Page 73 of Revenge

“That sounds like a great idea. I’ll get my shoes and meet you at the door.” A walk is exactly what I need to get out of my head. Thinking about Viktor isn’t doing me any good.

The walk with Max is exactly what I needed. Something about a clear sky and beautiful sights makes everything better. Our conversation is light, which is nice. Before I know it we have been walking for almost thirty minutes.

“We probably should head back. You and hippo must hungry.” I can’t help but smile and shake my head.

“You might be right,” I say as we make our way back to the cabin.

“That was a really nice walk. Thanks for the suggestion,” I murmur as we climb the porch steps.

“My pleasure. Do you want to hear something funny?”

“What?” I ask, taking my shoes off.

“Earlier, when I went to get groceries, the owner asked how my wife was feeling since you weren’t with me.”

“Please tell me you corrected him.” I stand in front of him.

“It was a harmless statement. Didn’t see the point.”

“I’m not your wife, Max. We don’t need people thinking otherwise. I don’t want them getting the wrong idea.”

“You could be.”

I shake my head.

“Not this again. Please stop. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for my son and me.” I touch my belly. “But it wouldn’t be fair to you. My heart belongs to Viktor.”

There’s hurt in his eyes, but I need him to understand I can’t ever be with him. I can’t ever be with another man.

“I’m sorry,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I won’t let it happen again. I promise.”

“Thanks. I’m going to take a shower.” I know he means well. But we are friends and nothing more.

“I’ll start dinner,” he says as I walk away.

I enter the bedroom, feeling bad that I hurt him. But I need to make sure he understands my life is my son. There’s no room for romance. My son is the only person I want to focus on and think about. I turn my cell on since it’s been off for several days. Part of my arrangement with Oliver is to check in. There are several texts.

Tina: Checking in. Don’t you forget to call me when you go into labor. I’ll go to whatever jungle you’re in. Love you

Her text makes me laugh.

Oliver: Checking in. Turn on your cell on Thursday at five. I’ll be calling

I’m lucky I’ve turned my cell on. I look at the time. It’s a few minutes before five, and it’s Thursday. I wouldn’t put it past him to show up here if I don’t speak to him. The third text stops me.

Viktor: I miss you. Oliver refuses to tell me where you are, telling me he doesn’t know. He’s lying, of course. I hope you and my son are well and safe. I wish you were here. My daughter is finally home. I love you

I let out a sigh. There is something comforting about his text. I guess Oliver gave him my number. Viktor doesn’t say anything I don’t feel myself. I’ve never needed someone as much as I need Viktor. I left his side trying to feel safe, away from his family drama, but he’s my home. Whenever there’s a storm coming, he’s my shelter. I feel safer with him than away from him, which makes no sense. The ring of my cell startles me. The screen reads Oliver. The man is nothing but punctual. It makes me smile.

“Hi, Oliver.”

“Hi, Ava. Wanted to check in.”

“I’m happy to report I’m still fine.”

“How’s my nephew?”

“Getting bigger.” I touch my belly.

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