Page 35 of Aleko
Episode 21
The Russians
Eliandra
Alekos Ash was being funny. On purpose. He was trying to charm her. And it was working. Lia tried to remember how to flirt. Flirting was for making a connection that she either had no intention of pursuing or for getting something she wanted from some dipshit that she didn’t care to remember. But he was genuinely trying, and that was both disconcerting and flattering. She’d stopped being important to anyone a long time ago. People either bargained or simply tried to take things from her. She was unprepared for someone to make the effort of niceness.
She was reassured by how much the host liked him. The fisherman had called Alekos Ash a devil, but Negosi treated him like he was a favored relative. And Alekos responded with respect and attempts at learning Ethiopian words. It was Eliandra’s opinion that attempting to speak another language, even badly, was a sure sign that someone was a good person. It was the first step in trying to see the world through other eyes. When Alekos had yelled at her, she had been terrified and immediately struck back. But now that he wasn’t yelling, she could see him more clearly. Yelling was his frustration. Like a dog barking at someone on the other side of the fence. Not that she wouldevertell him that. She saw it peeking through as another text from Carlos came through. He was attempting to keep it under wraps, but she suspected that Sebastian had given him some a beat down on the subject of his temper.
She looked in frustration at the text. Carlos wanted to know if she’d be back next week. What was she supposed to say to that? She needed the money, so yes? She was on her way to Athens, sono? He was an asshole who could go fuck himself?
“Don’t respond,” said Alekos. She looked up at him sharply. “If you’re undecided, then don’t text back. You don’t owe him the courtesy of a quick response.”
“Leaving someone on read is the worst form of torture,” said Lia.
“Then definitely don’t respond,” he said. “He’s earned it.”
Lia was firmly committed to not being bossed around. On the other hand, he was right. She flipped her phone face down, and Alekos grinned.
“Can I ask you a question?” he asked, leaning across the table. She fought the urge to lean in to meet him. She shrugged. Suddenly, he looked embarrassed and shook his head. The pink in his cheeks made him look boyish. It was adorable.
“It’s dumb,” he said.
“Just ask.”
“You had an ID card for Columbia.”
An ID card she’d kept out of wishful thinking. Like she would ever be able to go back to college.
“I grew up in New York,” she said. “I only got a year at Columbia, though.”
“Do they still have hot dog carts in New York?” he asked all in a rush.
Lia laughed in surprise.
“I haven’t been in forever, and I loved the stupid things. You can’t get anything like them here. Too many Germans around, so the sausages are, you know… actual meat products.”
Lia laughed harder.
“Yes, they do. Yes, I agree they are delicious or at least addictive, and no, I haven’t found anything like them here. But it’s the bagels I miss.”
“I can get those,” he said. “I have a guy. Well, actually, it’s an old Jewish grandmother, but I can get you a proper bagel andschmear.”
“Can I get lox too?” asked Lia wistfully.
“Yes, but I import smoked salmon out of Seattle, and I swear it’s better.”
“You’re speaking heresy,” she said.
“I know, but I swear! Toss a couple of capers on top and it’s heaven.”
Lia couldn’t help smiling at his excitement. As he talked, she scrutinized his body, looking for the places where it could be pulled apart to be transformed into a wolf. Did it work like that? His hands were where she thought it would start. He had large hands with wide fingernails that he kept short and well-trimmed. He touched small items delicately as if he had learned not to handle things too roughly. She wondered what it would be like if he touched her and shivered at the idea.
“Do you…” Lia shut her mouth. Asking about business was fine. Asking about a person’s body was off-limits. That was one of the first lessons she’d learned in the hospital.
His eyebrow went up and his head cocked inquiringly. She was invited to finish her thought. She shook her head—now it was her turn to be embarrassed.
His head tilted the other way.
