Page 2 of Dimitri
"We're still dining." Ivanov lifted his head and pinned his younger son with a look that could have bent steel. But for the first time in his life, Dimitri was not cowed.
"You might still be eating, but I'm finished. You want to have a conversation with me about my decision, I suggest we do so now."
"Why should I?" The deep voice was deceptively mild. Lifting his glass of water to his lips, he took a sip and eyed his son over the rim. "You're of course not going anywhere. Your place is here." He swept a hand around the table. "With your family."
"My place is anywhere I want it to be." Dimitri struggled with staying calm. He knew he had to, because a flare up of temper would only just delay the inevitable and earn him his father's disappointment. "And I choose to spend some time with my grandparents. In case you've forgotten, they happen to be mother's parents, and she was their only child."
"You don't mention her name!" The calm demeanor had slipped to show the pain and grief still hanging on.
"She was my mother!" Ignoring his brother's hiss, he surged to his feet, eyes blazing. "You think you're the only one grieving her loss? We all are. I miss her every minute of every day. Locking up the rooms she once occupied does not do a bloody thing. She's still here, everywhere." He drew in a breath and fought for calm. "I go to bed missing her and wake up just the same. I have to get away."
"You mean run away, don't you?" There was a bitter twist to his father's lips. "Not all of us choose to do so. We have to stay here and be confronted by the loss of light. When she left, she took it with her and now it's dark. Pitch black." He surged to his feet. "So, go. Run away to that foreign land and stay the rest of your life."
With that, he strode from the room, almost mowing down the maid who was just coming in.
"Not now." Alexei waved her away curtly before turning to look at his brother. "Are you proud of yourself?"
"Not really, no." Sitting back down, he reached for his glass and realized that his hands were trembling.
"Alexei..."
"Not now, my love." His tone was gentle when he spoke to her. Turning back to his brother, he shook his head. "You're determined to leave."
"Yes, I am." Dimitri responded calmly. "I cannot apologize for my delivery, because it will not be accepted. I have to do what I think is best for me." He waved a hand at his sister-in-law. "You have a family and the company. I have nothing." He closed a fistover where his heart was beating unsteadily. "There's a hollow here that cannot be filled."
"You think going to America is going to fill that space?"
A smile curved his lips. "Perhaps not. Perhaps leaving here would be the biggest mistake I've ever made, or perhaps it will be my salvation. I just know that I have to take that step." He turned to stare at his brother. "I'm hoping you understand."
The anger deserted Alexei. Love for his sibling was strong and durable. Part of his reluctance was that he would miss Dimitri. They shared everything, but he could see his brother's point of view.
"I do not want you to go."
"I know." A quick devastating smile flashed across his face. "I'll miss you too." His eyes swung to the silent woman watching the interchange. "Keep him in line, will you?"
Pushing back her chair, Anastasia crossed the room and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I'll try my best." She kissed his cheeks and then his lips, her expression one of love. "And keep out of trouble. Your nephew needs you."
His eyes clouded as he thought of the little boy. "I'll call frequently." He rubbed her back fondly. "And if you decide to leave him." He jerked his head towards his brother. "Just say the word and I'll be on the next plane home."
Watching the glower on his brother's face, he laughed and kissed Anastasia on the lips.
*****
Allison slipped out of her boots and padded towards the kitchen in her stockinged feet. She hated the damn cold, and she also hated losing. And that was what had happened. She had lost. Her argument in front of the judge had been impassioned but had lacked conviction. The boy, Michael Williams, was going to a juvenile facility, where he "would pay for his crime and come to realize the full meaning of what it was to be a better person." The judge actually uttered those words out of her foul mouth.
Changing directions, she went to the cooler instead and grabbed a bottle at random. It wasn't until she had twisted the cork, she saw the name. Costa Regal Riche. An excellent blend, she thought cynically as she poured the wine.
Plopping down on a stool around the granite counter, she nursed the glass and allowed her self-pity full flight. As well as indulging in "what ifs." She should have been better prepared. Gathered enough evidence to prove that the boy who was just fourteen was misguided. He had been brought up into the system. He never knew father or mother, had been bullied and was a classic case of misspent youth.
Taking a sip of the wine, she stared out the window moodily. It had snowed earlier, and she could see the powdery substance dripping from the leaves of her evergreen that badly needed trimming. Her job was consuming, leaving her next to no time for housework. She hired someone to come in twice a week but grudgingly realized it was not enough. She should make it three or four times a week. She had laundry piling up and the place was a damn mess.
But she could not think of that now. She was going to have to find a way to get the sentence appealed or at the most, reduced. Taking a sip of the wine, she closed her eyes wearily. She also admitted to herself that she had been thinking of Michael more than ever. She missed him. Oh, how she missed talking to him, hearing his sharp wit and clever advice.
The slow smile that crinkled his light blue eyes. Taking a shaky breath, she blinked back tears. She was going to have to put it aside. She was keeping his memories alive by thinking about him. But how could she not? Especially now.
She had tried going out on dates, but they all fell short. No one came close to the man she had loved for years. And yet, she had shied away from committing fully, telling herself that she had time. Convincing him that they should keep things simple. Now she was here wallowing in grief and regret.
