by T N Lowe
Maks looks over my shoulder, “This is the game you’re working on?”
“Yep,” I say making my way through the game finding the flowers and jewels.
“She’s cute. What is she?”
“She’s a gnome.”
“And what is the point of the game?”
“To find the flowers and jewels,” I say as I come to the secret garden. An NPC gnome asks for my code. I type in my birthday, and he grants me access. The screen fills with colorful flowers, an old world cottage, and at the center is a bird bath where birds play in the water.
“It is beautiful. Did you create it?”
“I did. Thank you.” I blush liking his praise more than I should.
Kegan logs in, his gnome joins me in the garden. We type a few messages back and forth with no issues. I’m ready to declare the glitch fixed when Kegan types, how long are you going to be in Philadelphia?
A week, but I’ll have my cell and a laptop with me if you need anything.
Please be careful.
I will be. Love you.
Love you too. I’m sending the game to QA. I’ll let you know what they find.
“What is the real purpose of the game?” Maks asks as I leave the secret garden.
“It is for untraceable communication within The Family; sometimes the illegal side needs to talk to the legal side. This will allow them to do it without worry.”
“Smart. If the game is for the general population how does it work?”
“In the first level, there is an entrance to a secret garden, where people can meet in the game to talk. To protect it from anyone wandering into the garden, we are providing everyone in the family with a code, an NPC gnome asks for your code then you can enter.”
“What is an NPC?”
“A non-player character or the computer.”
“How do you let the other person know you need a meeting?”
“As you approach the NPC guarding the garden, he asks if you are meeting someone or want to leave a message. You select the person you want to leave a message from a friends list the number of lives you request is the date, and the number of jewels you request is the time. Kegan or I get the request and forward it to the person you want to meet with.”
Maks chuckles, “That is ingenious.”
“Thank you,” I say as the pilot announces we are making our descent into Philadelphia.
***
Maks and I exit the plane and are greeted by Gennadi drivers. Maks hugs him then says something in Russian then turns and says, “Shauna this is Oleg he is a good friend. Oleg this is Shauna, my girlfriend.”
“It is nice to meet you,” Oleg says shaking my hand.
“You as well,” I reply.
Oleg shakes his head and laughs saying something to Maks in Russian. I only know a few basic words in Russian, it sounds like he’s ribbing Maks. Maks says something back with a broad smile and a laugh. Turning to me Maks asks, “Can we stop by Bloomingdale’s? Shauna needs a new dress for the party.”
“Of course,” Oleg says with a smile and opens the rear passenger door for me.
“Thank you, Oleg,” I said climbing into the back of the black Range Rover.
Oleg stops at the back door of Bloomingdale’s where a young woman opens the door and escorts us in. With Maks on my left his arm wrapped around my waist and Oleg trailing behind us I feel like a celebrity or a very important person. As we walk the woman asks what I am looking for today and I explain I need an evening dress for a dinner party. The woman nods and leads us to the evening wear section. I look through the dresses Maks offering his options, none of which are appropriate for a dinner party with his parents.
I find a spaghetti strap red velvet dress that stops mid-thigh with a red flora overlay ending above the ankle. It’s still a little risky for the dinner party hosted by my boyfriend’s parents, but leaving the dressing room Maks smiles and nods, “Perfect.”
The woman who escorted us through the store returns leading us back through the store to the Range Rover. Once we are tucked safely inside the car, I curl into Maks side and thank him for the dress. Maks kisses me on the forehead, “You are welcome pchelka.” Oleg hears Maks pet name for me and laughs.
I watch out the window as Oleg drives us through the city and into the wooded suburbs north of Philadelphia. Watching the trees go by I ask Maks, “Where are you taking me?”
Maks laughs and replies, “We’re almost there.”
Twenty minutes later Oleg pulled through the gate of a forest. “Your parents live in a forest?”
“Yes, they live in the middle of a forest. My father likes his privacy.”
The Range Rover rounds the curb, and a castle comes into view; a real-life castle from the European countryside. “Your parents live in a castle?”
“No, they don’t live in a castle,” Maks says with a laugh. “It’s just a large house.”
“I would say so. How many bedrooms does it have?”
“Ten,” Maks answers with a smile.
The front door of the castle opens, and Alla steps outside with her long blond hair down and wearing a long sleeve emerald green wrap dress. Gennadi joins Alla wearing a gray knit sweater and black slacks. Maks rounds the rear of the Range Rover opening my door and helps me from the vehicle. Walking me to the front door Maks says, “Shauna, you remember my parents, Gennadi and Alla Volkov. Mother, Father you remember Shauna Daly, my girlfriend.”
Alla hugs me, “It is nice to see you again Shauna,” she says in her heavily accented English. Alla releases me, “Maks Gennadi Volkov you have been gone too long. I’ve missed you.” Alla hugs him tight, and Maks lights up from the affection from his mother.
While Alla is hugging Maks Gennadi shakes my hand, “I’m glad you could make it Shauna,” he says with a heavy Russian accent.
“Me as well, Mr. Volkov.”
“Please call me Gennadi.”
Alla lets Maks go and Gennadi swoops in hugging Maks tight and kissing him on the cheek. “Your mother is right; you have been gone too long.” Releasing Maks Gennadi gestures to the house, “Why don’t we go inside? Oleg, can you please bring in their bags?”
“Yes, sir,” Oleg replies.
We walk through two large doors into a massive entryway with travertine tile, cathedral ceilings, a crystal chandelier and an entryway table with fifteen white roses. Alla, Gennadi, and Maks take off their shoes not wanting to be disrespectful I take my shoes off too. Maks steps into a pair of slippers and holds out a pair for me. Laughing I push them away, “Maks these are ten sizes too big, I can go without.”
“Are you sure?” Maks asks.
“Yes, I think socks will be fine. Thank you, though.”
“Tell me if you change your mind I can find a pair of my sister’s,” Maks says kissing me quickly.
Gennadi and Alla lead us through the entryway into a large family room where Lada is sitting typing furiously and scowling at her phone. “Lada,” Gennadi says getting her attention from her phone. “Your brother and his girlfriend, Shauna are here.”
Lada looks up from her phone then rushes into Maks open arms, “I’m happy you’re home.” Leaving Maks hold Lada moves to me and holds out her hand, “It is nice to see you again Shauna.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Lada. Maks told me you’re in college. What are you studying?”
“I’m attending Penn and studying computer engineering,” Lada tells me.
“Really, I went to George Town for my Masters in computer programs. I’m the lead app developer for Kinsman Communication.”
“Oh my god,” Lada squeals. “Working there is my dream job. Maks why didn’t you tell me she worked there?”
“I didn’t know-,” Maks intones.
“If it is okay with your parents, maybe you can visit me in D.C., and I’ll show you around Kinsman,” I tell Lada.
“That would be amazing. Thank you, Shauna.” Turning to Maks Lada tells him, “I like her you should keep her.”
“Shauna,” Gennadi says to bring the conversation back me. “Tell us about your family.”
Didn’t Alla ask me about my family at the State dinner? Not wanting to be rude I answer, “My father Connor Daly, a Rear Admiral, stationed at the Pentagon. My mother, Riana Daly is a stay at home mom and Admiral’s wife, hosting parties and foreign dignitaries. I have three older brothers, one older sister, and one younger brother. CJ, Connor Jr. my oldest brother is in the Navy following in our Dad’s footsteps he’s married with two boys. Caitlann, my oldest sister, is an executive at Kindred Corp, working with our cousins, Patrick and Dylan. She’s also married with two boys and a girl. Carson and Brenn are twins and still finding their way, right now they bartend. My youngest brother, Manus plays football; he was recently traded to the Virginia Hawks to be their starting tight end.”
“Patrick and Dylan are your cousins?” Gennadi asks.
“Yes, my great grandmother was their great grandfather’s sister.”
Gennadi interviews me for an hour before Alla says, “It’s time to get ready for the party.”
Maks stands and offers me his hand helping me to my feet. He leads me past the kitchen, peeking inside, I find it empty. “Are your parents hosting the party here?”
“No, the party is being held on the Spirit of Philadelphia,” Maks says as we ascend an oak spiral staircase.
“What is the Spirit of Philadelphia?”
“A cruise ship, my parents rented it for tonight,” Maks says stopping outside a door. “My parents are very traditional until we are married they will not allow us to share a room.”
“I understand, my parents have the same rules.”
Maks presses his lips to mine, “Get ready for the party pchelka. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
After showering, I dig through my bag finding a hair dryer and brush. I dry soft, bouncy curls into my blond locks before painting my face with a light coating of makeup. With one last look in the mirror, I leave the bathroom pulling my dress from the closet dressing quickly, careful not to mess up my hair or makeup. Finding my shoes and clutch I rush downstairs to meet everyone.
***
As we walk the gangway to The Spirit of Philadelphia, we are greeted by the captain. “Good evening Mr. Volkov. Everything is as you requested.”
“Thank you, Captain. Please meet my wife Alla, my daughter Lada, my son Maks and his girlfriend Shauna Daly.”
“Daly, are you Rear Admiral Daly’s daughter?” The Captain asks.
“Yes, sir,” I answer.
“I served under your father for several years. Please give him my regards.”
“I will,” I say following Maks into the hundred plus foot yacht.
Shortly after our arrival, the members of the Vory arrive. Maks and Gennadi escort me around the yacht introducing me to everyone. During the drive, Maks explained the Vory are extremely traditional. I am not to speak to another man without him present; it is seen as disrespectful to him and his family. I need to research Russian customs, the last thing I want to do is embarrassed Maks or his family. The men greet Gennadi and Maks then wait for Maks to introduce me before gently shaking my hand. Once everyone has arrived Gennadi and Maks escort me to the head table where Nika and Rozalina are sitting talking to Alla.
“Shauna, you remember my sisters and their other halves, Nika, Stas, Rozalina, and Ioann,” Maks says.
“Yes, it is nice to see you again. How are you?” I ask nervously playing with my fingers. Maks takes my hand and gives it a little squeeze kissing my temple.
“Good. But we need to thank you for making our baby sister happy. She has been talking nonstop about touring Kinsman Communication with you.”
I blush at the praise from Maks’s sisters, “It is nothing, and I’m happy to do it.”
As the yacht pulls away from the dock, Gennadi asks everyone to take their seats as dinner is served. After the salads are eaten and the main course is being served Gennadi stands. Speaking in Russian I understand a couple of words, but the one he continues to repeat is family and pride. I look to Maks, he explains he is toasting to everyone’s health and wellbeing and the wellbeing of all the Vory here tonight. He is also toasting to me as an honored guest who he hopes will one day become a member of the Vory family.
I’m surprised by the last part of his speech; Maks parents have been pleasant and kind but are also a little cold towards me. I thought they did not approve of Patrick’s choice of a partner for Maks. Apparently, I was wrong.
After dinner is done, and dessert has been cleared a band I didn’t know was there begins to play. Maks spins me around the dance floor for two songs before he is pulled away for business. Alla escorts me to wear the women are congregating on the lower deck. “You seem smitten with our brother,” Nika says.
“I am,” I answer.
“Good, because he is taken with you,” Rozalina says. “I hope you will be his date for my wedding.”
“When is it?” I ask pulling my phone from my clutch to check my calendar.
“Two weeks from today. I am excited,” Rozalina tells me bouncing like a little girl.
I don’t have anything scheduled, “I should be able to come. I’ll talk to Maks.”
Rozalina hugs me tight, “Thank you.”
Alla smiles at me, “You are making my girls happy. I will have to tell Maks he has to keep you now.”
I blush at her comment because I hope he keeps me around too. Lada, Nika, and Rozalina see my discomfort at their mother’s comment and begin telling me stories about Maks when he was younger.
Muscular arms wrap around my waist, and I melt into their owner’s chest, knowing no one here would dare disrespect Maks by touching me. “May I steal my date away?” Maks asks his mother and sisters.
They nod, and we walk upstairs to the upper deck to watch the stars. “Are you having a nice time?” Maks whispers wrapping his arms around my waist and hugging me close.
“I am. I love your sisters. Rozalina wants me to accompany you to her wedding” I tell Maks.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you to be my date.”
“I blocked it off on my schedule.”
“Okay, did my sisters behave themselves?”
“Other than telling me funny stories from when you were younger.”
Maks groans, “Don’t believe them.”
“Don’t worry your secrets are safe with me.”
“Good,” Maks says nuzzling my neck as we watch the yacht dock.
Chapter Eight
Sunday morning Gennadi, Alla, and Lada leave for church, Maks and I are excused because I am not a member of the Russian Orthodox Church. As soon as his family is leaves, Maks picks me up and tosses me over his shoulder. I squeal with delight as Maks jogs upstairs, bursts through his bedroom door and tosses me on the bed. “Sleeping across the hall from you last night was torcher,” Maks says stripping his clothes off and joining me in bed.
I giggle as he pulls my shirt up and kisses my tummy, “You could have come over for a late-night visit.”
“If you could be quiet I would have,” Maks says pulling my shirt over my head and tossing it to the floor.
“You’re pretty sure of yourself,” I tease as Maks kisses down my neck.
“You make it sound like you haven’t had the pleasure of my expertise,” Maks boasts pulling my yoga pants down. “No more talking.”
***
At eleven Maks family returns from church to find us curled together on the couch watching TV. Alla informs us, “We’re leaving in half an hour for the Matryoshka festival.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Maks answers as Alla eyes my outfit.
When she disappears from the doorway I ask, “Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing? I can change.”
Maks runs his hand up my jean-clad thigh eyeing my black knee-high boots. “You look amazing in your skinny jeans. They hug your perfect peach of an ass and don’t get me start
ed on your purple sweater. I will not be able to leave your side; every man there will want you.”
“Thank you,” I reply blushing. I don’t know why I blush like a schoolgirl every time Maks compliments me. It’s not like I haven’t had boyfriends before, but I don’t remember them being as sweet and thoughtful as Maks.
“It’s true,” Maks says moving his hand higher.
“You better stop before your mother comes back.” As soon as the words leave my mouth Alla and Gennadi join us in the living room.
Maks laughs and pulls his hand down my thigh, “How was church?”
“It was excellent; hopefully you’ll be able to attend next week,” Gennadi says.
“I should,” Maks says squeezing my knee.
Lada bounds into the living room and plops next to me, “I can’t wait to introduce you to my friends. They will die when they learn you developed the games they spend all day playing.”
“I’ll be happy to meet them,” I tell her.
Gennadi clears his throat, “Let’s go I don’t want to be late.” Standing Maks takes my hands and leads me to the Range Rover where Oleg is waiting for us. Opening the door Maks helps me into my seat, but before he can round the car and take his seat next to me Lada slides in. Maks grows and glares daggers at his baby sister, but takes the seat next to Oleg.
As Oleg drives us to Polanka Park Lada talks my ear off about Kinsman and the work we do. I hear Maks groan again and I have to agree. I would much rather be curled up with him than listen to his sister talk shop. I will admit it is nice to talk to someone who understands what I do and doesn’t need me to explain everything. Thankfully, an hour later Oleg is parking and helping Lada from of the Range Rover while Maks does the same for me.
Walking hand in hand, we pass booths selling different items; behind the booths is an amphitheater where a woman is on stage singing. On the opposite side of the park is a stage where a group of girls are performing a traditional dance. I pull on Maks’ hand to watch the dancers in their brightly colored dresses. Maks obliges me walking towards the stage and finding two seats for us to watch.
As the girls end their dance, I feel like everyone is staring at us. “What’s wrong,” I whisper to Maks.