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Feathers everywhere.

“Would you like a drink, my love?” Thad whispered against my ear, realizing I had stopped walking.

I looked at him, relief washing over me. With a drink in my hand, I could sip it occasionally to avoid awkward conversations. “That would be great.”

He grabbed my hand and led us over to the bar. My eyes scanned the wall full of top-shelf liquors, locking in on a bottle.

“What would you like, miss?” The bartender came up to us immediately.

“Can I please have a glass of Blanton’s? Neat.”

“Why don’t you get one of the specialty cocktails on this list. My parents picked them.” Thad offered.

“It’s nothing against these,” I gestured toward the menu. “I just know what I like. If I ordered one of those fancy drinks, I’d waste half of it. But a glass of good bourbon?” I leaned back slightly. “That’s a sure thing. One glass, and I’m set for the night—nothing wasted, nothing left behind.”

He rolled his eyes, “Whatever you’d like. But you can tell my mother why you’re not having her Tequila Mockingbird, the Blue Jay Breeze, or the Falcon Fizz.”

Because they sound overly sweet and are stupidly named. I kept the comment to myself.

I sighed heavily, scanning the menu. I made eye contact with the bartender. “Can I please have the Tequila Mockingbird instead?”

I knew I could stomach it—for the most part

My stomach rolled at the thought of tequila. In college, tequila and I were the best of friends. Now ten years removed, we’re not on speaking terms.

His lip twitched in disgust. “Absolutely. It’s currently made with tequila, but if you wanted to substitute the bourbon, it would be good as well.”

I appreciated his suggestion, “Oh! Yes, please.”

Surely that would make the sweet drink a little more palatable.

“And for you, Mr. Carter?”

“I’ll have the Tequila Mockingbird as well, just as it was intended, with the tequila.”

“I’ll have those right up for you both.”

I watched as all the attendees slowly started filtering into the ballroom, understanding why Thad wanted us to get here early—so he could socialize and welcome people to the event.

“Mother did a fantastic job decorating, didn’t she?” Thad was mesmerized by the venue.

This all seemed so ostentatious for a bird event. Time to lie to save face. “Yeah, it’s stunning.”

“I’m always amazed by the events she’s able to throw together. One day, I hope we can start a foundation and host events like these. Wouldn’t that be such a delight?”

I forced out the fakest smile I could. “Absolutely.”

Please let our drinks be ready.

“Here are those drinks. Please have a taste and let me know if they are up to your standards.” The bartender slid our drinks across the bar towards us.

The first sip hit, and I could tell the extra ingredients they put in this weren’t necessary; the bourbon alone would’ve sufficed. “Mine is delicious. Thank you for switching the tequila for bourbon.”

“My pleasure.” He turned to face Thad, “And yours, sir?”

“I think it could use a bit more tequila.”

The bartender nodded. “Let me make that adjustment for you.”