Page 69 of Heartfelt Pain
“Please don’t leave angrily,” Russ whispers.
“Don’t worry I won’t make a scene.”
Her shoulders slump. “It’s not that. Fuck, if you want to throw some plates around I’ll find some of Yelena’s best china. We’re worried about you is all.”
I nod. It’s all I’m able to do.
Using all the skills I’ve learned over the past few years, I wipe my face blank. When Sailor comes running up, I smile and wish her a happy birthday.
“Thank you.” She clings to her mother’s legs and then asks, “Can I have more cake?”
“You’re dreaming,” Russ says with a wide smile. Like three minutes ago she didn’t just have me cornered in the bathroom.
Max comes prowling up. “You look like you’re headed out.”
The ironic thing is I never once came into contact with his twin.
“Here’s a party favor,” he offers, holding out a bag with cartoon fairies on it. “Would your bodyguard like one too?”
“Max.” Russ elbows him. Then as if the extra candy will placate me she says, “Take it for him.”
I stop myself from rolling my eyes. “Thanks. Thank you for you having me.”
“Thanks for coming,” Russ mumbles making Max look over at her, frowning as he catches on that not all is right.
When I turn, Yelena is standing directly in front of me. It’s the first time seeing her.
“Thank you for the invitation.” She’s wearing all blue, though she looks more like a queen than a grandmother at a birthday party.
“Thank you for coming,” she replies primly.
Maybe it’s my pantsuit combo, but I hold out a hand. She stares for a second before shaking my hand.
“Let’s do lunch this week,” I suggest.
Yelena ignores the ripple of surprise around us. “That would be lovely,” she replies.
CHAPTER 16
Roma
Russet’s lips are blue with icing and Lennie has a plateful of sugar in front of her. Elijah has an arm around her. In a sickeningly sweet display of affection, he absently plays with a strand of dark hair at her nape.
“Hey.” Russ lights up in welcome.
We’re in the kitchen, around the large island. This is the spot we Zimin men often take refuge during my mother’s events. It’s interesting seeing the spot overtaken by the new women in our family.
“I don’t want to alarm you but I think Sailor might be on her tenth cupcake of the day.” I slip onto a barstool.
“Figures,” Russ sighs, but I suspect she’s also eaten a large amount of baked goods.
Dad and Uncle Dima come in from the garage, both with a glass of whiskey in their hands. I’m not sure what Dad thinks about this random birthday party but he gives no indication that he’s aggrieved. He’s relaxed and smiling, used to his wife calling in the caterers.
“Mikail brought his new Impala,” Dad says of the vintage car. “You take a look at it yet?”
“No, but I’m guessing it’s something to see.”
Dad laughs, a boyish grin on his lip. “It’s not bad. Not bad at all.”
