Everyone continued staring at him.
I offered, “It’s potluck Sunday.” Everyone liked to eat.
Artur asked, “Potluck?”
Oh.“Everyone brings a dish of food, and after service we sit down and eat together.”
Daniil started barking something in Russian to a servant standing in the corner.
Roman muttered, “Wonderful.”
After Daniil, grudgingly, dropped me off at the end of the block from my church, I made my way there. It wouldn’t look right if I showed up with them, and Daniil wasn’t happy about it but did as I had asked. Honestly, it was kind of funny because Trofim followed me. As if I hadn’t known that, but Daniil tried to be sneaky about it, so I didn’t let on that I knew.
Making my way inside the church, Daniil and crew were just pulling up at the front doors, giving me enough time to make it there ‘alone.’ I walked up to my family, and my mom immediately hugged me, along with the rest of my family. Like I was a long lost relative. It was normal for Sunday service.
We all chatted amicably for a minute.
Until my Aunt Susan stilled, staring over my head. “Oh, my. Frankie,” my mom, “look who just walked in. James,” my dad, “will be thrilled.” Her gaze darted to me and away, a small smile playing on her lips.
Everyone stared over my head.
I turned around as my Aunt Ella said, “They look like the Mafia or something. Who are they?”
My aunt and mom both chuckled, Mom saying, “They are the Mafia.” Aunt Ella gasped, and Mom helpfully supplied, “The Russian Mafia, to be exact.” She glanced around at their group all dressed in black—albeit in suits and dresses—amidst the sea of colorful outfits worn by others. “And some of Lion Security’s company, also.”
Aunt Ella and Aunt Rebecca actually took a few steps backward, and Aunt Rebecca asked in a hushed whisper, “What are they doing here?” And she stilled, saying through lips that didn’t move, “I think they’re coming this way!”
My mom turned a little, her curls hiding her face as she whispered fiercely, “Be nice. They’re obviously here for church service. James talked to Daniil all week long. He’s very excited to have him here.” She smiled great big. “Now smile and greet them properly.”
Nervously, I watched as they came forward, everyone parting around them, unconsciously and some consciously moving out of their way, people slowly starting to stare. I’m not sure why I was nervous, but I was. Having them all here in a place that was normally a safe haven for me was…different. And then, I finally glanced at Daniil where he walked in the center of the group, leading them. And his gaze flicked to mine, and I relaxed instantly. That quick look was somehow soothing. It was as if he knew I needed calming and had given me what I needed.
I stop the soft smile that wanted to make its way to my lips. It wouldn’t do to show I was overly happy to see him here. I had to play it cool—which wasn’t hard because all of my aunts and mom practically shoved me out of the way, moving forward a few steps to greet them all head on.
And…Daniil charmed them like normal. It was truly amazing to see him soothe any worries they might have had, and at the same time, compliment them on what a wonderful church this was. He even stated who the architect must have been, and my mom beamed, nodding. Either he had done his research or he was an architectural buff. I wasn’t sure which.
Katie came and stood next to me, moving away from the pew where her girls were sitting, appearing glum-faced like normal on Sundays being forced to come. “So. It didn’t end in Key West, huh?”
I shook my head slightly. “No. Not at all.” I hesitated, then whispered to her, “Keep this to yourself, but I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Katie shouted.
And…the place went silent. Maybe it wasn’t the best time to tell her.
She cleared her throat, and waved at the masses, and turned her back to them, staring at me as slowly the conversation picked back up. She asked in a whisper, “What are you going to do?”
“Deal. Like I have been,” I said quietly. Daniil and Artur strode up behind her. “It’s not as bad as you think.”
I nodded and said, “Hello, Daniil. Artur.”
Katie stilled, and slowly turned. Her hooded gaze had stayed on Artur for a second before she turned her attention on Daniil. And, swear to God, she bared her teeth at him when she smiled. “Daniil.”
“Katie,” he inclined his head toward her, overlooking her hostility. “It’s lovely to see you again. This is my son, Artur.” He was playing as if we hadn’t had that big get together in my room at the resort. Smart since my aunts were watching.
She glared at him a moment longer—going all protective cousin on me—before turning her attention to Artur. She stuck her hand out slowly, saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Artur.”
He switched the large bowl he held to his left arm, and shook her hand—holding it a smidge longer than necessary, and said, “It’s lovely to meet you, too, Katie.” And…then…he went mute.
Daniil stared at him for a moment, looking perplexed before his lips twitched, and he turned to Katie and me, breaking the awkward silence. “You’re mothers said you could show us where to put our pasta salad for the potluck.”
