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They talked about stars and constellations for a while until his mother arrived.
“Who wants to dance with me?” she asked the kids.
They both leaped to their feet saying they would, and soon he was on the front step with Birdie, alone.
“So, you know about the night sky,” he said, getting to his feet and holding out a hand to help her rise. She took it, and it felt small and soft inside his, so he kept it there.
“We used to sit outside at night while you other people watched TV, and Mom and Dad talked about what we saw above us.”
“Nice.”
She smiled. “It was.”
“Let’s go for a walk,” he said before he could stop himself.
He knew it was a mistake, but Sawyer didn’t seem able to stop himself from making it. Birdie didn’t protest, so maybe she felt the same.
They walked into the gardens and around the side of the lodge, following the drive.
“You can feel those mountains looming all big and broody over us,” she said. “A bit like you, actually.” He didn’t reply.
Stepping off the drive, they followed a path that led into the trees.
“It’s so quiet out here, like home at night. I love this time of day. You can’t hear talking or arguing.”
“Who do you hear arguing?”
“I work with J.D., Nina, and Priscilla,” she said.
“Point taken.”
It was oddly peaceful to be walking out here alone with Birdie.Right.Her hand felt good in his.
“So, if you pay off your father’s medical bills, you won’t have to gamble or talk dirty to idiots like Murray.”
She sighed loudly, which he guessed meant she didn’t want to talk about it. Too bad.
“I’m worried about you,” Sawyer said.
She turned back at his words.
“The Birdie I know wouldn’t do that kind of thing.”
“I’m not doing anything illegal, Sawyer. Thank you for worrying, but I’m fine, and yes, I will stop when the bills are paid. My siblings have jobs that earn more money than me, so this is how I pay my share.”
“I’m sorry that assface hurt you, Birdie.”
“Steve?”
He nodded.
“He didn’t love me enough to stay.”
“Then he’s an idiot, and you can do better,” Sawyer said.
Why her? he thought. Why did looking down into her pretty face make his chest burn when it hadn’t before all this started? Why did he want her so badly?
This was Birdie McAllister. Sweet, kind, and a commitment kind of girl. His hands pulled her closer.
