Maybe stepped back and the way she looked struck him in the gut. Eyes heavy lidded, a carnal smile on a mouth he wanted to kiss so badly the only thing stopping him was the crowded bar full of their friends and coworkers.
I cant. Tonight I mean, he amended when her face fell. I need to... I have dinner with my family.
Oh thats right. Irena said something a few days back about that.
Tomorrow night after work.
Her smile was back. Im off at nine. You can take me to eat after. Now, go give your aunt a hug for me. I hope its a good dinner.
* * *
HED HOPED IT would be a good dinner too.
Continued hoping as he parked his car at the curb in front of the house hed come to think of as home.
The little house Maybe and Rachel shared sat just next door and he allowed himself to look over as he headed up the front walk. So much outdoor light over there. His aunt had been annoyed at first, saying it was too bright. But after a while she and his uncle had come to like it, and feel it made their part of the neighborhood safer because it was so well lit at night.
The door opened before hed finished taking the top step and his brother, Cristian, hurtled out, relief on his features.
Thank God youre here, he muttered to Alexsei. Mom has Seth cornered and shes grilling him on his job. Auntie keeps glaring but not intervening. He didnt bring flowers. I told him to bring them both a big bouquet but Moms a little bigger. Not a lot bigger but just enough. You know?
Take a breath, Cris. You need to breathe or youll pass out and then shell blame him for that too.
Fucking hilarious, Cris whispered as Alexsei laughed. He didnt bring her any present at all.
Ouch. Thats unfortunate.
He let his brother propel him into the front hall, where he hung his things in the closet and exchanged his shoes for the slippers always ready for his use in the house when he came over.
Alexsei blocked his brothers way to get his attention. Cris could totally get off topic, especially when it came to their mother. Hell have to make that up as soon as possible. When you take her to the house tomorrow he needs to meet you both with flowers and chocolate and something stupid and expensive like a scarf with the designer logo all over it so everyone can see it. Have him tell her its to keep her shoulders warm on her flight back home.
Cristians features eased as he smiled and this time there wasnt panic at the edges. Thats really good. Ill even pick up the scarf myself. You know how he gets. Okay. Okay. Thanks. Thanks, he repeated, I knew youd have an idea.
Seth was a cop. He had that focus and drive that made him a very good police officer, but a sometimes forgetful or scattered fiancé.
It also made him really blunt. Which actually endeared him to the rest of their family. Hopefully their mother would follow suit after this misstep.
Alexsei clapped his shoulder. If Seths going to be with you he has to deal with our family. And sometimeshell, pretty rarelythat includes our mother. Anyway Irishka approves of Seth so youll be fine.
He followed the noise to the huge kitchen and attached dining room. The heart of the house and the place he most often found his family gathered. The sideboard already held food but he knew thered be way more coming.
Loud calls of welcome sounded as he and Cris were noticed and his aunt paused for a kiss as she passed by. He dropped off some booze and a few tins of the tea his uncle favored and poked around a little in the different pots and pans to see what was for dinner.
Fish with mushrooms, pork chops of some sort, cabbage rolls, rice and vegetables, his aunt went all out to welcome her sister to her home.
Polina had Seth on the hot seat near the sliding glass doors leading to the backyard. He appeared uncomfortable but not offended or upset. She caught sight of Alexsei and dismissed Seth, who tipped his chin in greeting and got out while he could.
Smart man.
Mama. Alexsei kissed both cheeks. You look pretty.
She smiled, pleased by his greeting.
Are you giving Seth a hard time? he asked in Russian. Truth was, Seth needed to learn Russian if he meant to stick around. The family constantly switched back and forth between Russian and English, usually at a high speed.
At that moment it made it easier to be frank, but it would always be used to get around him until he figured out how to fend for himself. And hed learned from Maybe just how much people hated being talked around like that.
She made a sound. He wants things. He needs to give them to Cristian, not the other way around. Then she tossed out a not-so-nice slang term for cop hed heard from her husband more than once.
Alexsei shook his head. No. Thats not it at all. Hes got ambition. Hes a detective now and good enough at it that he recently got a promotion. Hes responsible. Stable. He loves Cris.
Cris can do better, she said, disdain heavy in the words. A businessman. A pilot. Not a cop.
And Cris loves him. He wants to take care of your son. And your son wants his mother to be supportive of his choices. He shrugged a shoulder and she gave him a look, but allowed him to close the topic.
His uncle came in and called for everyone to come to the table. Seth settled in next to Cristian, looking a little glazed over, but mainly all right.
Alexseis mother sat in the chair hed been holding out for her and then he grabbed the place to her left, between her and his uncle, across from his aunt. For that one moment it was nice to see them all there. His very large family all talking, catching up, laughing and bragging.
Irena had gone all out, preparing not just two salads, but four. He knew she wanted his mother to see how well she took care of the family. Even if things were complicated between his mother and aunt, they were sisters. There was love there, regardless of anything else.
After the salads came some soup. Mushroom, Alexseis favorite. He winked at his aunt, knowing shed made it for him.
The main dishes, the sides, more food and more food until three hours and countless plates of food later Alexsei had to admit defeat and push himself back, away from the table before he gave in to his aunts urging and ate even more.
They settled in the living room just beyond and once everyone had quieted down, Cristian stood and held a hand out Seths way. Mom, Seth and I bought a house. We thought it might be nice to drive past and see it tomorrow on the way back to the airport. We dont close for another thirty days, but you can see it from the outside at least.
You arent married, Polina said to Cristian.
Weve been trying to get things in order before we decide to get married. Seths family wants to be here for any ceremony and so we want to do it at least a year from now.
She made a sound and then told him in Russian, Hes pretty, but youll support him then? Is that how you want to live? He should be taking care of you, not the other way around.
I know youre uncomfortable with us being gay, Seth began, knowing enough to understand the conversation was about him but not getting what the actual problem was.
You know? Polina narrowed her gaze and took Seth in. I only met you yesterday and you know me so well? Cristian is who he is. I dont care about gay or not gay. She made a movement with her hand, sweeping it away.
What is the problem then? Seth demanded.
Alexsei wished very much that hed taken his uncle up on that shot hed offered just before theyd walked out of the kitchen. This was going to be a long, horrible scene. He could taste it.
Irena made a sound with her tongue that didnt bode well for his brothers partner. She told Cris to handle his business and then began to address Polina in short bursts of Russian.
Seth had an uphill battle. They all enjoyed his company and clearly he made Cristian happy, but he wasnt Russian. Strike one. Not entirely insurmountable. Far worse though, he hadnt greeted Polina in a way she expected and then hed been short with her. Bluntness was an art form in his family, yes, but you didnt fuck with your mother-in-law like that. At least not from go. She didnt care that Cristian was gay. But she very much cared about status and Seth hadnt respected it.
And the worst thing of all to Polina was that Seth worked for the authorities. Her whole lifestyle at that point was supported by things not lawful even in Russia.
His brother sent him a pleading look and Vic groaned at his side.
You need to let them handle this, he muttered to Alexsei.
He loves the guy. What am I supposed to do?
Youre supposed to let Cris handle it. If he wants Seth, he has to do this. If you get in the middle, theyll both be upset and dissatisfied. No matter what you do or say.
Like some sort of dystopian future? I leave them to fight to the death?
Vic snorted. If he cant fight for Cris and Cris for him, its not meant to be. If you step in too early shell never accept Seth. At least give them another five minutes. No ones yelling or crying.
Yet.
Yet may be as good as it ever gets with this family, Alyosha.
CHAPTER FIVE
IT WAS PAST ELEVEN but the night was warm enough, even in November, for Maybe to be on the porch as she drank her tea and looked at the stars. While layered up in all her fleece, naturally.
Even in the middle of their quiet suburban neighborhood there was still activity. Houses here and there had lights on.
Next door at the Orlovs, the family dinner had been raucous enough that Maybe heard it from time to time. Mostly it had sounded festive, but a few times she was pretty sure she was overhearing an argument.
Shed come home from work, hung out with Rachel and Cora after band practice was over and still wasnt quite ready for bed. So Maybed opted for fresh air and the stars for quiet company and wasnt disappointed at all to catch sight of Alexsei stalking from Irena and Pavels place next door.
Maybe considered remaining silent and letting him go. But he was right there. And she wanted his company, even for a little while. So she raised a hand and called out quietly.
He turned, starting a little when he noticed her on the porch. He paused, his body tense in the yellowy light of the streetlamp.
Then he headed over to her.
How was dinner? she asked when he climbed the front steps.
Irena is a good cook. Im full.
Which in Alexsei-speak would normally answer the question. If the food was good and he was full, it was a successful dinner. But he had a hesitation around his eyes as well as the set of his shoulders.
She waited, wondering if hed elaborate. He didnt.
Would you like a cup of tea? she asked at last.
No. Do you have alcohol?
Ouch. That kind of dinner, huh? Yeah, come on in. Maybe unlocked the three front door locks and indicated he join her inside.
Did you just get home? he asked as she locked up once they were in the front hall and set the alarm.
No. Ive been back a few hours or so. Why?
The door was locked many times. Is everything all right? He frowned and it made her tingly.
We always lock the door, even when were home. Lets hang out in my room. That way we wont bug Rachel. Then Ill explain.
One corner of his mouth lifted slightly and she rolled her eyes as she grabbed a bottle and some glasses.
Maybe realized, as she led him down the four steps to the side of the house her bedroom inhabited, that hed never been in there before.
Cool.
Make yourself comfortable. I just need to run up and check on something. She wanted to touch base with Rachel briefly. Her sister didnt need surprises.
On the other side of the house, Rachel lay in her bed, surrounded by sketchbooks, her e-reader, comics, and whatever flotsam and jetsam that amused her at any given time.
Ive got a wild Russian bearded barber in my bed right now. Well, Maybe amended, in my room. The bed part is one of those wish fulfillment things. Anyhoodle. I just wanted to let you know what was up and that if you hear me screaming about God it was probably due to orgasms and other lady business.
Then she froze and regretted her words. Oh a joke about screaming to her sister whod been held captive by a madman for three weeks. So stupid!
But she didnt apologize, knowing it would only start a thing between her and her sister.
Rachels face lit with recognition and then annoyance. Oh for fucks sake, Maybe. You cant remove every single word that might apply to something horrible that happened to me from your life. Mainly because you talk too much for that to be anything near a reality. But also, Im not that fragile. I promise.
I know youre not fragile. Jesus. Youre the strongest, bravest person I know. Im sorry if I made you feel like that. I just want to protect you and I go too far. Im sorry.
Stop apologizing. You and me are fine. We always have been. Im a work in progress and you let me be. Thats what makes everything okay. Now go on down to your wild bearded barber before he thinks youve escaped out the back door. Rachel gave her a last, exasperated but affectionate smile before turning her attention back to the pad on her lap.
Maybe knew Rachel still checked every single window and door several times a day. Their security system was top-of-the-line and ridiculous and her sister reset it at least weekly, but it was one of the only things that had helped Rachel sleep at night when theyd first moved in to the house.
But Maybe had never thought of that as weak. Just the opposite. Every day Rachel woke up and lived her life and sometimes it was just a matter of making it without ending up in a weeping ball in the shower. But those days seemed less and less frequent, and Maybe liked that a great deal.
Alexsei was in her room where shed left him. Hed made himself at home as shed directed, splayed out in the chair near the bed, the bottle and glasses on the bedside table.
Hed even unbuttoned the top two shirt buttons, exposing his throat. Sending her heartbeat into a few salsa thumps.
Finally. After years of playing this scenario over in her head, he was actually in her room. In. Her. Room.
She kicked off her slippers and got onto her bed so she sat across from him. He handed her a glass filled with vodka and they clinked before taking the shot.
I know its sort of stereotypical to hand a Russian vodka for shots and all.
He sighed, as he often did when she just blurted out whatever.
Some stereotypes are based on things that are true often enough to be a stereotype.