Page 115 of Ruling Scar
The only other big development was Max’s graduation, celebrating his MBA. I received an invitation, marking my official introduction to the Zimins as someone other than Lennie, the old childhood friend of the family.
I found it equal parts easy and terrifying. Lev welcomed me with a hug, kissing my cheek. Roma’s smile was genuine and Uncle Dima nodded in his typical, but friendly way.
Russet saddled up to me, Sailor on her hip. “I have so many questions,” she whispered, with a mischievous smile. Naturally, I invited her to my new book club.
Irina, Elijah’s grandmother hugged me tight, and took both my hands before she told me, “Oh, I like you.”
I couldn’t fight the blush, especially when Elijah wrapped a hand around my waist and pulled me close.
The only snag came when Yelena took a group photo. Looking back, I should’ve been more suspicious when she agreed to take the photo. But we all surrounded Max, relieved Yelena agreed to take a backseat for once.
Only turns out she wasn’t being a team player. She texted my mom the photo, acting innocent about her intentions. She said it was a good photo and thought my mother would like to see it.
Ads called me ASAP. Mom took the photo like an assault and the knife twisted deep. Mom ranted and raved about the bitch, but then sobbed.
“You should call her,” Adeline advised.
“And say what?” I asked, walking back from lunch, ready to murder someone which goes against most HR policies. I called Mom the day after I talked to Nat. “She keeps sending me to voicemail.”
“She doesn’t know what to say.”
“Oh, she’s shy suddenly?” I guess that’s why she pretended to not be at home when I swung by to try to see her.
Dad calls to check in on me almost daily, but Mom continues to say she’s upset. She offers no details about her feelings or what made her hurt the most during our conversation.
We’re at a stupid impasse and I hate it. But I also don’t want to be the one banging on the door, trying to please my mother again.
Elijah listened to my rants with dark clouds swirling around him.
I was this close to calling Lev myself. Telling him to divorce Yelena’s ass and ship her back to Russia.
“How do you handle her?” I asked, sitting on the bed. He ran a soothing hand down my arm. “You’ve dealt with her all these years even though she’s awful.”
“It helped when I moved out,” he admits. “She happily helped me pack my bags when I went to Oxford. I think she hoped I’d stay.”
“Doesn’t your dad see it?” I asked. “She makes everyone around her miserable. Roma barely speaks to her and even Max gave her the cold shoulder at his graduation.”
“And you know why,” he reminded me.
My shoulders sagged, realizing. “Lev still doesn’t know? Why hasn’t anyone told him?”
His wife is going around slapping people. Shit, no wonder Max put himself between his mother and Russet and Sailor. She’ll rightfully never get babysitting privileges.
“That’s Max and Roma’s mess,” Elijah said.
“Since when do you let them make decisions on their own?”
He smiled, leaning in for a kiss. And then for a lot more than a kiss. I don’t know how I don’t walk bow-legged most days.
So while some things are complete shit, others are great.
And the good thing is I’ve still got a great therapist. Janis might not know all the details, but she’s here to help me navigate the developing boundaries with my family.
I’m headed to an appointment when I check a new text from Elijah.
Pen Pal: The taste of you is still on my tongue.
Lennie: Not right now. I’m headed into therapy.
