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Elena gives me a reassuring smile as their butlers come in, carrying bowls of soup and plates of bread.
“It smells delicious,” Mama says. “Do you have a cook?”
Elena smiles at Mama. “We do. She’s amazing. She knows all the old Russian recipes, and her food is to die for.”
Mama grunts. Although we also have helpers, I know Mama prides herself with her cooking.
An awkward silence befalls us as we start to eat and everyone attends to their food and only their food. I don’t dare to look up at Elena because I think I might crack.
I want her.
I always want her.
And she looks delicious today.
There isn’t a moment that passes that I don’t think about Elena and how much I crave her.
Mama clears her throat and I glance at her as she turns to Sokolov. “The meal is lovely, but we should probably get on with discussing why we’re here. The wedding.”
Sokolov clears his throat and puts his spoon down. “Yes, I know. Arseny has asked Elena to marry him and she has accepted. I will, of course, pay for a large venue and the church where the ceremony is to be held. I would prefer to use our church.”
“I will accept your church but with our priest,” Mama says, narrowing her eyes. “To keep things fair.”
Sokolov looks a little put out and I want to nudge my mother. She’s always been the defiant type, but I’ve never seen her negotiate.
“Fine,” Sokolov growls.
Mama lifts her chin. “Also, I think we can both contribute toward the wedding. I will cover whatever food and cake they want, but I will set a limit on the bar bill. Russian families can get rather out of hand at weddings.” Mama smiles as she speaks.
“Agreed.” Sokolov nods, a hint of respect in his eyes. “I will cover the music and decorations then, and I will also gift them a beautiful honeymoon. It’s settled then.”
Sokolov looks chuffed with himself that they’ve so easily reached a conclusion. He picks up his spoon, and continues to eat. It’s almost funny, this whole situation, everyone is aware that I can cover all the expenses without any help, but it’s a tradition they are clinging to and currently taking advantage of, in order to establish their dominance. Just then, Mama takes it to another level.
“Elena,” my mother says, making us all look up again. “We should discuss children soon.”
Sokolov splutters, and nearly chokes on his spoonful of stew. I think if Elena’s father could, he’d kill me right there. I could kill my mother. I don’t know how she knows Elena is pregnant, but I know she knows. She’s jabbing at things I don’t want her to jab at.
“There’ll be plenty of children, Mama Milov. My father would also like to be a doting grandfather, I’m sure.” Elena smiles brightly. “We intend to try for children as soon as we’re married.”
I nudge my mother with my foot and she doesn’t say anything further that’s incriminating.
Don Sokolov stares at us all in turn, but as we remain silent, he returns to his meal. The dark look stays on his face.
We finish our food in silence until dessert comes out. The butler sets down a plate of Pastila, and we all help ourselves. It’s delicious—not even Mama makes them this well. After dessert, we drink coffee.
Sokolov watches Mama and finally says. “I have forgiven your family, Mrs. Milov. It is time you forgive me.”
“My husband hated you with a passion,” Mama says. I open my mouth, but she holds her hand up. “But I know it was him that betrayed you. I’m not saying we’re going to be best friends, Sokolov, but we can set aside our differences for our children’s and grandchildren’s sake.”
She stands up slowly. “With that, I am taking my leave. Thank you for lunch, Sokolov. It was very nice. Arseny, I assume you want to stay.”
“Yes, Mama. Unless you need me to drive you home,” I say, tilting my head toward her.
She nods. “I can drive myself. See me out.”
I get up and take her arm to walk her out of the house. I lead her to the car and we stand there for a moment.
“Thank you, Mama.” My voice is soft as I talk to her.
