Page 10 of Escaping the Bratva

I swallow before nodding. “I’ll stay away.”

“Good.”

A waitress comes by with a small menu. Spotty’s is mostly known for their drinks. The restaurant is just a perk, but we order a few appetizers anyways, and I get another drink.

“You don’t drink?” I ask him once the waitress leaves us alone.

He laughs. “I’m Russian. Of course I drink. But you’re drinking and I have to make sure you get home safe.”

Butterflies erupt in my stomach at his words. This is the second time tonight he’s taken care of me.

“Oh, thank you,” I manage to get out.

He nods.

“So tell me about yourself.”

He leans back in the booth, his legs spread wide under the table, taking up his entire side.

“What do you want to know?”

“You’re Russian.”

He smiles. “That I am. My family is still in Russia. I did good in school and applied for a lot of scholarships and programs here in the States. My mom always wanted me to get an American education. There are more…opportunities here. Washington State University gave me the best offer.”

“Full ride?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “The first year was free, but every year after is more expensive. I have to apply to scholarships every year.”

I’m aware that the university usually gives out good deals to first-year students. I’d even been able to get a couple small scholarships even though my grandma has enough money to pay for tuition.

“You’re a senior?” I ask.

“Yes. You’re a sophomore?”

“No, freshman.”

“Shit. I guess I’m rocking the boat a little bit, huh?”

I smile. “A little bit.”

The waitress comes back and deposits our food in front of us.

He pops a French fry in his mouth. “So what’s your story?”

“I’m from here.”

He chuckles. “Alright.”

“My grandma lives in Spokane. That’s kind of where I grew up once she got custody of me. I had my eyes set on Washington State University for a while and here I am. That’s not much of a story…sorry.”

“Why did your grandma get custody?”

My stomach tightens at his question, and I take another sip of my drink.

“Fuck, I shouldn’t have asked that. You don’t have to answer.”

I wave him off. “It's okay. Um…my dad has been out of the picture for a long time, and my mom has a drug problem. It led to her having many boyfriends and us moving around a lot.”

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