“Lilah, you didn’t tell me we’d met before,” I said. Her shoulders rose to her ears. “I didn’t think it was important.” She turned to her father. “This is my new friend, Perci. Her favorite bird is a flamingo and—” “No bird talk for now, please. Let’s get going. I’ve planned a very special meal for my valentine.” “Is it macaroni and cheese?” Lilah dug a fist into her hip. “Again?” “Excuse me, I said ‘special.’ It’s shells and cheese.”
