After finishing your meal on the pier, you and Alexa wandered aimlessly, soaking in the nighttime energy of the boardwalk—the warm glow of string lights, distant laughter, and the hum of music drifting from a street guitarist near the edge of the shops.

That’s when you spotted it: a tiny little storefront tucked between a surf shop and an old arcade, with a colorful wooden sign that read “Feather & Friend: Exotic Bird Boutique.” Alexa’s eyes lit up immediately.

“Nope,” you said, already backing up a step.

“Yes,” she grinned, grabbing your hand and pulling you inside.

The place was quiet, filled with the sounds of chirping and fluttering feathers. It smelled like birdseed and tropical fruit. Inside were rows of bird cages, each housing colorful parrots, macaws, and cockatiels. One parrot whistled as you walked in.

An older woman behind the counter, clearly the owner, gave you both a warm smile. “Would you two like to hold one? They’re very friendly!”

Before you could even say “no thank you” Alexa already responded with, “Absolutely.”

You stood stiff as a statue while the owner opened a large cage and gently coaxed a green and yellow parrot onto her finger. With practiced ease, she placed the bird on Alexa’s shoulder.

Alexa’s face lit up. “Jake! Look at me. I’m a pirate now.”

You stared at the bird. The bird stared at you. You took a step back. “That thing’s got sharper eyes than me. It’s plotting.”

Alexa turned to you, completely calm while the parrot tilted its head and nuzzled her cheek. “You’re scared of a bird?”

“Okay, no, I’m just… respectfully cautious. It’s a living drone with claws.”

The owner chuckled while Alexa made kissy noises at the parrot, who let out a screech that made you flinch.

“Okay. Yup. I’m good just watching from over here,” you said, backing into a display of bird-themed mugs.

Alexa was in her element, the bird casually chilling on her shoulder like it belonged there. You watched her laugh and pet it gently, your fear slowly giving way to admiration (and a little embarrassment).

After a few minutes, Alexa handed the bird back, thanked the owner, and walked over to you with that smug little smile. “You sure you don’t want to try?”

You gave her a deadpan look. “Let’s just say we both have our strengths. You handle the birds… I’ll handle the fries.”

She slipped her arm around your waist as you both walked out of the shop, the parrot screeching a loud “BYE” behind you.

“Date night success,” she said proudly.