Page 43 of Cashmere Ruin

But she’s already writing.

On the other side of the room, Matvey’s doing his best impression of a statue. Or maybe it’s the three monkeys:I do not see it, I do not hear it, I do not give a damn about it.

Defeated, I accept the prescription slip. “Thanks, Doc.”

“You’re always very welcome.”

After Dr. Allan leaves, I’ve barely pulled down my dress before Matvey’s already shoving our baby back into my arms. In some respects, we really are just like any other couple.

Except that’s where traditional behaviors end for us.

“Grisha, keep an eye on her,” he calls into the hallway. “Make sure she doesn’t leave.”

I roll my eyes. “Gee, what now? I was justplanning to go bar crawling.”

“Without me?” a feminine voice calls from the hallway. “And here I thought we were friends again.”

“Petra.” Matvey’s voice is ice. “I wasn’t aware you had business here.”

“Oh, you know how it is,” she smiles sweetly. “Mommy Pilates got canceled. Thought I’d ditch the dolls and get some hands-on experience with the real thing. If that’s okay with you, April?”

What does it say about me that I’m actually relieved to see her? “Sure. I think May needs changing anyway.”

Petra’s smile falters, but only for a moment. “Perfect.”

Matvey frowns at our newfound friendliness. What, did he really think I’d blame the other woman?

“No leaving,” he repeats to Grisha.

“Yes,pakhan.”

Then he strides out.

For a moment, we just look between the three of us. “Are you… staying for the impromptu mommy class?” I ask.

To his credit, Grisha only pales a little. “I’m afraid I have prior commitments,” he politely declines. “But you two have fun. If you need anything, I’ll be right outside the door.”

Then he makes himself scarce, too.

Just like that, we’re alone. “Thanks for the assist,” I exhale.

“Sure. How’s the confinement going?”

“You know, I feel like I’m learning what being a single mother in a Middle Ages convent was like.”

“Does that make Grisha a nun?”

I snort. “Let’s not ask him that.”

God, it’s the most normal interaction I’ve had in ages. Again, what does that say about me?

“For the record…” Petra clears her throat. “I’m not helping you change that.”

I find myself snickering. “You’re gonna have to learn at some point, Mommy-In-Waiting.”

“I’ll have nannies for that.”

I shake my head sadly. “You’re actually freaking out about it, aren’t you? Motherhood?”