After a small commotion at the other side of the room, their cousin Rachel joins us.She has adopted a fifties vibe, with a blond bob and a red polka-dot dress.
“I like your new look.”I gesture to her outfit.
“Thanks.”She leans in closer and whispers, “I’m sorry my moms are being assholes.What Patrick did was really, really wrong.I wish I’d stood by you that night.I was an idiot.”
“It’s okay.”I give her what I hope is a forgiving smile.“I’m so happy you’re talking to me now.”
Danica pats the chair next to her.When Rachel sits, I pass her the container of sliced fruit.
“Thanks.”Rachel takes an apple slice and reaches for the flask.
Danica starts to give it to her, but Dmitri clears his throat.“That’s enough of the flask for you and Leah.And Rachel gets none.She’s sixteen, for fuck’s sake.”
I have to press my lips together to keep from giggling, because he looks so stern and domineering.
“It was worth a try.”Rachel sighs.“Hey, Leah?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you still tutoring?”
“Yeah, why?”
“I want to hire you this summer.”Her cheeks turn pink with a blush.“Next year is my junior year—PSATs, and I’ll be in AP English.I could use the extra help.”
“I will absolutely tutor you.”I start to get up.“I’ll talk to your moms?—”
Rachel holds up a hand.“Um, maybe wait on that.Sorry, they’re still…you know.”
“Right.”I sit back down.Now my face is hot and probably as red as Rachel’s polka-dot dress.I shouldn’t have taken that last sip of whiskey—I’m not thinking clearly.“We’ll figure it out this summer.Sound good?”
“Yep.Thanks.And…sorry again.”
I open my mouth to reassure her—it isn’t her fault.But just then a doctor walks in, tablet held under her arm.She makes a beeline for Dmitri and Danica’s mom.“Mrs.Montrose.And…family.I have some updates on your father.”
From our little corner across the room, I have to strain to hear as the doctor lowers her voice.“Resting now…put in a stent…less stress…dietary concerns…”
“But he’ll be okay?”Mrs.Montrose wrings her hands, her manicured fingernails shiny magenta.
“We have every hope he’ll make a full recovery.”The doctor smiles and lets out a small squeak of surprise as Mrs.Montrose throws her arms around her.
Mrs.Montrose pulls back.“Sorry, I apologize.”
“Quite all right.”The doctor looks at her tablet.“Visiting hours are now over.I can allow one of you to stay in the room with Mr.Aseyev.Unfortunately, we don’t have enough pull-out beds for all of you.”
Dmitri’s aunt wipes the tears rolling down her cheeks.“He’s really going to be all right?”
“We believe so.Your father is a fighter.”
The relief on everyone’s face shines like a spotlight.The doctor leaves the room, and the family begins to go their separate ways.None of the adults spare Danica, Dmitri, or me a glance.Rachel gives us each a gentle hug.
Dmitri points at Danica.“Dani, you were drinking.Call a ride.”
“Yes, sir, Mr.Bossypants, sir.”She gives him a silly salute with her phone.
“Time to get some food in you.”Dmitri wraps an arm around my shoulders.I shrug him off so I can give Danica another hug.Dmitri waits patiently for a beat, then says, “Come on, Leah.”
I wink at him.“Yes, sir, Mr.Bossypants, sir.”
