Page 126 of Him Lessons

“She feels big things.”

“Big things?”

“Yes. REALLY big things. You see, Little Bird’s not like all the other birds.”

“How so?”

“Some people think that because she’s the kind of bird she is that she can’t understand or feel certain emotions. But that’s not true at all. Actually, Little Bird probably feels things more intensely than the other birds. Especially the big emotions. Like when she’s hurt, scared, or embarrassed, she cries.A lot. She can’t stop it even though she hates it.”

“Embarrassed like she was tonight?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t like that.”

“It’s okay. She’s doing better now.”

“Tell me, does Little Bird feel big things for Henry?”

“She does, but they’re not the big things she thought she would feel when she first started watching him through her binoculars. No, it’s more like she just really likes him, as opposed toREALLYlikes him. Do you know what I mean?”

“I think so. Henry sounds like he’s becoming a very good friend to her.”

“One who’ll always have her back.”

Andy smiled at the slightly higher register of the second voice chiming in, the genuine enthusiasm in it making her tear up even as she giggled. Because this manwasbecoming a good friend. “Little Bird also really likes Henry’s Lambo.”

“Yup. What about his club? It’s badass, huh?”

“Little Bird generally does not like nightclubs, but she would enjoy visiting this one before or after hours. Or maybe when there are fewer smelly people and the deejay plays more soft, sappy love songs.”

“On it.”

Another chair scrape, then another deep chuckle. Then, “Andy, can I ask you something else?”

“Yes.”

“These big emotions Little Bird feels for His Tallness… will she share with him what they are?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because His Tallness isn’t ready for the bigness of Little Bird’s big emotions.” Andy smirked. “He’d probably run away like a scared little boy.”

“So mean.”

Andy giggled at that deep, husky murmur. “But they’re good ones, okay? REALLY good ones.”

“Now we’re talking.”

She imagined him nodding his head. Preening. Probably popping his ridiculous pecs. Her teeth sank into her lip to hold back the smile that threatened to break loose.

“Can I ask you just one more thing?”

“Yes,” she said, scooting ever closer to the edge of the door.

“Would Little Bird care to dance with His Tallness?” A hand appeared with the invitation. A strong, beautiful hand attached to a strong, beautiful arm covered in dark swirls of ink. She grasped it eagerly and was pulled up and out of the booth.

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