Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Since then, I’ve learned to navigate around her as much as possible, avoiding her like the plague. I’ve gotten pretty good at it, too. It’s not just a matter of preference; it’s survival.
“Hey, Marcie wants everyone over by the entrance to the Wings of Asia in ten minutes,” Perry calls out as he passes by. He’s another grunt worker like me and Heidi, part of our little trio of bird poop warriors. It’s not glamorous, but someone has to do the dirty work at the zoo, and that someone is us.
I sigh, grabbing my gloves and standing up from my seat. “This is my life. I’ve accepted it.”
Heidi, always the optimist, stands too and wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “No, it’s not. This is just a stepping stone on the way to bigger and brighter things. Trust me. And hey, at least you finally left Jason. That guy was toxic as fuck.”
If only she knew how toxic. And how he’s still lingering. Just the thought of him sends a bitter taste to my mouth. It’s been weeks since I left him, and he’s just not getting it. He still messages.
“When we first met, it was… I don’t know. Like everything was falling into place,” I admit, half to myself, as the memory of Jason’s charm flickers through my mind. He had that effortless way of making me feel special, but it was short lived. And then all the red flags started appearing. “I really don’t know why I stayed with him as long as I did.” I should have left at the first sign.
“But I was so wrong,” I continue, my voice hardening as the memories of the lies, the manipulation, and the gaslighting come flooding back. “I never thought I could be that wrong about a person. I mean, I can read birds like nobody’s business, but humans? Apparently, I’m terrible at it.”
Heidi rubs my back, her expression soft but knowing. “You weren’t stupid, Briar. He was just that good at lying.”
“I believed every word,” I mutter. “Every damn word. He was a manipulator, and I was the fool who trusted him.”
Jason had been a master of pretending. He spun lie after lie after lie. I cringe at the thought of how easily he had me wrapped around his finger. Now, I feel like an entirely different person—more guarded, more cautious, and definitely not as naïve.
“Thank God that’s over,” I lie, shaking off the dark thoughts.
“Damn right,” Heidi agrees, giving me one last squeeze before letting go. “Onward and upward, girl. Let’s show Marcie that you’re meant for more than this grunt work. We’ll make sure that bird trainer spot has your name on it next time.”
I nod, forcing a small smile. Maybe Heidi’s right. Maybe this is just a stepping stone. But for now, it’s hard to see past the bird poop and broken hearts.
“I’ll never make another mistake like that again. I’m done. I’ll never fall for anyone ever again,” I declare with finality, feeling the conviction settle deep into my bones.
Heidi’s brown eyes widen, her usual easygoing expression tightening with concern. “Well, that’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”
“I’m serious,” I insist, my voice firm. “I have way too much I need to accomplish before I let another man into my life like that again. And for what? To be completely shattered? Never again.” I shake my head, more resolute than ever.
Heidi sighs, her brow furrowing. “You can’t let one asshole dictate your future. That’s not fair to you, Briar.”
“I’m not,” I say, my voice softening but still unyielding. “But I’m also not about to pretend like I didn’t learn from my mistakes. I trusted him blindly, and it backfired in the worst way. I’d be a fool to do that again.”
Heidi shrugs, her playful nature dimming just a little as she considers my words. “I guess I see your point. I just don’t want you to shut yourself off from the world because of some douchebag.”
I offer her a small, tight-lipped smile. “Trust me, Heidi, I’m not swearing off the world. Just… relationships. At least for a long time.” I cross my arms, trying to make the decision feel more empowering than defensive.
A teasing grin pulls at Heidi’s lips as she eyes me mischievously. “Well, I’ve just been asked out by Perry.”
I burst out laughing despite myself, the tension in the room easing slightly. “Perry? Seriously?”
Heidi widens her eyes and opens her mouth in mock shock, but the blush creeping into her cheeks betrays her. “I don’t like Perry,” she says, the denial coming out far too quickly.
I arch an eyebrow, folding my arms as I smirk at her. “Uh-huh. Sure you don’t.”
Her cheeks flush an even deeper pink, and she swats at me playfully. “I don’t! It’s just… he’s funny, okay? And kinda cute in that dorky, bird poop-cleaning way.”