Page 58 of Pieces We Keep

The morning promises more good times. We can enjoy breakfast together. Talk a little. Maybe fool around.

Soon, though, she’ll return to Fiona, and I’ll feel lonely in a way I haven’t for a long damn time.

IRINA

My first sunrise spentwith Eagle is divine. We cuddle in bed before enjoying his morning woody.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Pigsty on a nonparty evening. Last night, the former lodge felt subdued with everyone knowing their place.

When Eagle and I arrive downstairs for breakfast, coffee is already perking. Walla Walla sits on the back deck. No one else is around.

I make omelets, offering one to Walla Walla who joins us inside when the wind picks up.

“I’ll never say no to a good-looking woman’s cooking,” he says and settles on the couch in the family room. “I won’t bother you two with conversation. Eagle probably wants you to himself. I assume that’s why he’s eyeballing me right now.”

Fixing his omelet, I smile at Eagle. “I hope to become a fixture at the Pigsty.”

His grumpiness instantly disappears in response to my unspoken promise to return.

After our omelets, we sit in a side room once used for conferences. I keep forgetting this place is a former hotel. That would explain the second more industrial kitchen tucked away down a hall.

“When will I see you next?” Eagle asks, erasing the space between our chairs so he can wrap an arm around me.

“That depends on how Fiona did.”

“You saw the texts. She was fine.”

“Fiona lies. I’ll know for sure when we’re alone and she can be herself.”

Though Eagle instantly starts worrying, he doesn’t say anything. I think he’s afraid to offend me regarding Fiona.

Later, arriving at the Rogers estate’s front gate, I feel Eagle stressing in his head again.

“Give me two days. If Fiona had a tough night, I’ll have time to fix things.”

“Two days before we go out or until you spend the night again?”

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