London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 43. Anton

How sweet the taste of victory is! Of course, it pains me to see her so broken, but I rejoice. Daniel Pierce turned out to be such a naive fool that he presented Sanja to me on a silver platter. Just one little doubt in his head and he folded his arms, stopped fighting for her. But there's been a lot of talk. Playing the knight, and then giving up before he'd even started.

For me, as selfish as it sounds, things are working out for the best. Just like I thought it would. And thanks to that idiot with his interview for making things happen much quicker.

While Sanja is crying in the ladies' room, I watch this video again. Reading the articles. New affair? Hmm. It's a bit too simple. But I don't want to look for a catch. I'm just going to my goal.

Sasha has absolutely forbidden the subject of Daniel to come up in our conversations, which is fine with me. We talk about everything but him. The less he comes up in our conversations, the easier it is for her to digest his new crush and move on.

The next evening I stop by to check on her. She said on the phone that she didn't want to see anyone, that she had some business and blah, blah, blah. Liar. I bought some wine, some goodies, and now I'm ringing her doorbell. Max is standing on the doorstep, raising an eyebrow.

- Oh, Anton, great, - he says, staring intently at the package. - Resuscitative psychological help or something?

- More like a safe, friendly shoulder,- I make my way into the kitchen, laying out the groceries.

- What are you doing here, Anton? - I hear Sanja's voice behind me. - Didn't I tell you I was busy?

- Mm. That's why I came. A week ago, you did the same thing. You didn't fall for my words and came to rescue me. And the debt, as they say, Debt is Paid In Full. And your friend's as charming as ever,- I joke.

- Show-off, - she smiles, pushing me on the shoulder.

I open the wine and put the provisions on a plate. Max, meanwhile, turns on a movie and pulls out a board game. It's just like old times. My family, which I stupidly missed. I can feel it again. And the more I admire this picture, the more I want to anchor it in a new reality.

We play, we laugh, we hit pillows, we speak in our native language, without any English words. We joke. We discuss the film. We tease each other at every turn of the game. Press pause, let this scene never scroll through.

The clock strikes one o'clock in the morning.

- Of course, it's fun with you guys, but I have a very early workout tomorrow before classes, so I'm leaving you. Don't be naughty. - Max says, shakes my hand, kisses mother and hides in the back room. We're alone and the atmosphere in the room changes instantly. It becomes more intimate.

- It's like being in Moscow again, - she says suddenly, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. - It's a strange déjà vu.

- Did you like it? - I ask, stepping carefully on the thin ice. Isn't that a hint on her part? Doesn't she miss it as much as I do?

- Yes, it was good. Peaceful. And fun. I practically passed out. And definitely had a good rest, - she replies.

I grab a bottle of wine and move closer to fill her glass.

- This is our life. It's the way it's always been. It could be like this again if you want it to be, - I blurt out.

Sanya slowly looks up at me.

- I... - she mumbles.

This is the moment to act. I lean closer to her, catching her breath. A tiny distance separates me from her lips.

- Anton, please...- she whispers, keeping her gaze on my mouth. Either asking me to stop, or not to stop. I choose the second option.

But before I can touch her a hand comes between us.

- Stop! - She says. - I can't do this. I'm sorry.

- You can't?! You're rejecting me again? For him? For a boy who dumped you without a word and then had another affair?! - I'm getting turned on. She just provoked me and now she's stopped me. What kind of cat and mouse game is this? Why is that jerk still standing between us?!

- Stop it right now! I'm not going to discuss my relationship with Daniel with you, - she replies sharply.

- What relationship? The one that's already over? He dumped you. Face it, he's not coming back. He's already betrayed you, trampled you. And you're sitting here suffering for something that's not worth a fingernail of yours. Wake up! Take off the rose-colored glasses! Your Daniel is nothing! - I'm not holding back. Anger is boiling in me, clouding my mind.

- You better go now, - Sasha says. - Now!

I lean over her and catch her gaze.

- I'm here, you see. I'm right here. I love you. I want to be with you. I'll do anything to get you back. And when you realize, when you admit to yourself that you love me, too, I'll be ready, - I assure her. I know she's confused. So am I. I know she just needs to be pointed in the right direction and reach out. She will come.

Sanya stands slowly in front of me. She comes very close and speaks softly in my ear:

- Our story ended a long time ago. There's nothing to wait for. I'm not coming back. - She doesn't think that's going to stop me, does she?

I put my hands on her shoulders:

- That's where you're very wrong. And if I was wrong, this whole kissing thing wouldn't have happened. You felt it too. I know.

She pulls out of my arms and opens the front door, sighing languidly.

- Thank you for the evening, for the wine, but it's too late.

The more she resists, the more I want her back. Thank God Pierce is out of the way.