I laughed. “So it’s a nationality thing?”
“Absolutely.”
With a shrug, I replied, “I guess I don’t see you as Russian much.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not like you talk with an accent or show a lot of pride for Russia.”
“I guess it’s b-because people feel so strongly against the country because of its leaders. I appreciate my heritage, b-but I wouldn’t ever want to live there.”
“You’re Russian-American, not Russian,” I noted.
“That’s a g-good way of putting it.”
I brought the plate with another sandwich along with chips and pickles over to the table.
After I sat it down, Maksim winked. “Spasibo.”
“Let me guess. You said thank you.”
“I did.”
“I do like hearing all the Russian words.”
“I’ll remember that,” he replied with a smile.
“Maybe I’ll end up speaking some Russian after all this is over.”
“As smart as you are, I could see you p-picking it up easily.” Tilting his head at me, Maksim said, “I d-don’t think I ever asked you why you became a speech pathologist.”
I swiped my mouth with my napkin. “Even though Sammy has always been high functioning, he had speech issues as a kid, so I grew up in the offices of speech pathologists. There were a lot of times that the therapists had me help work with him. Like a speech partner. Somewhere along the way I realized I enjoyed it, and I wanted to help as many kids like Sammy as I could.”
“I’m not surprised you chose such a noble p-profession.”
“You aren’t?”
“You’re a natural caregiver.”
“So are you.”
He frowned. “I am.”
“Look at how you sprang into action tonight. You could’ve just let me leave and handle all this on my own. But you didn’t.”
“Maybe I was worried you would run away.”
Shaking my head, I replied, “We’re past all that now, Maksim.”
“You think?”
“I do. And then you found Silas help and cleaners.” With a smile, I said, “You’re a caring gangster.”
A laugh burst from his lips. “If you say so.”
“Oh, I know.”
As Maksim made quick work of devouring his second sandwich, I went over to the sink to work on getting the dinner dishes washed for Mom. I’d barely put the first plate in the water when Maksim appeared at my side.
