel around.

I force a smile. “Can we go?”

His shoulders curve downward, but he nods and places the book where he found it before following me downstairs. Mom tries not to look excited when I tell her we’re going out for a while.

There’s no interrogation.

No questions asked.

She just says she hopes I have fun.

When we’re at the stoplight down the street, he gestures toward the gas station. “Do you want anything to snack on? There might be food at the event if you’re hungry, but I don’t know for sure.”

I notice Gavin’s truck parked outside and find myself shaking my head. I’ve been avoiding his I told you so lecture ever since I realized he was right. The first day with no word from Corbin, I told myself it was no big deal. He was settling into a new place and probably busy getting to know people.

Then the second day passed with no text.

A third.

When I called him it went to voicemail.

When I texted it was left unanswered.

A week passed.

A week and a half.

No emails.

Nothing.

Each day, Gavin’s stares would become heavier as he watched me break a little more. I knew he didn’t want to see me hurt, but he saw it coming from the start. I was just stupid enough to believe that he’d be wrong.

“I’m good, but thanks.”

Leaning my head against the warm window, I watch the scenery pass as we turn onto Main Street and let the gas station fade in the rearview. And when we pass a little yellow house that I know too well, I close my eyes.

Zach’s burning gaze tells me he notices.

But he’s always been a great friend.

He doesn’t say a word.

My eyes train on the table covered with vases of paper flowers. Zach must notice my attention because he steers us away from his mom’s station and walks over to the one that’s caught my interest.

When we near the blonde woman, she smiles at Zach. “I haven’t seen you come to one of these in a while. Did your mother finally guilt you into it?”

Zach’s cheeks tint. “Yeah.”

I grin. “So, that’s where you get it from?”

His shoulders lift as he reaches for one of the paper flowers closest to him. There are so many colors and shapes that my eyes can’t focus on just one item.

“These are beautiful,” I tell her, picking up one of the roses and toying with the paint-spattered petal.

“Thank you, sweetie.” She grabs a blue binder from in front of her and passes it to me. “I do other things as well. Take a look and see if anything suits your fancy. I give all new customers a discount on their first purchase.”

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