Page 41 of Pieces of Heaven

The problem is she isn’t blowing me off right now. That’s all on me. I could go to her place tonight, squeeze my big ass through her tiny front door, and hang out for a while.

I try to picture myself in her place. Just another stray for Xenia to focus on as she avoids her own issues.

As large drops splat randomly on the asphalt like warning shots from the coming storm, I plan to hold up at the Pigsty. Instead, I find myself heading to Eagle’s brand-new house.

I couldn’t for the life of me wrap my head around the design he wanted for this place. Now, I get a kick out of how he made all those weird ideas into a real comfy place.

The garage door opens as I approach like Eagle sensed me on my way. I pull inside as the storm kicks it up a notch. Eagle stands at the doorway leading into the contemporary house.

“Irina’s making fried chicken for dinner,” he says as I shake out my damp hair in his garage before stepping into the hallway. “She’ll add a few extra if you’re planning on staying.”

“If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Got plenty of room.”

Eagle hasn’t gotten used to his big house yet. He seems desperate for his people to visit and fill up all the empty space.

In the living room, Irina stops admiring her baby girl long enough to look up and smile at me. She’s a beauty with a kind heart and just enough wild chick blood flowing through her veins. I never figured Eagle would marry, but he did well with Irina.

I get a shower and clean up before settling into one of the big comfy chairs in this slick house. Eagle isn’t around when I return, but Irina is still on the couch. I catch her sighing over her little girl’s soft skin. Her gaze holds a hint of sadness and fear.

Irina did the motherhood thing before, lost her boy, and figured that kind of life was over for her. Now, she’s getting used to being a mom again. Taking care of others suits her, but I see her worrying.

I’ve learned how even the most favorable changes hold the power to break people. That’s why I don’t think chasing after Xenia will end in the way I hope.

“I’m not sure I can live in a house again,” I blurt out.

Irina studies me with her round, blue eyes. She and I aren’t strangers, but we aren’t pals, either. She probably wonders why I’m bugging her about my problems.

“Why?”

“Feels suffocating.”

Irina looks around the living room with the wall of windows offering a big view of today’s storm. Almost feels like the outdoors will burst through the glass and claim us.

“If you don’t want to live inside, you shouldn’t be forced to.”

“That’s how it’s been for a long time.”

Irina studies me before her face warms in that devious lady way. “Is this about Xenia?”

“Eagle tell you about that?”

“No, I figured you wouldn’t care so much about her cupcakes if you didn’t think she was pretty.”

Shrugging, I mumble, “Her business is still failing. I think she plans to leave town.”

Irina’s smile fades. “I’m sorry.”

“I shouldn’t care. What do I need with temptation like that?”

“I think she likes you.”

“Oh, I know she does,” I say and rub at my jaw where Xenia pet me earlier. “She thinks I’m a project to fix.”

“Did she say that?”

“No, but she’s playing savior to a stray cat. She lives in that tiny house on Velma’s property rather than getting a normal place.”

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