HOLLY: I don’t expect you to buy me clothes or whatever.
VIKTOR: Why not? I will get cash when we land and leave it in the room for you. It will be under my pillow. I’m sure no maids will come in between when I check in and when you do.
HOLLY: You don’t have to do that.
VIKTOR: I want to. I told you—for as long as we’re married, I want to be the best husband I can be. I mean that. I can’t always articulate properly in English when we’re talking, but I need you to know that I’m serious.
She doesn’t respond right away, like she’s thinking.
Three little dots appear and then they’re gone.
They appear again and then nothing.
Finally, she must decide what she wants to say because a message pops up.
HOLLY: So far, you’ve been a wonderful husband. I hope I’m holding up my end of the bargain.
VIKTOR: You are. Don’t worry about that.
HOLLY: Has your mother said anything to you privately?
VIKTOR: No. And this scares me more than her yelling. I know she’s planning something.
HOLLY: Like what? I mean, is Olga going to show up in the locker room naked or something?
I chuckle even though she can’t see me.
VIKTOR: I hope not. Coach would not be happy. Although I’m sure some of the guys would be entertained.
HOLLY: Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if she’s mean to me tonight.
VIKTOR: She better not be, but let me know if she is.
HOLLY: And like I told you—I can take care of myself. I’ll be fine. You think being a politician’s daughter hasn’t given me a pretty thick skin?
VIKTOR: It’s different when it comes from family, though. When strangers on the internet tell you your dress is ugly, it’s not the same as when your mother says it. I know that’s a dumb example, but you know what I mean.
HOLLY: My dad spent most of my teenage years telling me essentially everything I wore was ugly. My jeans, my dresses, my hair, my makeup. He hated it all. Even though my mother usually helped me pick out things. So that stuff goes in one ear and out the other. I don’t know what your mom has up her sleeve, but I’ll kill her with kindness!
VIKTOR: I have a feeling you’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.
HOLLY: I can be. I forgot that part of myself for a while, when I was with my ex, but she’s slowly coming back to life. Thanks to you.
VIKTOR: And I think I’m going to enjoy watching her grow.
HOLLY: Okay, the car is here so I have to go. I’ll ping you when I land!
VIKTOR: Fly safe, Holly.
HOLLY: You too.
I put the phone away and close my eyes.
I like the idea that being with me is helping her find a part of herself that she lost. Hopefully, she likes it too.
Chapter Thirteen
Holly
