Page 68 of Cookie: Part One
“O-okay…”
“Good, Pechenye. Now, come. I’ll tell you more about ze Bershov history.” As he explain more of their so-called history that sounds like nothing more than an adult fairy tale, I listen in silence, asking question here and there.
However, as he continues to speak,my pulse ticks up, ignoring the rational part of my brain that says this is just a fairy tale.I continue to listen as two thoughts filter through my mind. One, these people are crazy and might need psychological help! And two...I wish this crazy shit was real.
CHAPTER TWENTY
CONSTANCE
“Seriously… you guys have such a colorful history. Grandpa Viktor went on and on about it for ages,” I laugh as Alik and I enter the theater and honestly, I can’t even be surprised anymore…
The enormous screen is silent in the massive room with rows of bed-like seats that feel one hundred times more awkward since it’s only Alik and me.God damn that Pyper! How dare she bail on us?!But I should have known she would since her and Anton made up and as soon as my brother called she hit me with the…
“Oh, Anton is calling, zhis is important!” Before scampering off to take the call in the hall, leaving me alone with Alik.
“Zhat’s Pakhan for you.” Alik takes a seat and smiles at me when I sit next to him.
“Yeah, but I enjoyed the ramblings…” I shift nervously on the plush sofa, really feeling the weight of it being just the two of us. Especially so since it’s the first time since that intensely awkward, charged moment in Misha’s room.
“I’m sureyouof all people vould,” he chuckles, settling in as the movie starts.
“So what are you watching anyway?” I throw a few kernels into my mouth and he shrugs.
“Pyper picked ze movie.” He smirks and both of us throw our heads back laughing because Pyper is known for picking the absolute worst of the worst movies. Still, we always end up enjoying them because we would have so much fun making fun of them together.
“This is nice, right?” I say, trying to break the sudden heavy silence, but it sounds weak.
“Da. It is.” He turns his whole body to face me, pushing the Twizzlers over to me. “I am so glad vee get to do zhis, Connie.”
“Me too.” I soften, picking up a Twizzler. “How are you feeling? You look tired.” I lift my hand, running it over his lower eyes, and he leans into my hand. His smile brightens, seeming more genuine this time.
“I’m always better vhen I’m next to you.”
“You’re a mess, you know that?”
“No, I’m being honest. You coming to spend zhis time here, even for just two weeks… it… it made my life.” He leans in, his expression earnest.
“Uh huh, says the guys who has been too busy to spend any time with me.” I bump his shoulder and he rub the back of his head.
“I am sorry I have been so busy vit meetings. I vanted to be vit you ze entire time… but I my time is… limited. Just knov I give you all my spare time, Connie. I just vant to be vit you.” My chest tightens at his sincerity. This is the sweet, dependable Alik I’ve always adored. He truly is the best man I know.
I open my mouth to respond, maybe offer a comforting hug, but the door slides open and a huge body barrels through, making my heart thump.
“Pechenye.”
“Misha!” I light up, holding my arms out, and he immediately strides over. Without a single bit of hesitation, heplops right down in my embrace. The sheer force of his arrival bumps me a good six inches toward Alik in the plush chair, making our legs touch. “S-sorry,” I apologize but he says nothing.
So I try to move, but Misha throws an arm around me, keeping me in place.
“Aww!” I giggle, a little startled. “Why are you so tired?” I ask when he yawns dramatically, his voice a deep rumble vibrating against my thighs.
“Being avay from you tired me out, Pechenye. Zhat is exhausting vork.” I roll my eyes as my heart does little funny things hearing his words.Pl-play it cool, Connie.
“Thank you for working so hard for me.” I run my hand over his nose. “But if you miss me so much, then make it up to me…”
“Okay, hov should I do zhat?” he asks, eyes still closed, and I go still.
“Ice cream!” I hum and he chuckles.
