Page 9 of Dimitri
Allison couldn't help but laugh at the image. "You're being dramatic."
"I'm being real." Her narrow face was intense. "Do you believe in karma? I do. We pay for our mistakes. Isn't that what the Good Book says? We reap what we sow."
"Now you're being religious, and I can't say I care for it." A little angry, Allison chugged her liquor and almost choked as it went pouring down her throat. "My parents didn't deserve the ending they got. Neither did my grandfather."
Jessica's face softened. "I'm sorry for bringing up those awful memories."
"It's not about me." Deliberately tamping down her grief and righteous anger, she forced a smile. "I'm talking to you now as a rational human being. I happen to be a lawyer, and who's saner and more sensible than an officer of the court? Explore other options. There are kids out there—thousands, if not millions—looking for a good home. I've seen them, kids abandoned to the system to fend for themselves. It shouldn't matter where they come from or who gave birth to them. Go to the different homes and take your pick. It should be that simple."
"Spoken like a true defender of the underdog." Jessica's tone was light, but there was a slight tremor beneath the silky voice. "And you're right. I love throwing a pity party and keep forgetting you've never accepted an invitation." She studied her friend's cool caramel complexion. Her long coils were wrapped at the nape of her neck. The only makeup she wore was a shimmering raspberry lipstick on her sensuous lips. Jessica admired her more than anyone in the world, except her husband. Allison was whip-smart and so beautiful it hurt the eyes. And she never ran away from a problem.
"If you continue staring at me like that, you're going to have to take me to bed."
A grin lit up Jessica's face, and she felt her mood getting lighter. "I have this friend of Jared's—"
"Say another word and this particular friendship is at an end."
Jessica only laughed. "He's cute."
"If I wanted a puppy, I know where to go."
"And rich."
"I don't care about money, and it so happens I have more than enough."
Picking up her drink, Jessica eyed her over the glass. "I can't wait for the time when you find a guy who'll twist you inside out."
"I already did, and I'm done."
*****
His grandfather was a different kettle of fish from his father. The man greeted him with a hug and held on tight, the emotion apparent on his weathered face. He had returned just as supper was about to be served and insisted on delaying it so he could greet his grandson properly. After the hug, he had been peppered with questions, until his grandmother called a halt to the conversation and reminded them it was time for the meal to be served.
And Dimitri was in for another surprise. The first course was borscht, a vibrant beetroot soup, followed by pelmeni, savory dumplings filled with meat. The salad was Olivier, a favorite of his. He looked up to see his grandmother smiling at him.
"We wanted you to feel right at home, so I inquired of Alexei about the type of food you prefer."
"My darling thinks of everything." Alvin beamed at her as he enjoyed his meal.
"You didn't have to." Dimitri was truly touched. They had gone through a lot of trouble on his behalf.
"It was no trouble at all."
He turned to his grandfather. "Dedulya, I was thinking you could show me the—" He waved a hand as he searched for the right term. "The—" Shaking his head, he grinned ruefully. "The ropes. I want to learn to be a farmer."
"Darling, there's no need—"
"I would be pleased to introduce you to the hands. The employees." Alvin interrupted his wife. "I understand you'd want to be occupied. It's hard work, and since this place will one day be yours, I'd say that's a good idea."
"I don't—"
"It will be yours." Alvin stated firmly. "I know it can't compare to the empire you have back home, but it would have gone to our only child. She's no longer with us, so it's yours." He cut into his dumpling and took a bite. "It's your choice what you want to do with it in the future." He locked gazes with the younger man. "It's been in the family for several generations and has been doing exceptionally well." He swiveled to stare at his wife, eyes crinkling. "Your grandmother introduced her hybrid roses and organic vegetables, and they both took off like a rocket."
"Your mother had the idea first, and I decided to do it in her honor." She responded softly and signaled for the table to be cleared. "We'll have dessert in the blue drawing room," she toldthe maid with a smile, making Dimitri wonder at the difference between his household and this one. Servants were never taken into consideration because his father considered them to be seen and not heard. His mother had tried a different approach, but since her death, the household had reverted to its original austerity. Such a pity, he had always thought.
Rising lithely, he walked around and, much to her delight, pulled out his grandmother's chair.
"Thanks, darling." She beamed at him. "Your grandfather usually goes out to check on the horses. I'm sure you'd want to accompany him."
