“She just wants attention,” Bonnie said quietly. “My goodness, you are beautiful. Look at those feathers. You’re like a flying rain-bow.”

“Senor Dave’s regular! Squawk.”

Bonnie giggled and now David felt his cheeks heat. “That’s just obnoxious. Go away, bird.”

“Stop it,” Bonnie ordered, stretching up higher and managing to stroke a finger down Duchess’s chest. “You aren’t a duchess, are you? You’re a queen.”

“Queen Duchess! Pretty bird Queen. Four, three, two, one, pulse, pulse, pulse.”

“Great. A workout with our lunch.”

David offered Flora a mouthed apology when she returned with their drinks and the guacamole. Flora merely shook her head and laughed, her knee-length blue skirt bustling...