Page 136 of Toxic Salvation
Pavel groans but heads upstairs while I slip into the living room through the side entrance.
Luka sits cross-legged on the Persian rug, surrounded by discarded video game cases. Yana has claimed the leather armchair across from him, dressed in a skin-tight wrap dress that leaves nothing to the imagination.
She looks ready for a nightclub, not a visit with her nine-year-old son.
“That sculpture over there—is it new?” Yana asks, pointing to the abstract bronze piece I purchased a few months ago.
Luka shrugs. “I dunno.”
“Isn’t that a Jeff Koons? The man is incredibly famous. I met him at a gallery opening once. He spent the entire evening trying to get in my pants.” She examines her manicured nails. “If I’d known how much his work would be worth one day, I might have let him.”
What a charming story to share with a child.
Luka looks confused. “I don’t know any artists.”
“Of course you don’t,” Yana says dismissively. “What about that chair? Is that an original Eames?”
The woman might know her designer labels, but she clearly has no idea how to talk to a kid.
“I don’t know what that is,” Luka admits quietly.
“For God’s sake, Luka, look around. This place is filled with expensive things. It’s borderline wasteful. So this is what he’s doing with my money.”
“Your money?” Luka asks innocently.
“Yes,mymoney. Your uncle stopped my monthly allowance, so now, I can’t afford anything. I’m about to lose the house, too.”
Luka stares at her without responding.
“Say something, boy!” Yana snaps so suddenly that Luka flinches. His eyes go wide with alarm.
I’m about to step in and end this conversation when she continues her rant.
“It’s not right, Luka. Your father loved me. He would have wanted me to be taken care of financially.”
“Ihor can take care of you,” Luka suggests.
I have to bite back a grin. Whether intentional or not, that was a perfect response.
“Ihor can’t, baby. Do you want to know why? Because of your uncle. He’s trying to destroy us. And for what? Because he wanted to steal you away from me.”
“Uncle Kovan didn’t steal me,” Luka says quietly.
Yana ignores him completely. “It’s not right. I should sue him. He has an obligation to support me, especially since I’m your mother.”
“No, you’re not,” Luka blurts out.
I freeze. Did he really just say that? Out loud? To her face?
“Excuse me?” Yana’s voice turns dangerous.
“You’re not my mom!” Luka’s voice grows stronger. “Vesper’s my mom. She’s the mom I want.”
Yana looks like someone just slapped her. Her mouth falls open, her gray eyes flash with fury, and red blotches appear on her neck and chest.
“Whether you like it or not, Iamyour mother,” she hisses. “That little bitch might think she can replace me, but?—”
“Don’t call her that!” Luka jumps to his feet. “She’s not a bitch! You are!”
