“You know what? You should stay here because I can talk to you about Ken and his big dick. It’s not like I can talk to Leila about it,” I snort, rolling my eyes. “Or Alicia. To think of it,” I’m trying to recall all our conversations, “I don’t think we’ve ever discussed her man’s magic abilities, you know. So I guess I’m kind of banned from discussing Ken’s with her too. Which brings me to you.” I point my index finger at him. “You are the best companion a lady can ask for. You can listen, nod your pretty head, and will always keep my secret. Won’t you?”
The bird tilts his head to the side.
“Yes, you will. You are the perfect therapist and girlfriend.” I lean toward him over the table. “So I can discuss all the veins and grooves of Sheriff’s giant dick, and no one will know about it. Right?”
He agrees with me, of course. I can tell.
I check the fridge for any food for myself and find only healthy options. After the night I had, I want junk and grease and sugar. I’ll probably ask Kenneth to stop by to pick up a Lonely Kurt from Marina’s diner.
At ten-fifty, a car parks outside, and Kenneth comes in. I rush to the door and lean on the doorframe, not knowing how to greet him. Because I don’t know what we are.
“Hey.” I decide to go with a soft smile.
“Hey,” he replies in that raspy voice of his and walks toward me, where he wraps his arms around me, pulling me into him. “I’ve missed you.”
His lips cover mine in a gentle kiss, completely different from the possessive devouring he did the last time. I like this kiss. I like how gentle this big beast can be, and I like the contrast between them.
“I’ve missed you too,” I whisper into the kiss. “But I had company.”
He pulls away, groaning. “Did Mrs. Roberts visit again?”
“No,” I giggle. “Someone else.”
With that, I lead him to the kitchen, where the gray feathered friend is still walking on the table.
“Again?” Kenneth asks, sighing.
“What?” I whip my head toward him. “What do you mean?”
“This parrot has been coming here for some time now. He knocks on the window, raids my fridge, and leaves. Sometimes he harasses me in town.”
I can’t help but giggle. “No way. This tiny, cute creature is not able to harass anyone.”
“You just watch.” He sends the bird a silent warning. “He’ll be doing the same to you.”
“Do you know if he belongs to someone?”
The bird suddenly flips his wings angrily and lets out a loud squawk of protest, so I instantly fix my mistake, thinking that he might be triggered by the word if he was held captive or something.
“I mean, do you know where he lives?” I eye the bird carefully, who seems to calm down a bit.
Kenneth shrugs, slowly walking toward the table. “No one’s reported a missing gray African parrot, so I guess he probably flew here from another town.”
“I’ve always wanted to have a parrot.” Then I add, laughing, “When I have a home for myself, you know.”
“About that.” He turns serious. “I hope you can stay here.”
“Until when?” I ask softly, not trying to be sarcastic but genuinely trying to figure out what’s really happening between us. “We both know I have an expiration date here, in Little Hope.”
He circles the table and comes to stand next to me. “Where are you going after this project, Josie?”
I swallow, giving myself time to reply. “I guess back to New York.”
“What’s waiting for you there?” His intense eyes move between mine.
I shrug one shoulder. “What’s waiting for me here?”
“I am,” he replies firmly, completely sure of his words. “This town is not going to cut your wings.” He gently touches the side of my face. “And if they try, I’ll lock their scissors away in a jail.”
