I splash cold water on my face and stare at myself in the mirror. I look like a man on the edge. A man who just realized the one thing he can’t have is also the one thing he can’t stop wanting.
When I finally head back toward the reception hall, I think I’m ready. I think I’m good.
But then I see her, and everything inside me goes still.
Katerina’s standing near the corner of the room, drink untouched in her hand, posture stiff, like she’s bracing herself against wind no one else feels.
Anika stands in front of her.
And I’m close enough to hear every word before either of them notices me.
“Listen, I’m happy for Scottie,” Anika says, voice soft and earnest. “I just want you to know that. I would never try to come between you two. God knows I had my chance years ago and blew it.”
Katerina’s spine straightens. “So then what are you saying?”
“I’m saying you need to understand something.” Anika glances around. “Scottie is loved here,” she says. “By everyone. He always has been. From school to sports to now… he’s the town hero. I’ve never met a single person who doesn’t adore him.”
“I don’t understand what that has to do with me,” Katerina says.
“It has everything to do with you.” Anika steps closer. “Because I also saw how he looked at you tonight. How he lit up when he dances with you.”
My pulse stumbles.
“He’s in love with you,” Anika says.
Katerina’s breath hitches. “I—”
“And I know about the visa,” Anika blurts out.
My chest caves in.
Mom must’ve said something.Or she’s guessing since Katerina is from Russia and Anika is making an assumption.
“And I just…” Anika’s voice breaks a little. “If this isn’t real for you, if you’re just using him to stay here, please… don’t drag him along. Don’t let him fall any harder. Just let him go now. Before he gets hurt.”
My throat tightens because Anika is a good person. She means well.
She has no idea what Katerina and I promised each other. How complicated this really is and how far past falling I already am.
Then Anika turns and walks away. Katerina stays frozen, staring at the floor. She looks as shocked as I feel about what Anika just said.
And I step forward.
She lifts her head, and there’s no point pretending I didn’t hear everything. The truth of it hangs between us in thick, heavy silence. I don’t bother to confirm or deny if Anika is right; this isn’t where I want to confess how I feel about her. Besides, it's not fair to change the agreement now. We agreed to help each other and then separate.
Anika was wrong to put that kind of pressure on Katerina. She has no idea what’s at stake.
I just walk up and ask quietly. “Do you want to get out of here?”
She nods.
And for the first time today, she doesn’t smile.
We barely make it ten feet before one of my cousins from out-of-town barrels toward us, almost vibrating with excitement.
“Scottie. Hey. A bunch of us are heading down to Jake’s Roadhouse — the music’s good tonight, and Corey and his bride are leaving for the airport soon. You guys coming?”
I glance at Katerina.
