— Hey, Ol, do I really have to go to this thing? Seriously? — My dear aunt has a meltdown if anyone dares call her “auntie,” so it’s just Ol, no hints at her age.
I dragged myself into the kitchen, looking like a storm cloud, doing my best to seem sick and worn out. Maybe she’ll buy it. I have zero desire to tag along to this exclusive party and meet their fancy friends. I’d much rather park myself at my desk and work on my thesis, which I haven’t touched in two weeks because I can’t get myself together.
— Rus, what kind of question is that? Of course, you have to go! …Want a smoothie?
Ol and Alina just got back from their run, and now these health nuts are glued to their “elixir of youth” drinks. But that green sludge just turns my stomach and puts a sour look on my face.
— I’ll stick to good old black coffee… with sugar!
Hearing this, my cousin Alina snorts with disdain. We don’t get along, even though we’re the same age and saw each other a lot as kids. But we’re as different as night and day, no common ground whatsoever.
It’s been two months since I had to move in with them, and since then, Alina and I have been at each other’s throats every single day. She’s the queen bee of the neighborhood, the meanest of the mean. Just looking at her right now kills my appetite.
— Rus, you never leave the house. Even bookworms need some fresh air, — Ol teases, giving me a playful nudge with her shoulder. She’s a stunner, fit and toned from all her time at the gym. Guys can’t help but turn their heads when she walks to her sleek red Land Rover. She radiates confidence, success, and… kindness. My mom’s sister is a genuinely good person, which is more than I can say for her husband and daughter, God forgive me.
— I feel out of place with strangers. For an introvert, situations like this make me want to climb the walls, — I grumble with a heavy sigh, already knowing I won’t be able to say no to Ol.
— Sweetie, you’ll love it. The Olshanskys are wonderful people, and their friends are nice and down-to-earth. Marina, Vlad, and I have been close for years. Our Alina had a crush on their son since preschool.
— Mom!
— Oh, don’t ‘Mom’ me, I’m just telling the truth. Danny was already in school while you were still figuring out how to say the letter ‘L.’ Every time we got together for family gatherings, you’d try to touch him, feed him candy, and say his name over and over. It was adorable to watch. And do you remember confessing your love to him in eighth grade? — I love it when Ol teases Alina, even if it’s out of affection. It drives her up the wall.
— I was just practicing on him! — Alina huffs, her face turning red. Good grief, what kind of guy is this Danny that she’s still hung up on him at twenty-two?
— Marina mentioned Danny will be there to grace us with his presence. In fact, this party is in his honor—we’re celebrating his return. He’s been living in Canada for three years and finally decided to come back home. So, Alina, you’ve got a shot at charming your first love.
— Mom! — Alina rolls her eyes dramatically but can’t hide her smile. — For all we know, he might have a girlfriend already. Just because there are no couple pics on Instagram doesn’t mean he’s single.
Clearly, she’s been stalking him on social media this whole time. If I go, it’ll only be to get a look at this unattainable dream of hers.
— Dreaming of walking down the aisle with him already? — I sit across from her, deliberately slathering butter on a piece of bread. Want some, huh? I can see you drooling. But you’ve banned all carbs out of fear your backside will get too big. Me? I don’t stress about that stuff, so I enjoy what I can on my student budget and Ol’s generosity.
— Only an idiot wouldn’t dream of marrying a guy like him, — she snaps, shrugging irritably. — He’s got money, looks, and brains. And you’re coming with us. Next to you, I’ll look absolutely stunning and drop-dead gorgeous!
What a piece of work! While Ol’s back is turned, I flip Alina the bird, grab my sandwich and coffee, and head to my room. I’ve got this bad habit of munching while staring at my laptop.
— Rus, let’s pick out something for you to wear tonight, — Ol pops in an hour later, all cheerful. — Alina’s got a ton of outfits; we’ve got plenty to choose from. She’s off at the salon getting her hair done, so we can raid her closet without a fuss.
— Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not digging through her stuff, so don’t even try to convince me. I’ve got something to wear. Simple, but tasteful. Besides, Alina’s supposed to shine next to me. Let’s not ruin her hunt for this Danny guy.
— Alright, if you say so. I won’t push. I’m just glad you’re coming with us.
— Ol, how about I help you in the kitchen instead? I can wash dishes or tidy up. I don’t mind.
Alina would never offer to help, but I like pitching in around the house—as long as that snake isn’t slithering nearby.
— It’s time to get ready, and she’s out here watering plants on the balcony! Cinderella, let’s go to the ball! Your carriage awaits! — Alina bursts onto the balcony.
— I’ll be ready in a sec. Just need to wash my hair quick, throw on a dress, and I’m good, — I’ve learned to roll my eyes just like she does.
When you don’t want to go somewhere, even to the fanciest restaurant, you find every excuse to stall. So Alina’s trailing me like a watchdog.
— You haven’t said a word about my new hairstyle. Rus, you’re so oblivious. And then you wonder why you’ve got so few friends. People like it when you say nice things; a little flattery never hurt anyone.
Oh, how I’d love to grab her by those curled locks and shove her under a cold shower!
— I’m not into all that mushy, kissy-kissy nonsense. It’s gross. Your hair looks fine; you’ll outshine everyone. The doorman at the restaurant will faint first, struck by your beauty.
— Ugh, you’re so… — she moves her lips, mentally sifting through insults to sting me harder. — Such a blunt country bumpkin! And how can you even wash your hair with that cheap shampoo from the discount store? I’m shocked!
— Thanks. Keeping you shocked is my life’s mission. Now, can you get out of the bathroom before I strangle you with the hairdryer cord?
One of these days, I’m gonna snap! She’s been asking for it for ages!
I slip into a dark chocolate-colored dress. Alina hates it because it makes my waist look even smaller. I swipe on some mascara, dab gloss on my lips, and let my chestnut hair cascade over my shoulders in waves. Slip into sandals, and that’s it—ready to endure the torture of this evening.
— You look like you’re heading out to grab a loaf of bread, — Alina mutters, adjusting her stunning blouse. — Do you even realize what kind of people will be there?
— Alina, relax, — Ol cuts her off. — People have the right to wear whatever makes them comfortable.
— Seriously? What if she decided to show up in pajamas?
— Next time, I just might, — I scoff back.
I need to find a way to calm myself down. Maybe the fancy appetizers will melt my stress, or some good music. I heard this restaurant has live saxophone. I’m really hoping Alina gets distracted by this mysterious Danny and leaves me alone.
…Everything was fine until the line: “And this is my niece, Rus.”
Ol takes me by the arm, and I swear it feels like her friends—and their friends’ friends—whip out magnifying glasses to inspect me from head to toe.
— Has Danny arrived yet? — Alina unintentionally saves me with that question, as all the attention shifts to her, sparing Ol from having to explain about the poor orphan she’s taken under her wing.
— He’ll be here soon. That boy never shows up on time, — his mother replies, smiling at Alina with something like pity. Seems even she doubts her son will fall for our resident beauty queen.
I need to find a spot to lay low until the guest of honor causes a stir. I’m worried I’ll be blinded by Alina’s megawatt smile or, worse, get nauseous from her over-the-top flirting.
— Ol, I left my purse in the car, and I’ve got… my touch-up stuff in there, — I chuckle, holding out my hand. — Give me the keys; I’ll take a quick walk. I’ll be right back.
I left the purse on purpose, just to have an excuse to slip away.
I strolled to the parking lot at a leisurely pace, then took my sweet time wandering back to the little green courtyard behind the restaurant. I plopped down on a bench to admire the flowers. If someone brought me food out here, I’d probably just stay. It’s breathtaking! Major props to the owner of this place!
— Getting some fresh air? — Out of nowhere, a rugged, Nordic-looking guy in a sharp outfit emerges from under a green archway and sits right next to me, as if there aren’t other benches around. And to top it off, he pulls out a pack of cigarettes.
— Well, hello there! A tobacco terrorist! I’m not about to breathe in this junk! Are you the only one here? — I don’t know why I’m snapping at him like this. Maybe because I’ve got a built-in hostility toward cocky, pretty boys. You can tell this one thinks the world of himself.
— My, aren’t we delicate and proper, — he sighs, tucking the pack back into his pocket. — With principles like that, you should just stay home. Because outside your cozy nest, there are plenty of people who can ruin not just the air, but your whole life, — his voice is nice, deep, velvety, and enticing. And those eyes. I’m floored when he glances at me! A striking ash-gray with a dark rim, framed by shamelessly thick lashes. Ugh, I shouldn’t be staring and sizing him up like this. He’s probably expecting me to swoon over his charm, drool, and melt.
— Trust me, I’d happily stay home. Curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to see the poor sap my sister’s got her sights on.
— Why ‘poor sap’?
Hmm, his laugh is pleasant too, infectious. Hearing it makes me want to grin back like an idiot.
— Knowing her, I already feel sorry for him.
— I’d love to take a look at them myself, give my expert opinion. I’m a specialist in all kinds of trouble. Will you show me? — He stands, smiling, and offers me his hand. — By the way, I’m Danny.
— Rus, where the heck are you? Why do I have to come looking for you? — I don’t even get a chance to open my mouth or extend my hand before Alina storms into the courtyard. But the second she spots Danny, the shrew transforms into a sweet little bunny with a grin from ear to ear. — Danny, we’ve all been waiting for you. It’s been so long. You’ve become so… — She’s the one soaking up all his charm and floating away.
— Hey, Alina. You’ve grown up too, — Danny smiles, shifting his gaze from my stunned face to Alina, who looks ready to throw herself at him. — I didn’t know you had a sister.
Of course, he’s figured out who the trouble is and who the ‘poor sap’ is that I was talking about. …Oops, this is awkward. But on the bright side, I’ve basically advertised Alina. Now he’ll know for sure he’s got a fan ready to lock him down.
— Cousin. She moved in with us from a small town, — Alina flutters around, positioning herself next to Danny and decisively linking her arm through his, like she’s staking her claim.
And he doesn’t like it. His jaw tightens on that perfect face, and a strange emotion flickers across it. I’m not great at reading guys, but I get the sense this pretty boy wants to shake off clingy Alina.
Meanwhile, I’m still sitting on the bench like the poor relation, feeling completely out of place in this universe.
— Rus, Mom said to drag your butt back to our table! — Alina hisses with a sweet, maniacal smile.
— I doubt Ol phrased it like that. But you could use an update to your settings with a bit of human warmth! — I sling my purse over my shoulder, stand up, turn, and stride proudly toward the parking lot. I can listen to music in the car!
I don’t make it ten steps before someone grabs the strap of my purse from behind.
Just what I needed, Mr. Gentleman. Why are you following me? Alina’s going to eat me alive for this!
— What about the poor victim of your sister? We didn’t even get a proper look at him, — Danny smirks. — Come on, lone rebel, don’t upset your aunt.
Just because he’s older doesn’t give him the right to talk to me like I’m some teenager or look at me with condescending pity. There’s no hint of a man’s interest in a woman in those striking gray eyes. It’s like an older buddy looking down on me, ready to teach me a lesson. How did he decide I’m a lone rebel from one little comment?
— And why do you even care? Is your big, noble heart bursting at the seams?
Alina’s pacing on the steps, shooting us annoyed glares.
— You’ve got some sharp edges. You could use a bit of human warmth yourself, — he bites back. Bravo, we’ve got a sarcasm fan. — Running from problems just puts your life on pause. You’ve got to face them head-on, tackle them, and win. That’s how you turn dreams and goals into reality.
— Alina wouldn’t have enough fingers to count all your good qualities. Turns out you’re a philosopher too, quoting the greats, — I’ll figure out why he irritates me so much later. Right now, I just want to get rid of him.
— Those are my words. You’re welcome to them. Write them down before you forget. You two are both so funny and green. I’ve got more to say, but if I do, you’ll definitely bolt and upset Ol, who I respect endlessly.
— I can’t stand being teased!
— I’m not teasing, I’m intriguing. Trust me, kid, there’s a difference.
Intriguing, huh! I was right—Mr. Model Material thinks way too highly of himself.
— Just say it!
— Nope! — He shakes his head stubbornly. — After the party.
— What is this nonsense! Are you coming or not?! — Alina’s practically bubbling over with frustration. I have to go back, or I’ll face a week of Armageddon at home. I march past them with a stone-cold face, find Ol, and manage to sit down at my spot before everyone erupts in cheers for Danny, who Alina’s latched onto like a vice.
— Rus, what’s with your mood? — Nothing gets past Ol. She’s noticed and is trying to read me with her piercing gaze.
— Just hungry. I’ll stuff myself with some tartlets and cheer right up.
— Come on, let me introduce you to Danny.
— No, thanks. I’ve got photophobia, — I add, seeing her puzzled look. — So I don’t do dazzling men. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.
But she does worry. She can tell that even in a crowd like this, I feel alone. Danny’s right—I’m a lone rebel. My mom passed away when I was eight. My dad raised me, along with our horses and the wide, beautiful countryside. After he died, I shut down even more. Got prickly. And right now, I’m definitely not in the mood for guys, especially not the jaw-dropping kind. Not my type. Though… those eyes of his are unforgettable. Falling for someone like him would be like cutting yourself. Doesn’t Alina get that? He’s too spoiled by female attention to value it.
Danny’s telling some wildly entertaining and funny stories, keeping the guests hooked. What a charmer. Meanwhile, I pull my favorite pen from my purse and doodle a caricature on a white cloth napkin, glancing at the life of the party now and then. It turns out pretty good, funny even: exaggerated broad shoulders, a blinding ear-to-ear smile, a sly expression, and a cocky little tuft of hair. I love drawing caricatures. My dad taught me.
The soulful notes of a saxophone reach my ears. Finally! I move closer to the musician, perch on a high stool, and watch as the melody flows, weaving together emotions and the soul of the guy playing the instrument. His eyes are closed. He’s not thinking about notes or the crowd in the room; he just plays, because he and the saxophone are one. …You only dance to music like this with someone you love.
I notice Danny making a farewell gesture and leaving, ignoring Alina’s displeasure, his parents’, and the other admirers’. But as he passes the table where I was sitting, he snatches the napkin with my caricature and stuffs it into his pocket. What a jerk! Turns out he was secretly watching me too. And who promised to tell me something after the party? Liar. Doesn’t keep his word. That’s a big strike against him. Guys with looks like that probably don’t know how to keep promises or stay honest. My history professor always says you can’t trust the government, pretty men, or salespeople pushing discounted junk. Sure, she adds a crude remark at the end, but overall, it’s a life truth. Why did he take my drawing?
Alina’s mood plummets to negative twenty, her face a storm of pure fury. She’s ready to head home. I bet she’ll whine the whole way about Danny leaving early, claiming the oxygen levels dropped and her lovesick heart can’t breathe.
I’m always right about Alina, and that’s exactly what happens. Poor Ol is exhausted trying to calm her spoiled daughter, who spent the whole evening wrapping the guy in her charms, only for him to slip right out of her claws.
— I don’t get why you’re moaning, — even I can’t take it anymore. — The guy probably has a personal life. Maybe he’s got a girlfriend waiting for him.
— He doesn’t have a girlfriend! — Alina screeches from the front seat. — We asked!
— If I were him, I wouldn’t admit it either. You’d grill him to death with questions.
— Rus, sometimes I hate you!
— Only sometimes? — I scoff, sprawled out in the back seat.
— Girls, stop bickering. You’re giving me a headache! Alina, I’ve told you before—if a guy’s interested, he’ll find a reason to see you. He’s got your number. If he wants to, he’ll call. But don’t chase him; it makes a girl look desperate.
Ol is wasting her breath thinking her wisdom will sink in. Alina’s already obsessed with this guy.
I’ve already crawled under the covers after a shower when Ol quietly scratches at my door, tiptoeing into my room.
— Still awake? I don’t want Alina to hear. I got a weird message from Danny, meant for you. I’m not sure what it means. He asked me to pass it on, — she hands me her phone.
“Rus. About what I promised to say. Regarding that situation. A wild girl who can’t control her emotions, an insecure girl, would definitely run away. But a girl who’s grown into a real woman would come back without a second thought, because petty things aren’t problems for a true individual. Life loves the self-assured. By the way, nice work. I’m keeping it.”
— What a know-it-all, — I mutter under my breath. — Ol, be honest, do you think Alina has a shot with this guy?
— I don’t think so. But I haven’t had the heart to tell her. Danny’s a complicated person. Smart, sensitive, driven, but stubborn.
— Well, I think he’s obsessed with admiring himself.
— You’re wrong, — Ol smiles, patting my hand. — That’s definitely not him. Goodnight, dear.
But the night wasn’t peaceful. I dreamed of a road, the rush of speed, the sound of a saxophone, and… those serious ash-gray eyes.