Shaking my head, I replied, “I was nervous you wouldn’t.”
“I don’t understand.”
Easing back in my seat, I jerked a hand through my hair. “When you said b-before there was no cure, I was hoping t-there would b-be something physically wrong that caused it that needed t-to be fixed. Then t-there might really b-be a cure, and I could b-be fixed.”
Empathy pooled in Sarah’s eyes. “Oh Maksim.”
No, no, no! This couldn’t be happening. I hadn’t just said those things outloud. Sarah hadn’t heard me say those emasculating words.
FUCK!
This was a nightmare.
Shooting out of my chair, I jabbed a finger at her. “D-Don’t do t-that.”
“Feel bad for you?”
“P-Pity me!”
“I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Fine. But it’s not for the reasons you think.”
“Bullshit”
Shaking her head, she countered, “I pity the fact that over the years, the people in your world have made you feel weak and emasculated over something as small as a simple stutter.”
“It isn’t simple in my world.”
“I understand that, and I wish more than anything that I could change it. I mean, lots of politicians and musicians and actors have stutters. But it didn’t stop them from doing amazing things.”
“Yeah, well, t-they didn’t g-grow up in Bratva.”
“They still grew up in worlds where perfection was expected. Take King Hollis VI. He was a prince and a king with a stutter. Like you, he sought help as an adult.”
“He did?”
“You’ve never seenThe King’s Speech?” At the shake of my head, Sarah smiled. “All right. We’re having a movie night tonight and watching it.”
Although I couldn’t have given two shits about watching a movie about a stuffy British king, I did like the idea of getting to spend more time with her. Of course, I had to play it cool. “Fine. If you say so.”
“Great. Do you think we can get some popcorn and candy?”
“You obviously haven’t t-taken the full t-tour of the house and seen t-the movie room.”
Her eyes lit up. “It’ll be just like being at the theater.”
“In a way, yeah.”
Waving her hand, she said, “Let’s get back to work.”
“If you say so.”
Sarah picked up the penlight. “I need to look into your mouth now, so open wide.”
As she flashed the light around in my mouth, Sarah nodded. “Looks pink and moist.”
