Page 102 of Oh, Flutz!

I follow him into the living room. “What is it?”

“Listen,zemelya, just promise to hear me out before you cut my head off.”

“That isn’t a promising start, Mikhail.”

He blows out a breath. “So I’ve been talking to Tatyana.”

I still.

“About taking you back.”

What?“I…” I have to physically close my eyes and open them again. “What are you talking about?”

“I figured she might be more open to changing her mind after everything that’s happened this season. I mean, you weren’t even supposed to find another coach, let alone medal at two Prix. So I spoke to her.”

I feel dizzy all of a sudden. “What did she say?”

He hesitates. That pretty much tells me all I need to know.

I’m going to be sick.“Why did you tell me this?” I ask, my voice coming out high. “Why? If it was just more bad news?”

Mikhail looks panicked, like he wasn’t expecting this reaction from me. “I don’t know, I thought you should know. Look, I think I can change her mind. I told her you’re in St. Petersburg—”

“Youwhat?” I may actually vomit all over my mother’s carpet. “Why? Why would you do that? She hates me!”

“She doesn’t hate you. Everyone was telling her she had to dump you, she didn’t have a choice. And I did it because I want what’s best for you.” Misha scoots forward, taking my hand. “Katya. I don’t want you to be stuck in pairs with an American who can hardly string two thoughts together. You’re too good for that. It’s a waste of your time, of your potential. I want you back with us. I want you home.”

You’re too good for that.

I blink, moving away so his hand slips off mine. “Wow, Misha. You’ve barely spoken to me since I left, and now you want to judge me?”

He falters. “I’ve…been in touch.”

“Well, then you must be confused with another Katya Andreyeva, because my grandfather still uses a Nokia 3310 and I’m getting more calls from him,” I bite, and Mikhail sighs.

“Come on, Katyusha. I’ve been busy. And you know Tatyana would’ve had my head if she knew I was talking to you before now.”

“Please. You’re a grown man. Why are you so scared of her?”

“Because I’m not an idiot,” he says through clenched teeth. “She could finish my career if she felt like it. I need to stay on her good side.”

“So that’s why you’ve ignored me all year?” I ask pathetically.

Misha’s face flickers. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

I don’t know what I want him to say, either. I don’t know what would make me feel better. “Just forget it. Maybe Irina was right, and I am better off in New York. At least they care about me there. At least theyvalueme.”

“Irina? You saw her?” Mikhail asks in confusion, then shakes his head. “They only value you because you’re their only shot at winning a gold in Helsinki. The state of their national team is pathetic, they had to resort to another country’s leftovers and a washed-up has-been who should’ve been dumped off their roster years ago. I don’t know what Lian was thinking keeping him around. He’s a waste of her time, just like he is yours.”

My mouth is open, but nothing’s coming out. This isn’t—this is Misha. One of my best friends.He’sthe one that shipped me over there, to Lian and Bryan. Why is he saying all of this now?

Did he never believe in me at all?

“I am not leftovers, Mikhail. I am a fucking world champion. And you donot—” I jab him in the chest—“speak about my partner, or my team, like that. You aren’t on my team anymore. You aren’t on my side anymore.Theyare. Got it?”

Mikhail looks at me in utter confusion. “Why are you acting like you care about them? I thought this was just a trial period. You were telling me just a few months ago how much you hate it and want to come back.”

“I care,” I say before I can stop myself. “I do.”

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