Prima - Alta Hensley Page 0,67

I wasn’t going to walk away this time. I was going to fight.

Standing up, I clapped my hands. “We’re going out to celebrate.”

“Celebrate?”

“Yes, celebrate,” I said firmly. “You’re going to be a star patient in this clinical trial, and we’re going out to celebrate the gifts we have been given.”

“Well, when you put it that way,” Olga said, sounding a bit unsure though her eyes instantly brightened and she sat up straighter in her chair. “Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you to dinner, but first I thought you might like to see Volkov Ballet.” I grinned, knowing how much she loved ballet and all that surrounded it. “See where I run off to every day, and afterward I’ll take you to Johnny Reds.” Sure, it might not be the fanciest or most expensive restaurant around, but it was my babushka’s favorite, so I was more than happy to treat her to something special.

“That sounds wonderful.” Olga smiled happily. “Thank you.”

I turned to Judy. “Please, come with us.”

“I’d love to, but I have my book club this evening,” she said.

I might have thought it was just an excuse and perhaps she was already beginning to distance herself from us, and I certainly wouldn’t blame her. However, I knew she and my grandmother often spent hours discussing the various books they’d read, both bibliophiles to the core.

“Perhaps next time?” I offered.

“I’ll look forward to it,” Judy said, bending to give my grandmother a gentle hug. “Have fun and don’t overdo it,” she said with a soft smile. Turning to me, she shifted her eyes toward the kitchen even as she lifted the tray.

“I’ll be right back to help you get ready, Baba,” I said and followed Judy. Once we were alone, her expression shifted to one of concern.

“Please, stay safe, and, even though you don’t think it will do any good, call the police. Get it on record that man threatened you.” When I opened my mouth, she shook her head and her finger at me. “Don’t bother denying it, Clara. I’ve worked with enough clients to know when someone has been frightened.”

I nodded, thinking perhaps I truly wasn’t alone this time. “All right, but if at any time, you feel the need to—”

“I’m not going anywhere as I abhor people who think they have the right to hurt others, but, there are steps that can be taken to at least start a process that might… just might save someone’s life. At least think about it.”

“I will and thank you for all you’ve done for my grandmother. It really is great news that she was accepted into the program.”

“It is,” Judy agreed. “I have a feeling this drug is very promising. Let’s pray she gets it and not the placebo.”

Nodding, I returned the hug she impulsively gave me before grabbing her purse off the counter and going out the back door. I waited until I saw her safely get into her car and drive away and then clicked the lock. Something I’d not done in quite a while when at home. Looking down at the little button, I sighed. I had a feeling it was but the first of the changes necessary since Nikolai had reentered my life.

22

Clara

As we drove toward the theater, I made sure the conversation centered around ballet and on nothing to do with the dark shadows in my life. Baba chattered about her favorite performances in the past, bringing them alive with snippets of gossip about those who danced alongside her.

“I swear, it was only because his maman was constantly lighting candles that she earned herself a miracle, otherwise, her precious boy would have dropped me instead of simply stumbling and splitting the crotch of his tights. Let me tell you, that was quite the sight. Imagine a man actually stuffing a pair of rolled up stockings into his tights.”

I laughed and flicked on my turn signal as I neared our destination. “Perhaps he was trying to impress you, Baba.”

“Oh, like I wouldn’t start asking questions if he got naked and I discovered the truth?” she said, rolling her eyes. “And speaking of men, how is that good-looking man of yours?”

I looked over and shook my head. “I’m not about to discuss my sex life with you.”

“Now, did I say a single word about sex?” she asked in faux innocence. “All I was wondering was if he’ll be joining us on our tour.”

“Considering he doesn’t even know we are taking a tour, I have no idea,” I said,