“Thank you.”
“Come, let’s sit. I got those pastries you like.” She points to the little table by the sofas with a white pastry box sitting in the center.
“Oh my God, thanks so much. I love those.” They’re the same type Ehlga makes.
We sit, and Mira opens the box, waving her hand over it as if she’s displaying a case of jewels. We used to do this after every session I had with her, whether that was mentoring or talking. To me, it was therapy even though she couldn’t be my official therapist.
I take a strawberry donut, and she does the same.
“How have you been?” I ask before we can get into any discussion about me. Mira is selfless that way. Things couldn’t have been easy on her over the last couple of weeks, but she’ll be more concerned about me.
“I’m better now. Going to Russia was reinvigorating. I saw my sisters and their kids and grandkids.” She laughs heartily. “It was nice being away. And I’m stronger for it. Being away from Evgeni was hard, though.”
It always feels weird when I ask her about him because I know his health is bad. Now Desmier is another reason to feel awkward but I’m going to ask her anyway.
“What’s happening with him?”
“He’s still hanging on and I still have faith. As long as his brain is active, I’m praying and hoping.” She blows out a ragged breath. “And I will continue to stand by his side in sickness and in health.”
“I’m sure he will appreciate you for that.” I nod with respect. Although I still don’t know the full story, I’m now sure Evgeni must have cheated on her. I’ve had to go by people’s actions—particularly hers—and what Viktor said to Desmier.
“I hope so.”
“He will.” Everything I know might be tainted, but I feel I’m right about that.
“How haveyoubeen?” She holds my gaze with interest.
“I’m okay. I’m…” What do I tell her that won’t sound awkward?
“Glowing,” she fills in.
“Yeah, glowing. I had to try to do what I had to.” Sayingmove ondoesn’t sound quite right, but I suppose that’s what happened.
“And that’s okay. I’m sad you’re not my daughter-in-law, but that changes nothing between us. I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m trying.”
“That’s the best thing you can do for yourself.”
“I guess.” I know no matter what she says, she would have wanted me to be happy with Viktor. There’s a fundraiser tomorrow night at Volkova Inc. that I’m not looking forward to because he’ll be there. God knows what will happen between him and Desmier. “Are you going to be at the fundraiser?”
“No.” Her shoulders droop. “I’m still trying to lie low. I won’t attend any of those events for a long time to come.”
“I understand.”
“Viktor will be there, though.”
“How is he?” I’m wondering if she knows about the fight. It wouldn’t be like Viktor to tell her, but these are different times.
“He’s, um…well, he’s still taking things hard. You know how much he adored you.”
“I know.” Maybe I shouldn’t have asked the question.
“You can’t think about him now. Viktor will be fine, Anastasia. It will take time, but there’s nothing anyone can do now but move on.”
“I know. I just worry about him.”
“Don’t. Promise me you won’t.”