“That’s nice of you, but you don’t have to talk about this. I know it’s got to be weird.”
“Sure, it’s weird, and am I disappointed? Of course. I think you’re amazing, Breaker, and if you asked me out on a date, I would one hundred percent go, but I also know when a guy isn’t interested or is hung up on someone else. I had a feeling that might be the case. I could just tell by the way you two interacted and the way you spoke about her. Something is there, and I really think you should try to figure it out.”
“But she’s getting married in four weeks. Doesn’t that make me look like a giant ass? Like I couldn’t have figured this out sooner? Now I’m going to come swooping in and tell her how I feel? It doesn’t seem appropriate.”
“Not sure there is a standard for an appropriate time to tell someone you love them. But the last thing you want to do is not tell her and regret it forever.”
“That’s what my brothers said.”
“Did they also say I told you so? Seems like something they would pick up on.”
“Yeah, pretty sure everyone picked up on it besides Lia and me.” I sigh heavily. “Jesus, Birdy, I’m just so sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She takes my hand in hers. “I’d rather you tell me the truth. Frankly, this might be the most real conversation I’ve ever had, and I appreciate it.”
“Well, thanks for being so cool about it.”
“Do you still want to go on a hike? Maybe we can talk about Lia, and I can help you.”
“You don’t want to do that.”
“I do,” she says convincingly. “I’m all about true love, and I think you and Lia have that. She just needs to see it too. Plus, I can’t waste this outfit.”
“True,” I say as I hop off the back of the trunk. I hold my hand out to her and help her down. “Can I give you a hug?”
“Of course,” she says as she pulls me in.
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Thank you for being honest.” When we push away, she says, “Now, if you happen to have a single friend who is kind, sweet, doesn’t hurt to have some looks, and can be as honest as you, then I would love to meet him.”
“You know . . . I just might have someone in mind for you.”
Her eyes light up. “Really?”
I shut the trunk of my car and nod. “Yeah, he’s a former baseball player. What do you think about that?”
“Um, I say yes, please!”
I chuckle, and we head up toward the hiking trail.
“Goldfinch, right?” Birdy asks.
“That’s right,” I say, feeling like a proud teacher. “Look at you getting it after the twelfth time.”
She chuckles. “Well, don’t say you can’t teach me anything. Clearly, I’m a master at birdwatching.”
“Clearly.” We make our way up the hill, almost to the crest. “I’m irritated that we haven’t seen more variety.”
“Well, you know, the crow and goldfinch have sealed the deal for me on this birdwatching thing. I think I’m an avid fan forever.”
“Your sarcasm is easily detectable.” I let my binoculars rest on my chest. “If this was a real date, I’d be thoroughly embarrassed by the showing. Here, I’m taking you on some exotic bird tour, and we find a gaggle of crows and a dozen goldfinches.”
“Could have been worse, could have been just the crows.”
“Very true.” When we reach the crest of the hill, we pause and take a second to check out the view of the city.
“Not too bad,” Birdy says as she finds a boulder and takes a seat on it. “Care to join me?”
I take a seat as well. “I’m glad we still went on the hike. I think it’s helping clear my head.”
“Good, which means you might be ready and open to talk about all things Lia.”
“Ehhh, not sure that’s the case.”
She bumps her shoulder with mine. “Come on, I have some insight. I’m a girl, and I know Brian. I could give you some pointers.”
“Yeah?” I ask. “I guess that wouldn’t be too bad to maybe . . . see what you have to say.”
“Glad you’re open to it.” She chuckles. “First of all, you need to know Brian’s weaknesses, and I will tell you right now that communication is one of them. He’s also a workaholic, he’s not very thoughtful, and even though he proposed to Lia, it certainly wasn’t his idea. It was his mom’s because she wasn’t happy with him not being married yet. Do I think he loves Lia? Of course, but do I think he could marry anyone? Also, yes. I don’t think the ability to deeply love and be in love with someone is in his bones. I’ve seen it with his girlfriends growing up. They were more like accessories than anything.”
“Yeah, I got that feeling from him. He and Lia started dating not long after she lost both of her parents, and I believe there was comfort in having him around for that type of affection I couldn’t give her.” I wince and say, “Please don’t say that to anyone. I don’t want Lia to find out I’m breaking her trust.”
“Don’t worry, Breaker. I’m on your side. I won’t say anything . . . especially since you’re dangling a baseball player in front of me.”
I chuckle. “A good one at that.”
“I’m counting on it, but seriously, I think one of the best things you can do is be there for her more than you already are. Knowing Brian’s relational deficits, why not emphasize your strengths in those areas? She knows you. But is she aware of the man you’d be in a romantic relationship?”
“That’s what my brothers said.”
“Your brothers are smart. And do everything with her, maybe even flirt just a touch.”
“I don’t want to cross the line.”
“Then don’t, but you should subtly let her know that you’re attracted to her. Start hinting at how you feel so that when you do tell her, this isn’t a total shock, and she doesn’t have some assumption that you’re trying to ruin her wedding. Not that I think Lia would process information that way, but just in case.”
“Yeah, that’s actually really smart.” I kick some dirt away. “Fuck, this feels terrifying.”
“Well, feel free to call me anytime and ask for advice. I think you have a leg up on Brian. The only thing that could hold you back is her fear of facing the truth. And the truth is, I don’t think she truly loves Brian. I’ve seen how she interacts with you and how she interacts with him. There’s warmth when you two are together, a connection. I don’t see the same thing with Brian.”
“I don’t either.” I drape my arm over Birdy’s shoulder and say, “We’re going to have to stay in touch, you know. I really appreciate your honesty and help right now.” And hope I’m not putting my trust in the wrong person.
“Just promise me, when you two get married, because I know it’s going to happen, invite me and offer me a plus-one.” That’s something I can do.
“I very well might dedicate a toast to you if this all works out. You gave me a bout of confidence I wasn’t feeling this morning.”
“If you ever need someone to pump you up for overtaking Brian, I’m your girl. He might have introduced you to me, but he still is an idiot.”
“Yup, can’t disagree with you there.”
We both laugh and then stand from the boulder. I was right all along. Brian is a douche.