Page 2 of Spring Awakening

“How about we start with introductions? I’m Ivan Baranov. My mother and I recently moved here because she prefers the weather in Russia. She dedicated her life to me, so it was time she got what she wanted.”

His explanation warmed my heart to him even more. The love he held for his mother was obvious, but at the same time, he didn’t seem like the typical Momma’s Boy. Just a man who was able to now take care of the woman that had always been there for him.

“Dina Johnson. My sisters and I own this diner. There are four of us, but only three live next to you. Cassy lives with her fiancé, Devon. What about you? Any brothers or sisters?”

“None, just cousins, I’m afraid. Have you lived in Wintervale your whole life?” He asked as I poured him a cup of coffee and put a cranberry muffin in front of him.

“On the house, as a welcome to Wintervale.” Grabbing sugar and cream, I replied to his question, “I have. I travelled a bit before we lost our parents, but no place felt quite right. Wintervale and being close to my younger sisters have always been the right choice for me.”

Ivan’s smile lit up his whole face. “A woman after my own heart. Family comes first always. If I may be so bold, what made you buy the diner?”

“I’m the oldest, and when we lost our parents in a car accident, I knew we needed something to give us an income beyond their life insurance. I was picking up dinner for us and discovered it was for sale. It was well established and just needed some updating with the decor and menu. So I invested the insurance money into the diner.

The locals welcomed the change in ownership and menu, and business has been great. It’s a place where people meet with each other and do what everyone around here does best… sharing gossip.”

“Smart and beautiful.”

I started to blush at his words and quickly turned around to get him some silverware. “So what does local gossip think of us?”

I grinned at his question, happy to change to a subject that doesn’t make me blush. “Well, everyone seems to really like your mom. She fits right in like she’s always been here. But if what Mrs. Willowby thinks is true, your tattoos will be the downfall of us all.”

Ivan smirked, his stormy grey eyes held an intensity as he asked, “And what does Dina Johnson think?”

“That tattoos tell a story, and I wonder what your’s say about you.” Before he could respond, the front door’s bell sounded. “Welcome to Trudy’s, take a seat anywhere and I’ll be right with you.”

I started to turn away when Ivan asked softly, “Go out with me, Dina Johnson. You captivate me.”

I nodded shyly before turning away to get orders from the new customers. The whole time, my mind was racing with excitement. ‘He wanted to go on a date with me? I was no one, just a girl who took care of family and ran the diner.’ I glanced at him discreetly and fought against a giggle escaping as my eyes met his.

Taking a fresh pot of coffee over to him, I said to him softly to keep our conversation private, “I would love to go out with you, Ivan Baranov.”

The smile that lit up his face filled my heart with joy, and I knew that my answer was the right one. “What time are you off today?”

“Three.”

“Then how about I pick you up at four, or is five better? I found this beautiful spot on our property that I was thinking we could have a picnic dinner at,” Ivan said as his fingers tenderly caressed mine.

“Four is good, and that sounds lovely. I look forward to it.” I reached up and ran a finger softly along his jaw before I went back to helping customers as the diner started to fill up. I watched as discreetly as I could as Ivan finished his coffee and muffin with a smile.

Before he could leave, I left him a note with my phone number. With a big smile, he put it up against his lips before putting it in his wallet. After placing cash on the counter, he walked by me as he walked out. I felt his arm caress my lower back before placing something in my pocket. I watched as he climbed into his blue truck and drove away.

Chapter 3

Ivan

I had a date with Dina. I hadn’t had a date with any woman in years. If I needed to scratch an inch, it was always with no strings attached. Dina was different. I couldn’t imagine walking away from her. Going to that diner and seeing her, I knew she was meant for me. Kostya always told me it could happen that way. I hadn’t believed him. Now I did.

“Vanka, why are you making a mess in my kitchen?”

“There’s no mess, Mama. I’m making a picnic basket. I have a date.” Ivan felt his cheeks start to get warm. What was this woman doing to him? He didn’t blush, ever.

Mama stood right in front of me and looked me in the eye. “Who is this woman that makes my son blush?”

“Dina Johnson from next door. It was just as Kostya said, the moment I saw her, I knew she belonged with me. Do you think it’s possible for her to love me despite the blood on my hands? I’ve done bad things, Mama.”

She reached up and clasped my face in her hands. Letting her pull me down to her level, she looked at me and said in Russian, “Malysh, you have done as your family and your pakhan has required of you. You are loyal and kind. You fight to protect those you love. You do what is necessary to protect us. When you doubt that you deserve love and happiness, just remember, even the devil deserves love, my son.”

I felt a lump form in my throat as she kissed my cheek and cupped my face with her hand. Pulling her into a hug before placing a kiss on her head, I said, “Thank you, Mama.”

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