Starglow Basin Re_jaded.

Towhee took another moment to revel in the attention, her eyes watching Soto’s lips despite her inability to make sense of their shape. She shook her head lightly at him as if to say she didn’t understand, because she didn’t. But she didn’t bother looking to Tierra for a translation this time. Towhee had come here seeking answers and now she had them, at least in part.

Look, she said, still looking straight at him. Maybe her daughter would translate for her, maybe not. Whatever you think, I’m not your type. Yeah, that’s right, I just dropped the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ line on you. But it’s true. I have my own life. Speaking of which, I’m going to get back to it.

Her eyes lingered a beat longer but then she shifted her attention to Tierra, to pick up any last replies. And, more importantly, to exchange farewells with the younger woman. Towhee wanted to tell her where to find her—and the little brother she hadn’t mentioned—but held her tongue in Soto’s presence. Instead, she promised to come see her again sometime.

And then Towhee turned to leave the lowlands. She imagined Soto’s eyes following her—she could feel their heated weight—and may or may not have swayed her hips a little as she departed.