Edge of the Past
Page 11
“It’s been foreclosed by the bank and our contract is void. I knew we should’ve gone through an agency instead of dealing directly with the owner, but it was the perfect house! Right on the beach with that awesome deck I told you about.” I pressed my fingers against my temples. “What if this is an omen? For the wedding?”
“It’s not an omen. It’s a crazy fluke thing,” Aubrey said.
“Like running into Elena and Liza in Moscow? How many more crazy fluke things are going to happen before we get to the altar?”
Aubrey and Marley exchanged glances, and Marley said, “Nothing else will go wrong. We’ll help you find a new place.”
I rested my head on my hand. “Thanks. I’m going to have to scour the internet.”
“What about your Aunt Debbie’s summer house?” Marley asked. “I’m sure she’d let you have it for the week.”
“I thought about it when we first decided to go to the Vineyard, but I don’t really want to be in my aunt and uncle’s bedroom for my honeymoon. I don’t know… it would feel weird.”
“You could always use the guest room,” Aubrey said.
“I guess,” I said. “That house has so many family memories, though. I really wanted some place new where I’d only have memories of Sergei and me.”
“We’ll find a new amazing house for you, even better than the one you had,” Marley said with an encouraging smile.
I smiled weakly back at her. “You guys are the best. Thanks for getting me away from Elena for a while.”
“You’ll have a nice break tomorrow, too,” Marley said.
“What’s tomorrow?” Aubrey asked.
“Chris and I are signing autographs at a festival fundraiser thing in Boston,” I said. “My mom and Aunt Deb are on the organizing committee, so they asked us to help promote it.”
Aubrey dabbed at her mouth with her paper napkin. “Is Sergei going with you?”
“He was, but I’m sure now he’ll want to spend the day with Liza.”
“Which will mean spending the day with Elena,” she said.
I nudged my salad closer to me but just stared at it. “Since she won’t let Liza out of her sight, I suppose so.”
The image of Elena’s name carved into Sergei’s windowsill flashed through my head, and I pinched the bridge of my nose. Don’t think about it. But my mind wouldn’t obey.
****
When we returned to the rink, the usual afternoon session of skaters covered the ice but with two additions – Sergei and Liza. Sergei had Liza’s full attention as he executed a single Salchow. Watching them from the bleachers, Elena appeared much less distressed than she had earlier. She was almost smiling, something I didn’t know she was capable of.
I sat on the opposite end of the stands and observed the action on the ice. Sergei beamed as Liza completed two clean double Salchows. In turn, she looked at him with wide-eyed eagerness.
When Sergei and I had talked about our future children, we’d joked that they’d either love skating or want to be as far away from the rink as possible. If they wanted to skate, we dreamed of coaching them and making it a big, fun family affair.
Sergei was getting a taste of that dream, and he couldn’t appear happier. And despite the cute picture he and Liza were on the ice, I couldn’t share that happiness. He was experiencing things I thought we’d first experience together.
Sergei and Liza worked on the ice until it was almost time for Courtney and Mark’s lesson. I waited for Liza to make her exit before I skated out to Sergei, who still had a smile on his face.
“Looks like you had a lot of fun,” I said.
“She’s really talented,” he said. “And I think she’s like us. You know, the ice is home for her.”
“With all the changes she’s been through, that’s probably more true now.”
Sergei rested back against the boards. “Elena told me Liza slept in your room last night.”
I moved next to him and poked my left toepick into the ice. “I’m sure she thinks I was trying to undermine her, but what was I supposed to do when Liza obviously didn’t want to go to her?”
“I’m glad you were there for her. I told Elena that.”
“That must’ve gone over well,” I snickered.
“She’s worried Liza’s going to keep shutting her out. I said I’d do what I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.” He glanced down at the ice and shuffled his skates. “So, I was thinking maybe you shouldn’t come with us to Brewster tonight.”
“I’m not the problem between them,” I said crisply.
“I know, but if you’re there, it’s easier for Liza to ignore Elena. You’re kind of distracting… in many ways.” He leaned toward me with a smile.
His attempt to lighten the moment didn’t ease the wariness in my gut. This was exactly the scenario I’d pictured when we were in Russia – the little family going on outings together.
Turning my head, I watched Liza bypass her mother and head straight for Courtney. I supposed I could look at the one bright spot of Sergei’s request. I wouldn’t have to spend the evening with Elena.
Chapter Thirteen
“One more picture,” Aunt Debbie said, holding up her camera and sweeping a lock of hair out of her eyes.
I slid my arm around Chris’s waist, and we put on our biggest smiles. A large sign bearing our names and the Olympic rings in bright colors topped our festival booth behind us.
The fundraiser was for the ice rink in Boston’s North End, the Italian neighborhood where Mom grew up. Besides our autograph table, a number of other booths circled the rink, selling a variety of food and crafts. Also mixed in were face-painting stations and games for kids. It was like a carnival without the rides.
“Do you have everything you need?” Aunt Debbie straightened the bottled water, pens, and glossy photos of Chris and me on our table.
“I’m gonna need some of that pasta I smell,” Chris said.
The aroma of Uncle Joe’s chicken pesto pasta had been teasing us since we’d arrived. Three booths to our left, my uncle stood with a large serving spoon in one hand and an apron tied around his hefty middle.
“I’ll tell Joe to put some on the side for you and Em,” Aunt Debbie said, reaching out to us. “I really appreciate you guys spending your Saturday here. I know you don’t get a lot of free time.”
“We’re glad to help,” I said.
She hugged me to her side, cozy against her cashmere sweater. “How are you doing? Your mom’s kept me up to date with everything that’s going on.”
I wasn’t surprised my aunt knew all the news since she and Mom were as close as two sisters could be, despite their personality differences. Aunt Debbie was the classic “glass half full” type, and she didn’t have a snippy bone in her body.
“I’m okay.” I tipped my head from side to side like a see-saw. “It’s nice to have an escape from it all today.”
Mom rushed up to us in a tizzy and grabbed Aunt Debbie’s shoulders. “Deb, they need you at the door. Some confusion about the tickets.”
My aunt left us with a parting smile, and Mom zoomed off to handle another crisis. I was about to take a seat when my great-aunt Rafi snuck up behind me and bombarded me with a smothering hug. I coughed from the lack of air and Aunt Rafi’s strong citrusy perfume.
“How’s my favorite skater? It was terrible you had to pull out in Russia.” She released me and corralled Chris into her grasp. “Is your arm feeling better, young man?”
I stifled a laugh as Chris leaned his chin away from Aunt Rafi’s poufy white hair. “It’ll be ready for Worlds,” he said.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that!” She turned to me. “Where’s that handsome fiancé of yours?”
I looked down and twisted my diamond ring back and forth. “He had another commitment today.”
How was I going to explain to the extended members of my family that Sergei suddenly had a child? It wasn’t the type of thing you could mail out in an announcement.
Hmm… I don’t know if he deserves any treats right now.
“I have to get back to business, but I want an autographed picture later.” She pointed at us. “Even though I already have a whole album of them!”
Chris made a half-choking, half-laughing sound as Aunt Rafi walked away. “Is that more of your family?” He jutted his head in the direction of the cookie booth. Three middle-aged women and an elderly lady were setting out little bags of goodies.
“Didn’t you meet some of them at my engagement party?” I asked.
“All I remember is being hugged a lot, having my face squeezed by old ladies, and hearing lots of Bahston accents. I couldn’t keep track of everyone.”
I laughed. “That sounds like my family.”
We stationed ourselves at our table with markers in hand and ribbed each other over our apparel choices. Out of all the Team USA and Olympics gear we owned, we’d both shown up in the same navy 2002 Olympics jacket.
“People will think we were dorky enough to plan our outfits,” Chris complained.
I laughed loudly, so relieved to be away from Elena and her drama. I’d gone to the movies with Aubrey, Marley, and Chris the previous night while Sergei had taken Elena and Liza sightseeing. Daredevil hadn’t been the greatest movie I’d ever seen, but Ben Affleck in a skin-tight bodysuit had briefly taken my mind off of Sergei cruising around the island with his ex.
As soon as the doors of the festival opened to the public, a line formed at our booth. Chris and I signed photos, posed for pictures, and chatted with the endless stream of people who visited us. Aunt Debbie brought us two bowls of pasta as promised, and we grabbed bites between greeting fans.
I handed over what had to be our hundredth signed photo while I checked out the crowd waiting for us. The people near the end of the line shifted aside, and my mouth popped open. Sergei grinned at me, a sparkling light in his eyes. Both my lips and my heart smiled back.
“Sergei’s here,” I told Chris.
“I thought he was with Liza.”
“Maybe he’s planning to see her later.”
We took care of the next few fans in line, bringing Sergei closer to the table. I was gearing up to give him a hug and a kiss when the crowd parted and I saw he wasn’t alone. Standing at his side was Liza.
The two of them stepped up to the booth, and this time I had to force a smile. “Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“It sounded like a fun event, so I thought we’d surprise you,” Sergei said.
“I’m definitely surprised.” I kept the plastered grin on my face.
“Liza, do you want a picture?” Chris asked.
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, please.”
After I signed my name, I stood and asked Sergei, “Can we talk for a sec?”
He glanced down at Liza, and Chris said, “She can hang out with me and keep Em’s spot warm.” He smiled at Liza and patted my chair.
I turned and walked as far behind the booths as I could get before meeting the stone wall. Sergei joined me with a confused look on his face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“You promised no more surprises.”
“This is a good one, though.” He took my hand and pressed it to his palm. “I know you’re busy, but I wanted to see you, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
“But you brought Liza.”
His grip on my hand lightened while his confusion deepened. “I didn’t think you’d have a problem with that. Now, if I’d brought Elena…”
“I told you my family was going to be here. They don’t know about Liza, and this isn’t really the place to get into it.”
Sergei rubbed his stubbly cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it.”
I pulled my hand from his and tugged on my necklace. “You haven’t thought about a lot of things lately.”
He frowned and dipped his head before his eyes met mine again. “Do you want us to leave?”
“You just got here. What would you say to Liza?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
I folded my arms and peered at Liza and Chris. They were drawing on one of the glossy photos.
“How’d you get Elena to let you bring Liza all the way to Boston?” I asked. “And without her?”
“I had to do a lot of pleading, but I finally convinced her that Liza and I should have some time alone.”
“Sergei!” Aunt Rafi called as she came forward with outstretched arms. “Emily said you weren’t coming.”
Sergei accepted her hug while I groaned inside. There was no way my family wouldn’t see Sergei and Liza roaming around the festival together. And knowing how nosy they were, short answers to their certain questions wouldn’t suffice.
“Had a change in plans,” he said.
“You have to come by my cookie booth. I have something special for you.” She squeezed his arm.
Sergei smiled. “I’ll definitely stop by.”
Aunt Rafi continued on to Uncle Joe’s pasta station, and I looked at Sergei. “This is so awkward. What are you going to do, walk up to my family with Liza and say, ‘Hey, this is my daughter that I’ve never mentioned’?”
Sergei took the slightest step backward and studied me. “Is it awkward because you’re embarrassed I have a daughter?”
His question sliced into me and revealed hidden feelings, ones I’d buried under the frustration and jealousy I’d been battling. When it was our little secret, Sergei’s past hadn’t been an issue. But now that everyone was going to know about it, maybe I was embarrassed that my fiancé had gotten his teenage girlfriend pregnant. And I’d criticized my mother for being judgmental. I wasn’t any better.
I shifted my eyes away from Sergei’s stare. “What if we talk to my family before we introduce Liza so it’ll be a little easier?”
I felt him continue to stare at me, probably noticing I didn’t answer his question. “That sounds like a good idea,” he said.
He held out his hand, and I hesitated a moment before giving him mine. We asked Liza to hang with Chris for a few more minutes and then made our way to the cookie stand. My cousins and my great-aunt Julia greeted us with tight hugs while Aunt Rafi flitted in from behind the booth. As usual, they all gave Sergei an extra bit of affection, their hands lingering on his shoulders or his biceps. I always had to stop myself from laughing at their obvious grope fest, but my current level of tension overrode any amusement.
“Sergei, I have your special bag right here.” Aunt Rafi picked up a clear plastic sack, bigger than the ones up for sale, and full of white anise cookies with colored sprinkles.
“Do I get a special bag, too?” I asked.
“Of course!” She handed me one of equal size. “I put a variety of all the ones you like in there.”
Sergei took a deep breath and cleared his throat. “There’s actually someone I brought with me today that will enjoy these a lot, too. I want you all to meet her, but I wanted to tell you about her first.”
He had the attention of all five women, and their admiring smiles had turned into quizzical stares. My face and neck started to warm, so I pulled down the zipper on my jacket.
“When I was skating in Russia years ago, my partner Elena and I had a child together. Circumstances prevented us from raising the child, but things have changed recently, and I met my daughter when Em and I were in Russia last week. She came back with us to the Cape.”
The quizzical stares morphed into wide eyes. Sergei continued, “Her name is Liza, and she’s almost nine years old. I’m just getting to know her, but I think she’s pretty amazing. And she adores Em.” He looked at me with a smile. “Who wouldn’t, but… it’s definitely helped her feel more comfortable here.”
My family turned their eyes to me, and I forced the corners of my mouth upward. Aunt Rafi wa
s the first to speak as the others stayed frozen. “Well, Sergei, that’s wonderful you’ve been able to connect with her. Is she living with you now? Are you and Emily going to raise her?”
“Is her mother still in Russia?” Aunt Julia asked.
Yep, here come the questions.
Sergei explained the complex details and fielded the additional questions my family posed. Just when I thought they couldn’t come up with any more, they’d ask another one such as, “So, why didn’t Elena tell you she knew where Liza was all along?”
I noticed a new line forming at the autograph booth, so I touched Sergei’s forearm as he concluded yet another answer. “I have to get back to Chris.”
“Yeah, I need to get back to Liza.”
“We’re looking forward to meeting her,” Aunt Rafi said.
As we left, I glanced backward and both my aunts were watching us with their thin eyebrows raised. Sergei and I squeezed through the crowd, and Liza hopped out of my chair when she saw us.
“Can I get a flower painted on my face? I saw another girl with one.”
“Sure,” Sergei said. “Let’s go find the artist.”
I sat beside Chris, and he asked, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I uncapped a new pen and sighed. “Just family stuff.”
Between signing autographs, I kept an eye on Sergei and Liza’s progress around the rink. After Liza had her cheek adorned with a large purple flower, she and Sergei approached my family. They talked for quite a while, and Sergei bought a couple of bags of cookies for Liza. Elena wasn’t going to be happy when she saw all those sweets.
Sergei and Liza moved on to a game booth, and I watched Sergei become more animated with laughter as he and Liza played Ring Toss. He had a new exuberance about him, and it grew with every minute he spent with Liza. I feared it was going to crush him to say goodbye when her visit ended.
A hand clamped my shoulder, and I looked up. Aunt Rafi asked Chris, “May I borrow your seat for a moment?”
He stood and picked up his empty paper bowl. “I’m gonna get some more pasta.”
Aunt Rafi sat and squinted at me with concern. “It’s gotten a little messy with Sergei, hasn’t it?”