As much as I’ve been enjoying this time with my family, I’ve been itching to call Matteo. Dad gave me my phone as soon as we arrived, but I was only able to exchange a few quick texts with him before I was pulled in a hundred different directions by Nadya and Aunt Irina. Uncle Mikhail and his sons are here too, but neither Aleksandr nor Vik have spoken to me. Even now as we’re toasting my homecoming, they simply drink their champagne in silence.
They’ve both always been a bit sullen like their father, but Uncle Mikhail has always made it a point to be kind to me, where his sons haven’t been close to me since I was little. Aleksandr is my age while Vik is Nadya’s, but the boys aren’t much for socializing.
Unless they’re simply trying not to scare me off by being distant. I could see that too. Uncle Mikhail didn’t flinch when I hugged him in greeting earlier, but he likely won’t ever be as warm to me as Uncle Lev is. I don’t mind, really. It’s just who he is.
Imagining my last texts with Matteo, I start to worry that I should have made time to call him before eating.
Anya
Just got home, but everyone came to see me. I’m sorry, I might not be able to call until after dinner.
Matteo
Don’t apologize. I’m glad everyone came to see you. You deserve it :)
Anya
Thank you :) It isn’t overwhelming yet, so that’s a good sign.
Anya
Have you spoken to Nico today?
Matteo
*confused emoji* My brother Nico?
Matteo
Why??
Anya
Long story, lol. Talk about it soon? I’ll let you know as soon as I’m free to call.
Matteo
I hope you know that while you’re enjoying a delicious and fun family meal I’m going to be helplessly wondering why the heck you just asked me about Nico. He didn’t do anything to get himself in trouble, did he?
Anya
He didn’t do anything bad.
I was going to send a message quickly explaining that I’d seen his brother earlier in the day, and that he was looking after me, but then Nadya presented me with her flowers and I couldn’t be rude by ignoring her to text him. And her bouquetwasreally pretty, despite my uncle’s worry that I might find the glitter to be odd. I almost wish they weren’t living so that they wouldn’t die eventually.
“Did our lovely niece tell you that she’s trading in one Moretti for another?” Uncle Lev asks, running his fingers over top of his wife’s hand.
Aunt Irina nearly chokes as she swallows her current sip. “What?”
“You’re not funny,” I tell him, glaring as I cross my arms.
“Explain yourself,muzh,” she demands sharply.
“You should be telling her to explain herself,” he tells her, a sort of playful mischief dancing in his eyes as he pretends to be innocent. “She’s the one who planted a kiss on Nico Moretti right before our eyes.”
Nadya gasps, looking devastated. “What about Matteo?”
Irina balks right along with her daughter. “What?”
