When I try to talk to her, she gives short, one-worded answers and hardly even looks at me. It started as something confusing; now the way she’s treating me is making me angry.
I don’t get it. It’s pissing me off because after everything we’ve shared, I would’ve expected more from her. If I did something, why can’t she come and talk to me about it?
Why would she shut me out now? Things were going perfectly. She was opening up, letting her walls down, letting me in. We shared that incredible, cheeky, sexy moment in her studio…she wasn’t even evasive afterthat. We were growing closer every day and…
It was the gala. Something happened after the gala that pulled her away from me. Did I say something? Did someone else say something?
I wrack my brain, trying to remember any little thing that might have pushed her away from me that night, but I can’t figure it out.
It doesn’t make sense. I push my fingers through my hair and close my eyes for a moment. I don’t want to lose her, and I feel like that’s what’s happening.
When it first started, I thought I’d give it a day. Maybe she was moody and didn’t mean anything by it. But now it’s been three days, and it’s getting worse.
This situation isn’t changing, and I guess, instead of fuming over it, I should just confront her.
Katerina gets home from her studio just after five. She’s earlier than usual, especially this week. She’s been staying later and later—another reason I think she’s trying to avoid me.
When she gets home, I’ve just finished making dinner, and I meet her at the door with a hug.
“Hey, beautiful, are you hungry? I made Bolognese.”
“Mm, a little,” she smiles, but pulls away. “I’m just going to shower first, if that’s okay.” Her voice is subdued, and she’s looking everywhere but at me.
I can’t take it anymore.
I had planned to try to talk to her over dinner, but patience was never my strong suit.
As she tries to step around me to head upstairs to the room, I block her path.
She tilts her head to the side and furrows her brows deeply, her bright turquoise eyes piercing into me.
“Katerina, what in the world is going on with you?” I blurt out, sounding far too aggressive.
That’s not how I wanted to start this conversation. I don’t want to sound like I’m picking a fight or accusing her of anything.
Sighing, I push my fingers through my hair and close my eyes for a moment, trying to calm myself down. “I mean, what’s wrong? You can talk to me.”
Katerina shifts uncomfortably. She bites her lip and turns away, looking at the floor.
Kat shakes her head. “Nothing, I’m just really busy at the studio,” she shrugs.
“Come on, kitten. I can see it’s more than that. Just tell me what’s bothering you,” I push, still blocking her path.
She scowls, glaring at me for a moment again. There are shadows under her eyes, dark patches that look like pale bruises. Has she been sleeping? She looks exhausted. My heart clenches. Is she just tired from work? Is that really all that’s going on? She’s been at it non-stop since she opened her studio.
“I just need a shower. Sorry I’ve been distant,” she mutters. Then she hurries away from me, leaving me feeling bad for not noticing how tired she’s been until now. Of course she would seem distant. She’s exhausted. This whole business is new to her. I should have known better. I should have been offering more help.
While she’s showering, I set the table and get everything ready. We eat in comfortable silence, me not pushing her or trying to force her to talk to me. I feel so much better now that I know what’s going on. I was worried I was losing her, but this I can deal with. This is something I can fix.
After dinner, she stands up to clear the plates, and I do the same, following her to the kitchen, where she starts tidying up.
“You can leave this for the housekeeper,” I tell her, gently running my hand down her back.
“No, it’s okay. It helps me clear my head a bit,” she says.
I pick up a towel, and as she washes the dishes, I dry them and pack them away.
We work together like we’ve known each other for years, moving easily through each other’s space. I even get her to smile once or twice, even though her eyes are heavy and her movements sluggish.
