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Lucia:Where were you and what were you doing the years you and Ria were apart while she was at college?
Kova:Nothing exciting, if that is what you are looking for. I worked my ass off to divorce Katja and eject her from my life.
Lucia:Sometimes your choice of words are funny. You make it sound like you ejected Katja from your life like you pushed a button or something.
Kova:If it were possible, I would have. Listen, we know I am no saint and I do not pretend to be, but Katja went too far trying to pawn off someone else’s kids as mine to keep me. We all have our limits.
Lucia:How long did that process take?
Kova:Too damn long. While that was happening, it actually took more time to relinquish control of World Cup to Danilo than I thought. Luckily, he is an old—
Lucia:How is Danilo?
Kova:What is with you Americans and foreigners?
Lucia:What do you expect? I’m a writer, and he has a certain presence about him.
Kova:A Russian presence?
Lucia:Maybe. What’s it to you?
Kova:(relaxes and laughs) I owe him and Madeline everything. They did not ask questions but took charge as much as I would let them. I went back to my therapist, sold my home and everything inside, and moved. I still coached, but I was no longer head coach for the elite girls—that was Danilo. I was more of a specialty coach who came in from time to time to polish the gymnasts before they left for a meet.
Lucia:Tell me how you were you during Adrianna’s pregnancies.
Kova:I was a neurotic maniac.
Lucia:What did you do?
Kova:Everything. If I could have carried her everywhere, I would have done so.
Lucia:So you coddled her.
Kova:Ria calls it suffocating, but she can be dramatic.
Kova’s cell phone pings, and a warm smile fills his face when he looks at the screen. I crane my neck to look, but he shields the phone and gives me a glare that tells me to mind my own business. I go back to my notepad while the two exchange messages. I have so many more questions I still want to ask him.
Kova:(stands and pockets his phone) It is time for me to leave you now. When the wife calls, I run.
Lucia:What did Ria have to say?
Kova:You would ask.
Lucia:I’m nosy.
Kova:She sent me nude pictures. And no, you cannot see.
My brows shoot up. Well, then. I guess I should grant them their privacy. They’ve certainly earned it.
Lucia:Fair enough. But it’s not like I haven’t seen it all from you two anyway.
Kova:This has been an interesting interview. I am glad it happened, and even more glad it is over. Saved by the nudes.
Lucia:Try not to get her pregnant again.
Kova:I make no promises.
Lucia:(smiles and stands, teary-eyed) It was good to catch up with you. I don’t know when I’ll see you again, if ever. But you don’t need me. You and Adrianna have a whole life ahead of you. Continue making the most of it.
