Page 90 of Mountain Daddy

“I do.” Nikolai's voice catches slightly. “I used to ride when I was a boy, in Russia.”

“Really?” Chleo's eyes widen. “That's so cool! Can you teach me?”

I see the pain flash across Nikolai's face before he masks it. “I'm afraid I have to go away for a while.”

“Oh.” Chleo's smile dims. “Will you come back?”

Nikolai glances up at me, and I see the question in his eyes. The hope. The plea.

I shake my head.

Something hardens in his expression. He turns back to Chleo. “I don't know, buddy.”

Then, without warning, Nikolai pulls Chleo into a tight hug. He breathes in deeply, like he's trying to memorize Chleo's scent.

“Be good for your mom,” he whispers.

Chleo nods solemnly. “I will.”

Nikolai stands, not looking at me. “Goodbye, Lilly.”

And then he's gone.

I stand frozen, in disbelief that he actually walked away.

“Mama?” Chleo looks up at me. “Who is that man?”

The question hits like a physical blow. “Just a friend, baby.”

“Just a friend?” His big, eager eyes look to me.

“Just a friend,” I repeat, my voice choking.

“Oh. I like him. He’s nice.”

My heart cracks a little more. “Yes. He is.”

I have to turn away before he sees the tears in my eyes.

“Sweetheart, how would you feel about a sleepover at Rosa's tonight?”

His face lights up. “Really? She has a PlayStation!”

“I know. I've already talked to her about it. She's going to take you for a few days while I fix up the bakery.”

“Awesome!”

I can't tell him the real reason—that I'm terrified of what might happen next. That I need to know he's safe while I figure out what to do. Whether to run again or stand my ground.

Rosa arrives thirty minutes later to pick him up.

“You sure about this?” she asks quietly while Chleo gathers his treasures.

“I'm sure. Just... keep him safe, okay?”

She studies my face. “What's going on, Lilly? For real?”

“I can't explain right now. Just trust me. Please.”

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