Page 30 of Novice Girlfriend

“Well said,” Clare purred. “You heard her. Please leave. You can have a conversation later at a neutral location after she’s had time to digest what happened, but right now you’re not welcome here. I would guess neither of you.”

The tension shot up at her adding Sergey in that. “I think it best for tonight but no, not like banned. Outside is fine for even both of them. I need…” I gestured around me.

“That is more than understandable,” Nina accepted, her voice raw. “I am sorry, Bevin. When you are ready, I would like to explain.”

I thought about that for a moment, but everything I debated saying I might regret saying later or was something others there couldn’t hear, so I simply nodded. I apologized to Clare about dinner and said I wanted to work up in my suite.

“You’re not skipping food when working,” she hedged, sounding like she was worried about overstepping. “Can I bring it up and just read there? I like your chair.”

People gave her a range of looks, but mine was one of hope.

Hope we could be real sisters and heal.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” I answered, my voice cracking.

“Good, I’m making that healthier beef stroganoff I was telling you about with the Goodles.”

“If it’s half as good as it smells, I’ll eat the whole slow cooker,” I promised and then got out of there before Sergey tried to catch me. I was worried when I had a text from him by the time I reached my room, but then was glad when I read it.

Sergey: You’re right. I’m sorry. No excuses.

I decided to give him an inch and responded.

Me: You just know more and why it would make her explode, so it’s harder to see this as I do.

Sergey: Yes. Exactly, but she should never have gotten violent with you. And you have every right to ask her to leave and be safe. I’m sorry I diminished that.

Me: Thank you.

Sergey: I don’t want to push either. Let me know when we can talk.

I nodded even if he couldn’t see it. There was only one thing I needed to add.

Me: I didn’t get that wherever she thinks I did. I saw the fear in her eyes too. Whatever it is, I’m assuming it has to do with your birth families. I realized that after Rita got me out. I didn’t contact them.

Sergey: I know. I never doubted that.

Me: What she did scared Rita so much she grabbed me and fled.

Sergey: I know, foxy. I’m not defending her at all. I wasn’t going to. I just knew she wouldn’t hurt you so—I was wrong. I’m sorry.

Me: Thank you. Maybe tomorrow.

Sergey: Okay, thank you. I won’t push, but not knowing where we’re at makes me panic.

Me: I know. I’ll try.

What else was there really to say? His mom had basically assaulted me.

No, not basically. She had.

I would absolutely forgive her and move past it, but I needed a minute for sure. I thought that was more than valid.

8

Bevin

Clare came up thirty minutes later with two huge bowls of her creation. She’d used large ramen bowls, and I gave her a look until I saw how excited she was. One bite and I was glad she had.