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“Will I need to go to Father’s house?”
“I told his assistant how I wouldn’t be here, so you wouldn’t be leaving the house.”
Fiona surprises me by throwing her arms around my shoulders and holding on.
“A date with a handsome biker sounds so exciting,” she says as her voice breaks. “I’m excited for you.”
Holding her against me, I whisper, “I love you, Fiona. No one will ever break us apart.”
I don’t know whether she fears I’ll leave her or she’s sad over how she’ll never be able to date herself. Either way, we both remain in mopey moods through the morning and into the afternoon.
Olive arrives with her little carry-on bag. Fiona immediately hides behind me as if she’s a child afraid of the babysitter.
My tension ramps up as I prepare to meet Eagle at the front gate.
“I’m staying in my room tonight,” Fiona announces from down the hall.
I find her dragging her cello in the wrong direction. She nearly trips over her own feet in her hurry.
“Let’s get you ready,” I say and take it from her.
“I’m not scared,” she insists and forces her eyes open to see me. “I don’t want you to stay here.”
“It’s okay to be scared. I’m really nervous about tonight,” I explain as I bring her cello to her bedroom.
Fiona shuffles after me, holding on to the wall as she tries to keep her eyes open.
“I don’t want to see,” she whines and sits on the floor. “I like the dark. I want to be alone.”
Once her cello is set up, I return to Fiona. Olive stands nearby, watching helplessly. I immediately decide to cancel my date. These two are not ready to be alone all night. I’m being selfish to expect so much from Fiona.
“I’ll stay home tonight,” I promise as I kneel next to her.
Fiona bursts into tears. “I’m evil. I’m ruining you. The Rogers bloodline is filthy.”
“No, I love you,” I say and wrap my arms around her. “You’re right to be scared.”
“I want you to see Eagle,” she whimpers as she grips me. “But I want you to stay with me at the same time.”
“I’ll reschedule the date. In a few days, you’ll know Olive better. Everyone will be calmer.”
Fiona rests her head against my chest for a long time before exhaling deeply.
“I will stay in my room while you’re gone. Help me get everything ready, so you won’t be late.”
I cup her face and brush my thumbs across her closed eyelids. Fiona forces her eyes open, afraid of bright light despite the house remaining murky.
“I’ll reschedule.”
“No, Eagle will be disappointed.”
“He’ll understand.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“Well, then, I guess he and I aren’t meant to work out.”
Fiona frowns. “Irina, you’re messing up your chance at a better life.”
