Page 6 of Drop Pass

I wasn’t sure what else to say. It was a thousand times nicer than the tiny apartment I shared with two other players in Russia or any of the flats I’d lived in while I played in Europe. It was nicer than my family’s home by far. I was ashamed to video call with my sisters when I was home because I knew they noticed the difference as well.

“This is one of two buildings that I could find with availability for next week. I think she’ll like how close this is to the station.”

I didn’t bother asking follow up questions as I skirted around them to my front door. I unlocked it and stepped inside, closing out the sounds of chatter.

I dropped my bag at the door and walked to the fridge. I pulled out the bottle of chocolate milk and chugged it in one gulp. I tossed the carton and made a note for my assistant to pick up more.

After dropping to the couch, I pulled out my phone and called Tiana.

She answered, switching the call to a video. “Zdravstvuyte Nikolay.”

“Kak dela?” She glared at me and I repeated myself in English. “How are things?”

She liked to practice with me since I’d been speaking it since childhood. My sisters were all learning and made me only speak in English with them. It drove Mama crazy when she didn’t know what we were saying.

“Things are okay. Yula is with the doctor. They think it’s…” She faded off and pointed to her chest.

“It’s her heart?”

“No…”

I could tell she was struggling to find the right word, but I didn’t want to push too hard. She preferred to figure it out herself.

“Pnevmoniya.”

“She has pneumonia?”

Tiana nodded. “Yes, that’s it.”

“Are they giving her medicine?”

“Yes, they’ve already started.”

I nodded but inside I was panicking. Yula was very sick. I should be there for her. “I wish I was there to help.”

Tiana gave me a stern look that would make our mama proud. “You are where you need to be, Nikolay. We know that.”

She was right, but it didn’t make the ache in my chest go away. My family needed me here, doing my job to the best of my ability. Going home now and missing games wouldn’t do anything but add stress and make things worse.

“Please tell her I love her.”

She nodded. “I will. Thank you for the money, too. Mama will be able to miss her shifts tomorrow and stay with Yula now.”

“Yes. Tell them I miss them. I’ve got to go.”

“Ya lyublyu vas.”

“I love you too.” I hung up and closed my eyes. Mama shouldn’t worry about staying with Yula. She shouldn’t have to work so hard anymore. I made more than enough to support them and myself. I just needed her to accept my help permanently, rather than allowing Tiana to ask me for small amounts each month.

I looked around my fancy apartment and wished I could have them here. There was more than enough space for all of us, and it would allow my sisters a better chance to go to college in the states. Then I could take care of them. I wouldn’t have to worry.

I emailed my agent to look into it. Now that life was more stable and I’d found my place with the team, it was time to bring my family here too. I just had to convince Mama it was for the best.

3

Elena

When I got within an hour of the city, I called Lucy.