Sequoia Coast DISCOVER · Jawbone Hill

Pied had never thought of Rob as her stepson, nor was that likely to change. In fact, her smile turned a little brittle at the title of stepmother and the idea of having to speak to Rob. However, she would do it for Kisu.

"If you don't mind, ask Rob if he'll come by here sometime to talk to me," Pied replied. "And that's not funny," she added, shooting Hawkeye a glare, though her face broke into a smile a moment later to show she wasn't serious. "I'll never think of him that way. He's Kisu's son, sure, but..." She shrugged a dappled shoulder.

"Would you like to grab a bite to eat or anything before you head back to the plateau?" she invited in the next breath, realizing it was probably time for Hawkeye to head back but reaching out for any opportunity to prolong her visit.