Page 44 of Wicked Embers

“Please, call me Leigh.” My voice is tight, but I force a smile. “I just didn’t want to sit out there alone.”

The older woman stands, her face soft with an inviting smile. “Come in, my dear,” she says in accented English. “Join us.”

Before I can object, she takes my plate and glass, ushering me toward the table with a maternal authority that leaves no room for argument.

“I’m Katerina,” she introduces herself as she sets my things down.

“It’s nice to meet you, Katerina.” I glance at Tracy and Dolph, who seem unsure of what to do. “Are you going to just stand there, or join me?”

Katerina barks something in Russian, and they both sit immediately, their sheepish expressions making me stifle a laugh. She mutters a few more sharp words at them.

“Mama!” Dolph utters, shaking his head and saying something back in Russian.

“Mama?” My eyes widen curiously. I look from Dolph to Katerina.

“Katerina is our mother,” Tracy explains.

“Your mother?” I look between them in surprise. “You’re brother and sister?”

“Yes,” Dolph says simply, his usually guarded demeanor softening slightly.

Katerina sits across from me, her presence calming in a way I can’t explain. Her warmth feels foreign yet soothing, like an echo of a memory I’ve long forgotten.

“I have four children,” Katerina explains. “Judina, my eldest, works at the Diamond Hotel with Mr. Molchanov. Dolph also works with him.” Her eyes darken with emotion. “My third daughter, Anastasia, she lives far away.” She looks at Tracy, smiling lovingly. “And Ekaterina is my youngest.”

“Ekaterina?” I look at Tracy in surprise. “That’s a beautiful name. Why would you use Tracy?"

“It’s more American.” Tracy shrugs. “My oldest sister uses Judy, and Anastasia doesn’t use her full name either. It was just easier at school.”

I nod in understanding. “You’re lucky to have such a big family.” I smile from Tracy to Katerina. “I always wanted siblings.”

“My family is your family now,” Katerina says softly.

“If you ever need company, my kitchen is always open.”

Her kindness squeezes at my heartstrings and a tear slips down my cheek before I can stop it, and I quickly swipe it away. “Thank you,” I manage, my voice trembling.

The rest of the meal passes in a haze of stories and laughter. Tracy and Katerina fill the room with their easy camaraderie, and even Dolph joins in, though he keeps his usual stoicism. This is how I’ve always dreamed of family meal times. Basking in the love and camaraderie of your loved ones as you fill each other in about your day.

I was lucky if my father came home at all and usually ate Chinese take-out or pizza in front of a fuzzy TV or around the wobbly kitchen table as I did my homework. As we finish eating, Katerina stands, brushing her hands on her apron.

“You’ve had a long day, Leigh. I’ll make you something to help you sleep. Salted caramel hot chocolate—it’s an old recipe from my grandmother.”

I nod, unable to find the words to express my gratitude. For tonight, at least, the weight of this house doesn’t feel so heavy.

I smile back at her, feeling a warmth in my chest I haven’t felt in a while. “Thank you,” I say. Although I’m not sure a hot, sugary drink will help me sleep, especially after I slept the afternoon away.

“I’ll go prepare your bed,” Tracy says, leaving the kitchen.

I move from the table to the kitchen counter, watching Katerina move around the room, making the beverage. As I reflect on how this is one of the best evenings I’ve ever spent. I’msnapped from my thoughts when Katerina hands me the mug of hot chocolate.

The rich, sweet aroma hits me first—chocolaty and comforting. I take a sip, and the warmth spreads through me, settling in my chest. For a moment, the tension in my body fades, and the soft sweetness soothes me.

After thanking her and receiving a hug, I retreat to my room, the silence of the house swallowing me once again. The walls feel too thick, the air too heavy.

Walking into the room, I find that Tracy has remade the bed with clean sheets and has turned the bedding down, ready for me to climb in. I put the hot chocolate on the bedside table when I notice the cotton pajamas Tracy has laid out on the bottom of the bed.

I change into them and go to brush my teeth. While I’m in my bathroom, I check my phone. My heart drops when I don’t find any new messages or calls. I type a text for Sabrina:

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