I fling the door open, half expecting Dante or another fucking delivery guy, but instead it’s Elanee Lane. All my rage immediately dissipates.
“Oh, Elanee. What are you doing here?”
She offers an unsure smile and tucks her hair behind her ear. “Sorry for the surprise, but I got a text message to say you’d be home at this time.”
Of all the people to be at my door, Elanee was probably the last person I expected. Not because we don’t get along, but amongst our friend group, she’s always been the quietest and most reserved. It’s a pleasant surprise.
I realize then that I’m just staring at her, and I quickly welcome her in. “Of course. Do you want a coffee, tea, or something? Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone today.”
When was the last time I had someone over other than Dante? I look around the apartment, relief washing through me that Dante cleaned it, because I know I can be messy when I’m hyper fixated on my art.
“A tea would be nice, actually,” she says with a smile. It’s strange. I’ve never had a one-on-one meet-up with Elanee. And I now wonder if that has something to do with her affiliation with the mafia, and if that’s why I’ve always sensed she’s kept everyone at arm’s length. Now, in some bizarre way, it feels as if we share a secret and a sense of camaraderie. But I don’t know how to bring it up with her.
Ara was different; I’ve known her longer, and was at my wits' end. But now I’m not sure who I’m allowed to talk to about it.
It makes me miss Lily. Elanee’s surprise visit has made me realize how much I really need to call her.
Elanee follows me into the kitchen. “You have a beautiful apartment,” she says, and I note she’s appreciating the quirky art hanging on the walls.
“Thank you. Some of the pieces I painted myself, and others I purchased during my travels.”
I can tell the moment her gaze lands on the monstrous llama statue in the corner. “Not that. That was a gift.”
“Quite a gift,” she says politely, taking a barstool as I put the kettle on. Borris takes an immediate liking to her, and she bends over to gently pet him. “Dmitri told me you were interested in publishing a book, and rather soon by the sounds of it.”
My head whips around so quickly I almost pull a neck muscle. “How do you know about that? The only person I’ve told is… Oh.”
She gives me a knowing look. “They’re a different kind of breed, these men, aren’t they?”
A comfortable ease grows between us. It’s as if she’s saying, “If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here,”and it’s as lovely as it is strange. Suddenly, I don’t feel so alone.
Elanee is successful, beautiful, and smart. As are Ara and Lily, and all of them have fallen for these morally gray men. I don’t know much about Dmitri Volkov’s background, but I understand he’s in the same strange world that the Morettis and Armanis come from.
“I’m still getting used to it, if I’m being honest,” I admit quietly.
“As am I, and Dmitri and I have known one another since college,” she says reassuringly. “Just be careful. Not all men are kind.”
“Dante would never hurt me.” I’m quick to defend him.
Sadness passes over her expression, and I don't think it has anything to do with me. Perhaps she's thinking of something that’s happened to her.
“Has Dmitri?—”
“Oh, God no!” She shoots up from the stool, startling Borris and me. “No, sorry, that came out weird. Dmitri would never. I just mean to say that not all of them in that world are kind. I’ve seen my fair share of cruelty; I’ve even experienced it myself at the hands of one of those awful men.
"There is a danger to entering this world. If you’re already aware of that and have still decided he’s worth it, then I support you. But if you ever need anything or are unsure, please let me know,” she says as she leans over to grab my hand. I realize then that the barrier that stood between us before is gone. Maybe she was always on edge because of this secret or felt like she couldn’t fully disclose her life to us.
I can tell there’s more to be said about her and Dmitri’s story, but for now, I’m happy to take it slowly. To savor this moment, and that she’s taken the time to reassure me. It’s not like dating a mafia man comes with a manual.
Elanee sits back down, and I busy myself with reciting the selection of teas I have.
“A green tea, please. Now, I’m not a publisher, obviously. But I have connections, so I wanted to hear about what you need, and I’m hoping I can help make it happen.”
I’ve always moved mountains on my own, proving that I can do it independently. To ensure that if everyone were to leave me at a moment's notice, I’d still be okay without them. Lorraine did the same thing. She never accepted my help and was always hellbent on doing it on her own.
Considering I’d do anything for my friends, I realize how selfish it is to deny them their opportunity to do the same. Dante’s a pushy asshole, but for once,justthis once, he might know what’s best for me. But as I look around the apartment, I have to admit that I’ve been in denial about him looking after me from the moment he moved in.
I’ve fought it every step of the way, but the truth is, being vulnerable… it’s nice.
