I shrieked in horror. “Samual John Whitfield!”
He jerked his gaze to mine. “What? He sounds kinda like KGBeast in Batman.”
When I opened my mouth to scold him more, Maksim shook his head. “He thinks I have a Russian accent.”
Both Sammy and I blinked at him in surprise. “You know Batman?” Sammy asked.
The corners of his lips quirked. “No. But I am familiar with t-the KGB.”
At Sammy’s questioning look, Maksim said, “My family is from Russia, and I speak t-the language. I guess I sometimes have a little accent.”
“That’s cool.” Sammy’s gaze then spun to mine. “Why did you yell at me?”
Nibbling my lip, I replied, “Oh, um, I’m sorry. I thought you were making fun of the way he talked.”
Sammy’s dark brows furrowed. “'Cause he talks Russian?”
A nervous laugh fluttered from my lips. Sensing I needed help, Maksim said, “I have something called a stutter. It means I have t-trouble saying certain letters.”
“A big and strong guy like you?”
With a slight smile, Maksim replied, “Yes.”
“Wow…you’re like a superhero.”
Maksim chuckled. “T-Thanks.”
Grabbing Maksim’s sleeve, Sammy tugged him to his side. “Come on. I want to introduce you to my roommates.”
“Um, okay,” Maksim said.
As Sammy dragged him up the front walk, I followed behind them. “Do you like ziti?”
“I d-do.”
“Good. That’s what I made for dinner.” Tilting his head at Maksim, he asked, “You are staying for dinner, right?”
“If it’s okay with Sarah,” Maksim answered diplomatically.
Sammy threw a pleading look over his shoulder after we got to the front door. “Can he stay, Sarah? Please.”
“Yeah, Sarah, p-please?” Maksim teasingly asked.
I laughed. “Yes, he can.”
“Oh boy, wait until you see my room. It’s all Batman.”
“That sounds so cool,” Maksim replied genuinely.
When we got inside the house, Sammy yelled, “Guys, come here!”
Pandemonium ensued with the running of feet. “Is Sarah here?” Kyle called.
“Even better,” Sammy replied.
As Maksim snorted, I swept my hand to my hips. “Excuse me?”
“No offense. But we see you all the time. Maks is new.”
