I nodded in agreement, hoping they would let the subject go. Zhenya turned to Clara and started talking to her. I was glad for the change and happy to just listen. Most of the time spent standing there, I was in my head, fighting my thoughts.
I watched Iosif and Kolya standing by the door. They were deep in conversation. I assumed it was work-related as I didn’t know what else they could be talking about.
One of the men came towards us. As he got within hearing distance, he started speaking. “Are you all just going to stand here all day talking between yourselves?” he asked.
Zhenya smirked as she replied. “No, Timofey, we will be joining you all shortly.”
The men pulled two tables together as we walked towards them. Once everyone was settled, I had to ask, as my curiosity was getting the better of me. “What does everyone do?”
Timofey was the first to speak. “I’m a racecar driver. Last year, I won multiple races.” His chest puffed up, and his eyes glistened as he spoke of his dream job.
“We have import and export businesses,” Iosif said, drawing everyone’s attention. I could see he was the leader of this family. The room went quiet as he continued. “We also have alliance companies in real estate and other ventures.”
As he finished, Anton spoke up. “I’m second in charge and run unique dealings.”
“Most of us do our part in different aspects of the family business,” Zhenya added. “But enough about us. Please, tell us more about you.”
“There’s not much to tell,” I replied.
“Don’t be so modest,” Kolya interrupted. “She’s going to be a brilliant lawyer. Her skills are like nothing I’ve seen before.”
I felt my cheeks heat up as a blush spread across them. “She has done so much for us already, I can’t tell you what a difference it makes having her around.” Kolya boasted.
“Well,” Iosif said. “It is good to know. We’ll, keep that in mind.”
“No, misusing my wife,” Kolya replied defensively. Everyone burst out laughing.
We had a fabulous lunch with everyone sharing funny stories of mishaps they have experienced. After lunch, Avgust and Timofey moved towards the pool. They stood there talking. Zhenya walked up to them. Avgust glanced at her as he pulled her into his arms. Throughout the day, I’ve noticed most of them interacting in such a loving way.
It was nice to see the love this family shared. Yet, it made my heart hurt. I didn’t have such a unique bond with my brother, the only family I had left. I stood watching, unaware that I was being watched.
“What’s wrong, Sophia?” Kolya suddenly spoke next to me. He gently touched my arm, turning me to face him. “You look so very sad.”
I glanced up, then turned my gaze down, swallowing hard. “Just a little,” I admitted. “It’s just that the only family Ihave is my brother. But he has his own family. We’re not really involved in each other's lives.”
Kolya pulled up a chair. “Here, sit,” he whispered. Pulling another one closer, he sat down in front of me. Holding my hands, he spoke tenderly. “It’s okay, dear. You’ve got a big family now.”
Grinning, I wiped the lone tear from my cheek. “I know. But I miss mine,” I replied. Glancing over his shoulder, I looked at the people gathered around us. They were all very nice and kind. But not yet my family. “My brother’s content staying in the suburbs with his wife and daughter. I became obsessed with working. Wanting, no, needing, success in my career.”
Looking into his eyes, I saw a tenderness I hadn’t noticed before. “It’s a good thing to have focus,” he said. I could hear the slight tease in his tone.
“Yes,” I agreed. “But seeing your family with the in-laws interacting so well. You all work and have lives at the same time. It has me missing my family.”
“Well, then,” Kolya huffed. “If you feel lonely or want company, then just let me know. We’ll jump in the car and visit someone. We can do it as much as you like. You will never need to feel lonely.”
Laughing lightly, I nodded in agreement. Kolya leaned in and kissed my cheek softly. Rising to his feet, he pulled me up and embraced me.
I sat next to Kolya, and the other women sat with their husbands. I could see the love in the family, not only between siblings, but also between significant others. Having a big family could be nice.
As the day turned to night, everyone started leaving. We also said our good nights and left.
“So, were they the bad kind of people you had imagined?” Kolya asked sarcastically as we drove home.
Glancing at him, I spoke softly. “No, they weren’t. They were all nice.”
“I’m glad to hear that you approve. That you no longer think the family is monsters.” He added.
“No,” I replied. “Thank you for making me come. I am glad I got to meet them.” I was also glad there were no more questions for the rest of the trip home.
