Penthouse, money, and staff, oh my...[Alex]

[Svetlana Ustinov]

(this thread takes place in late spring, about two months before the present time)

~~~

If there was one thing about being banished to Los Angeles that was positive, it was the sun. Nearly every day was wonderfully bright and warm. Though cool days weren't unheard of, they were a far cry from the harsh winters she'd known in Saint Petersburg.

With a faint sigh, Lana glanced up into the few bleachers arranged near the practice tennis courts. Catching sight of Alex there made her expression brighten as a smile curled her lips. The flecks of gold in her chestnut irises flickered with energy until her coach's voice rang out. "Let's go, Ustinov...I'm not going to wait all damn day."

Gritting her teeth, the teen took a deep breath and turned back to the task at hand. Another long afternoon practice, grueling in the heat of the afternoon for most people. But not for someone like her, to whom the sun and the warmth was a necessity. Looking altogether too cool and collected, Lana stood at one end of the court and prepared to serve.

Bounce...

Bounce...

Toss...

THWACK.

She ignored the murmurs from the other girls and repeated the smooth, graceful motions.

Bounce...

Bounce...

Toss...

THWACK.

By the time the coach stopped her, she'd served almost fifteen times in a row, peppering the proper quadrant in a few different spots. When the coach simply waved her hand, Lana grinned triumphantly - silence meant approval, and it also meant that she was free to go for the day. Which was a good thing...because Alex was waiting for her.

Quickly putting her racket away alongside its spare twin, her racket bag went over her shoulder as she stepped outside the tall fence. Arms crossed over his chest, Alex's dark curls gleamed in the sunlight as he leaned against the wall.

"Alex...could you meet me out front in ten minutes? I need to go grab my things and freshen up. Then we can go and have dinner." she said softly, her accent rolling delicately through her words.