“Spike and the twins are still passed out. Heard Perish digging around in the garage, so I assume he’s messing with the lawn.”
My heart leapt at that.
I went ahead and pretended to ignore it.
“You want me to give you a lift home? Got nothing going on.”
“No, thanks. I have my car. Layna might need a ride when she wakes up, though.”
“I’ll be here.”
“Thanks for escorting us last night,” I said, offering him a little wave before making my way to the door.
Did I smooth my hands over my hair and dress?
Yes, yes, I did.
I also kind of wished I had some makeup to swipe on.
But I was as good as I was gonna get.
So I made my way outside.
Then there he was.
With a big plastic container of soapy water and a bunch of colorful glass bottles all around him.
Curiosity piqued, I made my way over.
“I have to know what you’re doing.”
He jolted at the sound of my voice but shot me a ghost of a smile as I approached.
“Washing the hummingbird feeders.”
“I didn’t realize that was something that needed washing.”
“The sugar water ferments. Then it grows mold and bacteria and can cause infections in the hummingbirds’ tongues. Then they can’t eat anymore and die.”
“Aw. I had no idea. How often do you need to wash them?”
“In this weather, every two or three days. In the summer, daily.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of work to commit to. I think that’s why Billie plants pollinator gardens.”
“I like doing it. It’s nice having the birds around.”
He glanced over toward the trees where no fewer than eight bird feeders were hung. Each was its own shape and style, from a Victorian-style house to a little log cabin.
“Those are so cute.”
“Cain made a few of ‘em.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, he’s handy like that.”
“What’s the picnic table for?”
