“A little,” I lie, trying to appear composed. “I hope they weren’t too rude to you…my uncles and my dad. I didn’t know they were going to pick you up and stay with you until it was time to come over. You may as well have just come straight here.”
“Pshh.” Matteo waves me off. “It was nothing. Big softies, all of ’em. Pretty sure they like me, they just have to pretend like they don’t.”
My eyes widen at his description and he laughs.
Looking over his shoulder to the kitchen entrance he shakes his head. “Man, I hope they didn’t hear that.”
My lips fold in, smothering a giggle. “So, not so sure on the whole liking you front?”
“I’m working on it,” he assures me, shrugging. “They’re tough nuts to crack, but I’m stubborn. And competitive. I’ll make them like me eventually.”
“You’ll need that determination,” Aunt Irina sings, floating back into the kitchen. I startle, not expecting her back so soon. “Don’t worry, kids, I’m not here to spy and ruin your reunion. The men are antsy so I’ve come to fetch vodka.”
Matteo winces slightly, giving her a weary look. “Are they more or less agreeable while drinking?”
My aunt titters, fetching a full bottle from the freezer. She pulls it out and gives it a little shake at him. “You’re about to find out, why ruin the surprise?”
“Oh, God,” I mutter, watching as she glides out of the room, turning around to give me a wink before disappearing down the hall.
“I don’t know whether I should be relieved or frightened,” Matteo admits, scratching the back of his head.
“I don’t know either,” I agree, biting my lip. “My father doesn’t usually drink around me, and Uncle Lev could drink vodka for breakfast like it’s water. I don’t know if it will affect his mood at all, really.”
Matteo hums, dipping his head in acknowledgment.
“My aunt promised she would be on our side today, though,” I quickly add. “She teases, but she won’t let them cross a line.”
“Well, I’m glad to have her as an ally, then.” He tilts his head, considering. “To be honest, I don’t care what they say or do to me. As long as they don’t upset you, I’m cool.”
“Are you sure?” I ask quietly, hoping he is.
“I’ve got eight older brothers, remember?” he jokes, seeming confident. “I know how to deal with grumpy men and their needling. If two decades with Apollo has done anything for me, it’s given me thick skin. The guy claims to love us all, but he’s definitely not had the most soft and caring way of showing it.”
“I’m sure he loves you.” I can’t imagine anyone not loving Matteo.
“Maybe.”
Not knowing what else to say, I fold my hands together awkwardly. “We should probably go join them before they get too agitated. Grigory should be back to finish up dinner in a minute too. He likes his space.”
“Well, if he’s anything like Martha, getting out of his way is a great idea,” he agrees with a chuckle. “Lead the way?”
“Sure.”
Thankfully, the dining room is close by and large enough that it doesn’t feel crowded when we arrive. The first person to greet us is probably the best option of them all, considering I can see the bottle my aunt just brought in has already been cracked open.
“Matteo, this is my cousin Nadya,” I tell him, gesturing to her as she stands in front of us. “Nadya, this is my friend Matteo.”
Nadya sticks her hand out lightning fast, offering it in greeting. “I know who you are, Dmitri married your sister. Mama told me about you.”
Matteo chuckles and shakes her hand softly. “I know who you are too, you’re the ballerina. Anya told me about you.”
“You did?” Nadya asks, her eyes shooting to mine. She sounds amazed by the prospect, and her wide expression can’t hide her surprise.
“Anya tells me about all the important people in her life,” Matteo informs her matter-of-factly, taking his hand back.
She continues to look at me like I might deny his claim, but I offer a short smile in confirmation. The shine in Nadya’s eyes is almost watery, and not for the first time, I feel guilty for being so absent in her life these past few years.
“She told me you looked just like your mother,” Matteo continues, sensing the emotional tension. “But I didn’t realize she meant that you were her mini twin.”
