Redhawk Caldera I love that you shake

-Wow, that’s ageist and sexist,- Towhee shot back, though she smiled. -Did you not hear what I said about Livi? Her mother was one of my best friends back in the day, so I don’t float her name to you lightly.- She paused, mulling. -If you don’t have time to flirt, then how will you court someone properly? You need to get your priorities straight.-

It was mostly playful banter, though there was some sincerity in the statement. Supposing Alivia even wanted a romance in her life, she deserved someone who would give her the world—and all the time in it. But before Towhee could double down on that, Cinar changed the subject. And unwittingly drove a rusty stake into her heart.

-Well, my sons are both dead,- she said with an edge of bitterness that was aimed solely at herself. -You don’t have to do that. “Give us space.” You’re part of this family now, Cinar. Come by soon and I’ll introduce you to the girls.-