Everyone’s eyes are on me. I can’t tell them. Not yet. Not like this.
I take a deep breath. “Excuse me,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s my mother.
”Vladimir’s eyes narrow, but he doesn't stop me. He knows. He knows everything. I can feel it. He just gives me a little nod and a look that says, I will wait. I walk away from the table, my hand shaking as I answer the call.
“Isabella,” my mother’s voice rings out, so full of love and concern it brings tears to my eyes. “Why haven’t you been calling? I went to your office, and they told me you quit. What is going on, my little girl?”
The lie tumbles out before I can think. “Mama, I… I got a new job. A work trip. I’m fine.” The words are hollow. I can feel the lie on my tongue, and it tastes like ash.
“You’re on a work trip and y
