Page 29 of Missing Pieces

He opens the can to reveal a gorgeous light gray color with blue undertones. It is the perfect complement to the curtains and will work well with all the natural light that floods the room, keeping it bright and cheery but modern. “This is the exact color I would have chosen!”

He gives me that damn panty-dropping grin and I almost jump into his arms and kiss him because he looks that hot. I manage to restrain myself and start pouring paint into the plastic containers he brought.

We each choose a wall to start painting and get to work. I realize I haven’t thought about Drew since Easton got here. All those things he said just erased from my mind.

He interrupts me from my thoughts. “You should add some bookshelves to these walls. It will help get rid of those stacks of books in your room.”

“When were you in my room?”

“The other night when you were cooking. I wandered. Stumbled into your room.”

“Stumbled into my room?” I question him and look over my shoulder. “I think you knew which one was my room.”

“Yeah, well I was curious,” he shrugs.

“And did you find anything of interest?”

“Just the picture of you and your dog on the nightstand.”

I don’t know why thinking about that picture hurts but I feel tears well up in my eyes. I turn around to blink them away.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” he apologizes.

I sniffle a little and set my paint roller down. “You didn’t. I just really miss him. He was like the child I never had. He meant everything to me and that asshole kept him for himself.” I pause trying to collect myself. “The worst part is that while I was on the phone with him today, I heard Poe in the background barking. And he yelled at him.”

I clench my hands into fists trying to will the anger away. “I just want him back. That’s all. Like if I get nothing else out of this divorce when it’s all said and done, I will be fine if I can have Poe back.”

Easton puts down his roller and walks over to me and puts a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “It will work out. You’ll get him back. Besides you got the best argument now. You’ve got a yard.”

I try to believe in his reassurance, but it’s hard when everything has not gone my way. We go back to painting and soon we start talking about Ivy.

“So, you really don’t think that Ivy is going to be upset we’re painting her house?” I ask as I finish up the last wall in the living room and Easton works on the foyer.

“Well, it’s too late now.” He laughs. “I think she is gonna love your plans for outside. Especially if you add a porch swing. That’s her favorite thing at her house.”

I set my roller down and assess my paint job. It looks good. Maybe not quite so country, okay not country at all, but the color is welcoming.

“Ivy was the one who got me to come over here.” I am startled out of my thoughts by Easton’s admission.

“What do you mean she got you to come over here?” I asked hoping she didn’t say I was obviously affected by his absence or the fact that we almost kissed and maybe he would just finish the job. Knowing her and her damn plotting I wouldn’t be surprised.

He set is roller down and walked over to me crossing his arm over his chest. “She said I needed to get my head straight about you.”

I look at him curiously because I have no idea what that’s even supposed to mean.

“She does get into everyone’s business. Honestly, she’s going to be the leader of the Sergeants one day. She says she ain’t bad like them, but she’s worse sometimes.” He uncrosses his arms and shoves his hands into his pockets.

I hate to be rude, but this is definitely not the Easton I am used to and I have no idea what he’s getting at. So I go for blunt. “What’s your point?”

“She’s trying to get us together. I’ve known that since she pretended to be drunk at her house, so I would have to drive you home,” he admits.

I chuckle, but my soft chuckle turns into roaring laughter. “I-I’m sorry,” I say, trying to get the words out. “Sorry I’m not laughing at you, I’m just glad that it’s not just me that sees it.”

A grin lights up his face. “Maybe we should do it and then get in a huge fight and break it off two days later just to piss her off.”

My laughter fades and guilt washes over me. “I can’t do that,” I pause. “I can’t pretend. Not anymore.”

Easton walks over and lifts my chin. “I know. I was only kidding.”