“So, you work at a bakery?”
The most normal thing that has been said to me all night.
“I do,” I reply. “I’ve…been working on opening my own.”
“Impressive. I’ll have to try it sometime.”
I bob my head, which appears like encouragement, but I’d rather he not for obvious reasons. “You like sweets.”
It’s not a question.
If I were the love of Ben’s life, I’d know all about him. It’d show, in this moment, that I’m aware Ben doesn’t like what I make.
“I do,” Nikolai replies. “Probably because we didn’t have much growing up.”
There’s something lighter about him compared to Ben and their father, but it’s not exactly comforting. If Ben is all coiled restraint, Nikolai is casual unpredictability. Like he could be dangerous, but he’d make a joke first.
“Were you guys close?”
I don’t know why I’m asking, other than filling in space and light conversation. Maybe, I’m also trying to feel him out a little.
“As kids, yes,” Nikolai confirms. “Growing up, though, we were pretty much pinned against each other.”
My face skews in part disbelief, part I’m not surprised because Ivan wouldn’t get my vote for Father of the Year. “That’s…”
Awful.
Stupid.
Mean.
I dare not say any of those things because I’m standing in the man’s house, and he’s part of themob.God knows what kinds of things he doesn’t tolerate.
“Cruel,” Nikolai finally says in my place. “Ben and I haven’t been close since we were teenagers.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugs. “It happens.”
Not like that.
However, I’m not going to throw my two cents in.
“I regret not fixing it,” he continues, sounding as though he’s reminiscing about it. “But too much time has passed?—”
“I’m sure you can. If that’s something you want to do.”
“Eh, Ben doesn’t trust me.”He doesn’t seem to trust anyone.“He’s always been the serious one. The one with the plan. I’m the screw-up. The wild card. Maybe that’s why he picked you. He needed someone to keep him grounded…or on his toes, it seems like.”
He needs to be locked up and committed.
“We complement each other,” I offer like I should. “He pushes me to do things I never would’ve done otherwise.”
“You’re brave. Most people don’t stay long enough in a room with Ben.”
I shift my weight because I can see why. “He’s not that bad.”
Nikolai smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Well, I could see why he’d stay in a room with you. Not only are you beautiful, but motivated. I’m happy he found you.”
