Page 32 of Saving Forever
“Necessary?” I can’t back down, even though I hate being at odds with her. “Mama, after what happened last summer, did you really think I would agree to another sham relationship?”
“It was a good relationship! She was just too young. The idea of living in America until you retired scared her. But Olga is older, is going to become a doctor, so she’ll be in Russia during hockey season.”
“And you think that’s a healthy way to start a marriage?” I shake my head. “Well, it doesn’t matter. You’ll have to send her home. I’m married. Holly and I eloped earlier this week in Las Vegas.”
“You did this to spite me.”
“I did it because I fell in love.”
She gives Holly a dismissive once-over and scowls. “Look at her—soft and plastic. How much work has she had done on her face?”
I don’t think she’s had any but since I don’t know that for certain, I shrug. “It doesn’t matter. I like her. I love her.” I have to be careful with those sorts of things. “Now be polite.”
“Mrs. Maslak.” Holly waits until I give her a discreet signal and steps forward, leaning in to hug her. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
To her credit, my mother hugs her and goes through with the whole cheek-kissing ritual.
“I was not prepared,” is all she says.
“It’s okay.” Holly smiles and the warmth in her gaze is incredible—I don’t know that I could fake it so well. “We didn’t warn anyone, not even most of our friends. My father wasn’t very happy that we sprung this on him, either.”
That seems to give them common ground because my mother nods. “Come. This is my husband, Ilya.”
Everyone is introduced, including Olga, who remains cool as a cucumber, my grandmother Helena, and my aunt Irena, and of course, my father. Holly smiles and nods and asks all the right questions about their trip, whether or not they’re hungry, everything my loving wife should ask.
I think it catches my mother off-guard because she seems to allow Holly to usher her inside while I get a bell hop to help with all the luggage. Jesus, how long are they planning to stay? There are at least two suitcases for everyone. Luckily, five of them are carryon size. But my parents each have two full-sized suitcases, as well as carryons.
Thank fuck they’re not staying at the house. Not that there’s room at West’s, and we have another ten days until we close on the new house. Maybe a little longer, depending on the playoff schedule and how many games we play. Technically, ten days from now will be game five—in New York. So, if we don’t sweep in four, then we’ll have to push out the closing a day or two.
I can’t think about that now, though.
I have to help everyone get checked in and I’m curious as to where my mother plans for Olga to stay. She’s in for a rude awakening if she thinks it’s going to be with me. Even if I hadn’t married Holly, there’s no way I would invite a literal stranger into my bed at West’s house.
What was my mother thinking?
God only knows.
She’s clever, my mother. If she could arrange for me to get Olga pregnant immediately, she would.
Luckily, that’s no longer an option.
Chapter Eleven
Holly
The situation is both easier and harder than I anticipated. His mother’s reaction wasn’t over-the-top or emotional. She’s being very polite, hugging and kissing me along with the rest of the family. Her smile even reached her eyes for a moment, as I asked about their flight and such. It was all very civilized, all things considered.
What I didn’t expect was for a complete and overwhelming wave of jealousy to shoot through me when I saw Olga. I knew there was a plan to marry him off. I knew there was a chance she would bring someone with her to Atlanta. I did not picture a statuesque blond with piercing hazel eyes and legs longer than my entire body.
She’s really beautiful.
And I suddenly wish I’d taken more time with my hair and makeup. I’d gone with casual, since it’s daytime and I didn’t want to seem like I was trying too hard. Instead, now I feel dowdy and plain next to this striking Amazon of a woman.
Fuck.
I mentally count to five, evening my breathing, though it doesn’t seem to do anything to still the hammering of my heart.
Viktor is busy at the front desk, and his family is clustered a few feet behind him as he gives the hotel his credit card and collects keys.
