Glancing at her, Pace tisks. “No. Effie’s going to be a pretty bird today. We’re having company. Best behavior, okay?” I watch as she looks at him, almost like she’s trying to decide if he’s serious. “Pretty bird?” He nods. “Yes.” “Pretty fucking bird.” Pace sighs in frustration, but I can only give a delighted laugh. “It feels good to have her here,” I say, beaming when Pace nudges her onto my shoulder instead. “Then you look after her,” he offers. “Maybe you can stop her from cussing people out.”
