“Cupcakes.”
As Oleg looked almost stricken, I turned and started back to the house, trying to hide my laughter.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: MAKSIM
As I sat around the table surrounded by Sarah’s brother and his friends, I couldn’t think of a time lately when I’d had more fun. I’m sure my brothers would’ve found my domestic bliss quite pathetic, especially Aleks and Lev who loved nothing more than heading out to a club every night.
But I’d never been that person. Clubs were sensory nightmares for me. It was hard enough talking without trying to do it over the loud thumping club base. Throw in the fact that I had a stutter made it hellish.
There was something so pure about the conversations and people around the table. Not to mention Sammy’s cooking was delicious. He’d prepared two large pans of ziti while the otherguys had helped out to make salad and bread. Of course, dessert was down to Sammy’s cupcakes.
When I asked Oleg to grab the cupcakes, I also told him to buy out the rest of the bakery’s other available flavors. I figured it was a way to ensure everyone had a choice and a good way to make friends with the Irish.
As I spooned another helping of the ziti, I noticed the girl beside me. She hadn’t been talking or eating much. Trying to make conversation, I asked,
“I’m Maksim. What’s your name?”
“Molly.”
“That’s a p-pretty name.”
“Thanks,” she replied while dragging her fork through the ziti.
“I hear there’s a big dance coming up.”
At the quick bob of her head, I asked, “Who are you g-going with?”
Molly stared up from her plate at me and promptly burst into tears. “Oh shit,” I muttered before looking helplessly across the table at Sarah.
After surveying the situation, she rose out of her seat to come around the table. Sarah gently rubbed the back of Molly’s head. “It’s okay, honey.”
When Molly continued to cry, Sarah crouched down beside her. “Can you tell me what made you so sad?”
“I don’t have…anyone to go to the…dance with,” she sobbed.
Sarah gave her a reassuring smile. “That’s okay. You can go with me and Quint.”
Molly shook her dark head back and forth. “I want my own date.”
“I bet Quint would go with you instead of me.”
“No. He would be mad at me for taking you away.”
Sarah appeared stumped. There were so many reasons not to say what was flashing in my mind. Ignoring them, I blurted, “I’ll b-be your d-date.”
Both Sarah and Molly stared wide-eyed at me. From their expressions, I debated shooting out of my chair and running out of the room.
“You would take me?” Molly questioned incredulously.
“Sure.”
“Oh. My. God,” Molly replied.
Frowning, I glanced between her and Sarah. “Is t-that a yes?”
Sarah smiled. “I think so.”
Through her tears, Molly beamed. “I’ll have the most handsomest guy there!”
