Page 37 of Between Us

Before he could argue, Gabriella returned with coffee for everyone, effectively halting their conversation. The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about anything and everything but her marriage to Roman.

On the drive back home, Alessandra's cell phone started to ring with an incoming call. She stared at the unknown number for a second before swiping her thumb across the screen and bringing the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, stranger. It's Tatyana.”

“Oh, hi.”

“Roman gave me your number. I hope it's okay.”

“Yeah, of course. Listen, I'm sorry I didn't get in touch with you. I've been busy with driving lessons and other stuff.”

“No problem, I get it.” Alessandra could almosthearthe other’s girl smile as her voice became moreanimated. “That being said, are you free this evening?”

As much as she didn’t feel like going out, she knew she couldn't refuse. Tatyana was nice, and she needed some allies in her complicated relationship with the Leskov family. “Yeah, what did you have in mind?”

“There's this pub two blocks from my apartment building. They have great cocktails.”

Alessandra paused for a moment. “You know I'm not legal, right?”

“Don't worry about it. I'll text you the address to my place, and we can walk from there. Is eight okay with you?”

“Sure.”

“See you then.”

After hanging up, Alessandra looked at the time. She had two hours to get ready. Glancing at Ivan in the driver’s seat, she considered asking if he could come pick her up again later.

Her phone pinged with a new text from Tatyana. She saved the number before googling the address she sent. It was relatively close to her new home—a ten-minute drive or so. Deciding not to bother Ivan for such a short distance, she tossed her phone into her bag and sank deeper into her seat.

15

“Any news on that missing cargo?”

Roman took another drag from his cigarette, not turning to look at the newcomer. The parking lot to Beluga2 was mostly empty on that Thursday evening. “No.”

Stepan came to stand beside him, an unlit smoke hanging from the corner of his lips. He cupped one hand in front of it and flicked open a blue lighter. “That's not good.”

Roman gave his friend an annoyed look. “No shit.”

“Is the boss having a fit over it?”

“He's had several until now. We suspect it was the Armenians.”

“I know. I ran into Andrei this morning.”

They fell quiet for a moment. Roman gazed up at the darkening sky. “How's Nadia?”

“She's due ina few weeks.”

“Nervous?”

Stepan's lips curled into a half-smile. “Yeah.”

“Can't say I envy you.”

“You'll get to where I am. Give it a few more years.”

Roman couldn't argue with that. He wanted children, but for now, he appreciated being able to sleep a full night. Well… most of the time. Their talk about children made him think of Alessandra. For some annoying reason, that thought quickly shifted to her father. “How are the Italians faring with our business arrangement?”

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