Chapter Fifty-Four: The After-Supper Smooch
Even though Dimitri was mentioned a couple times during dinner, Abe was able to easily distract them away from that topic. Every time I gave him a grateful glance and he would respond with a knowing expression. I tried to avoid making eye contact with Yeva, but it was impossible not to notice the smug expression on her face. She had made the prediction years ago that Abe and I would end up together, and even though I wouldn't say Abe Mazur was anything close to my boyfriend, her prediction was essentially correct.
Fortunately, we survived dinner without any awkward moments. Before I knew it, we were heading toward the door and saying our good-byes. We had to leave Sydney there to keep track of Rose, and I felt bad for leaving her in a house full of vampires; however, at least the Belikov family was welcoming and not intimidating like Abe and Pavel.
I guess I wasn't the permanent driver because Abe took the driver's seat and I was stuck in the passenger's. We were all quiet as Abe drove to what I assumed to be the hotel we were staying at. I was too lost in my thoughts to speak. I still wondered if I should have told Dimitri's family about his death. Would they have appreciated hearing it from me rather than Rose? I felt bad I hadn't mentioned anything about Dimitri. I was the one person connecting the family to its only member abroad and I didn't bother to even say anything. They were probably so worried about him...
I wiped the tears away from my eyes, hoping that Abe wouldn't notice, but I could see him glancing over at me. He didn't say anything, though, as he pulled up to the hotel and parked.
Pavel and I followed him into the lobby as he checked in. I expected our room to be relatively fancy, but was surprised when I only saw one queen sized bed in our room. "Tell me we aren't all going to try to fit in that bed," I said.
"I'll sleep on the floor," Pavel insisted.
I glanced at him and was about to protest, but I realized it would be more uncomfortable if I had to share a bed with Pavel or, even worse, Abe and Pavel had to share. Plus, I was too tired to complain. Instead, I got ready for bed and took a shower. I came out in my robe and noticed Pavel was already settled in on the floor and Abe was waiting for me on the bed.
"...You didn't have to wait up for me," I whispered as I sat beside him.
"I know, but you seemed upset...I shouldn't have brought you to the Belikov's..."
I shook my head. "No, even though it was hard, it was nice to see them again...I just...I have a hard time looking them in the eyes when I know it was my fault Dimitri's gone..."
"It wasn't your fault, Maya..." He told me as he scooted closer to me. "...It was going to happen no matter what..."
"Dammit," I swore as I started to cry again. "I thought I was beginning to move past it...I want to move forward..."
"Dimitri was your best friend and it's only been a month...I think you're still allowed to shed a few tears," Abe whispered as he surprisingly reached out and wiped away the tears. "I just wish I could help..."
Then, I surprised him as I leaned forward and kissed him. "All I need is time...and as long as you stick it out with me for that time...I think I'll be okay..."
Abe kissed me back. "Maya, I think you're stuck with me for as long as you'll have me."
