Page 223 of Sexting His Assistant

The lamps are already dimmed.

Fresh flowers sit on the desk, not lilies. My mother remembered that too, apparently, because she is impossible in ways I both respect and dread.

There is a tray by the bed with water, medication, crackers, and a small bell Nina looks at with immediate offense.

Nina says, “I’m not ringing a bell.”

My mother says, “Then text. The bell is for emergencies.”

“If I ring a bell in this house, Luka will arrive with a gun.”

My mother says, “Then text me.”

Nina looks at her, then laughs softly, careful this time. “Okay.”

Yelena says, “Rest now. We will talk later, when your head does not feel like it has been used as a doorstop.”

Nina says, “That’s weirdly accurate.”

My mother smiles, kisses Nina gently on the cheek before Nina can decide whether to panic, and leaves the room.

The door closes softly behind her.

Nina stands near the bed, looking around.

I stay by the doorway.

The room is large but not cold. Blue walls, cream curtains, a writing desk near the window, shelves filled with books no guest has read in years, a fireplace that has been prepared but not lit because Mirov said too much warmth may worsen dizziness. Someone has placed a folded blanket at the foot of the bed, and Nina runs her fingers over it as if she needs proof that the room is real.

I say, “Is it all right?”

She turns to me. “This room is bigger than my apartment.”

I purse my lips.“That is not an answer.”

Nina looks around again. “It’s beautiful.”

I hear the but without her saying it.

“What is wrong?”

Nina’s mouth tightens. “Nothing. I just don’t know how to be here.”

I understand that more than she thinks.

I come closer but stop before entering her space fully. “You don’t have to know today.”

Nina looks at the bed, the tray, the flowers, the neatly folded clothes my mother arranged in the wardrobe. “Your mother bought me pajamas.”

I shrug. “She buys things when she is worried.”

Nina says, “That explains the slippers.”

I look down. There are soft slippers beside the bed. “You may insult them after you wear them.”

“They look comfortable. I was simply making a comment.”

I feel the tension in my chest ease by a small amount.