“Did you tell her that you like birdwatching when you hike?” Lia asks.
“Uh, skipped out on the part where I mention my binoculars, bucket hat, and notebook.”
Brian laughs. “I bet that’s a sight to behold.”
“Not many people get to see that side of me for that reason.”
“I don’t know. I think the bucket hat looks good,” Lia says, her eyes flashing toward me.
Brian shifts in his chair and clears his throat. “So would I be safe to assume that you’ll be driving Birdy home tonight?”
“If she needs a ride, sure,” I answer.
“Will you be asking her out again?” Lia asks softly.
I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe. She seems cool, and getting to know her without an audience who likes to share embarrassing pictures might be helpful.”
“But those are the best pic—”
“Well, don’t let us keep you,” Brian says just as Birdy approaches. I don’t fail to notice how he cut Lia off, or how she slinks back in her chair from the abrupt interruption. Brian stands from his chair and buttons up his suit jacket. “I’ve already taken care of the bill. Lia and I are going to head out as it’s a bit of a drive to Malibu.”
“Yeah, of course,” I say as I stand as well. Way to make this incredibly awkward with a blunt goodbye. There was no interlude, just a short-snipped we’re leaving. Wanting to make sure Lia is okay, I turn to her and pull her into a hug. “You good?” I ask softly. She nods against my shoulder, so I take that as her answer and say, “Have a good weekend.”
“Okay. Thanks,” she says softly, her voice sounding strange. I’m about to ask her if she’s sure everything is okay, but I think twice of it, not wanting to spark any questioning from Brian.
So I release Lia and say, “Text me about next week and your appointments. You know I’ll be at all of them.”
“I will.” She smiles as Brian comes around and places his hand on her lower back.
He lends out his hand and offers me a shake. “Good seeing you, Breaker. Have fun, the night is still early. Maybe take Birdy out for dessert.”
No pressure. Jesus.
“Sure, thanks again for dinner.” They both take off, and I turn to Birdy. She’s standing there, unsure of what to do, with her clutch tightly in her hand. “So.” I stick my hands in my pockets. “Uh . . . when I go on hikes, it’s more for birdwatching.” She laughs. “Just want to put that out there before I ask if you want to get dessert.”
“Birdwatching, huh? Seems like a good time. Don’t know much about birds, but I don’t mind learning.”
“If that’s the case, would you like to go for dessert?”
“I would love it.” Birdy loops her arm through mine, and we walk out of the restaurant together.
“Okay, this cheesecake is amazing,” Birdy says as she takes another bite. “The raspberry swirl should be illegal.”
“I told you it was good,” I say as I take another bite. “And you doubted me.”
“I didn’t doubt you. I was just thrown off. I wasn’t expecting to grab dessert from a food truck.”
“I live off food trucks,” I say while taking another bite. “Near where we live is a taco truck that makes the best fucking tacos with dipping sauce. Lia and I try to limit ourselves, but it doesn’t help that they’re parked right around the corner.”
“Do you and Lia eat dinner together often?” Birdy asks.
“Uh, not really. Maybe like twice a week. Whenever she’s not with Brian.”
“I wish I lived near my friends. It would make it easier to hang out.”
“It is convenient.”
She picks at a piece of cheesecake and says, “I think I’m overstepping when I ask this, but I guess I’m just curious. Have you and Lia ever been . . . romantic?”
I shake my head. “Nah, we’re just friends. Never even thought about it. I guess it’s an honest question to ask when you see two people of the opposite sex hanging out as much as we do. My brothers always ask me despite me giving them the same answer.”
“I’m sorry if that was inappropriate. I was put through the wringer with my last relationship, so I guess I just want to be up front and honest, not that this is a relationship or that you want to ask me out again, but just in case, I like to cover everything.”
“I get that. I’ve, uh, I’ve never really been in anything serious, nor do I date much.”