about it when we were teens. If you recall, I was the first person you called after you went to second base behind the high school.”
“You were the only person I told about that. But I’m not eighteen anymore. I can look past the next moment and weigh the consequences of my actions.”
“Are you on the pill?”
“Yes.”
“Are you disease free?”
“Of course!”
“Are you seeing anyone else?”
“No.”
“Then what consequences are you worried about? I say ride that man like a prize stallion at the rodeo every chance you get until you go back to the city.”
“I cannot believe we are having this conversation in your mama’s kitchen with your two children ten feet away.”
“It’s my kitchen now, and one of those children was conceived on this very table.”
Nadya yanked her arms off the table, then made a face at Mary Ellen when she laughed hysterically. “TMI, Mar, TMI.”
“God, the look on your face. Like you expected to see a pair of panties dangling off the chair.” She wiped her eyes. “Shoot, now I have to pee. Stir the chicken, will you?”
The smell of chicken and seasonings made her mouth water as it filled the kitchen. She tapped the wooden spoon on the side of the pot and turned to put it in the sink. When she did, she almost tripped over little Billy. He stood there, staring silently at her.
“Your mama just went to the bathroom. She’ll be right back.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Nadya was at a loss. She hadn’t been around children very often and they were another species to her. “Can I get you something? Would you like some juice?”
“No, ma’am. Mama doesn’t let us have juice before dinner.”
“Oh.” He certainly was a serious soul. She had no idea what to do next when she remembered the presents she had gotten earlier. “If you go get your brother, I have some things for the two of you.”
“What kind of things?”
“Presents.”
His face lit up and he scampered to the family room. Nadya crossed to where she’d left the bags and put them on the table. Seconds later, Billy came back dragging Hunter with him.
“Now, if you don’t like these, it’s okay. I don’t know much about boys, so I had to guess what you might like.”
Hunter jumped up and down, his little face wreathed in smiles.
“Okay, Billy, this is for you. Do you like baseball?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. And why don’t you call me Miss Nadya?” She handed him a Braves hat and team jersey.
“Wow! Thank you ma—Miss Nadya.” He put the cap on his head and hugged the jersey to his chest. “Just like a real player’s shirt. Can I wear it now?”
“That’s fine with me, if it’s all right with your mama.”
“Me!” Hunter pushed in front of his brother.
“I didn’t forget. This is for you.” She pulled out a big yellow truck.
“Truck! Vroooom!”
“What is going on in here?” Mary Ellen asked from the doorway. She held her cell phone in her hand. “Bill is going to be a little late. There was some trouble with the protesters at the gate. What did you go and do, Nadya Sarov?” she asked as Hunter pushed his truck around the kitchen floor and Billy grabbed her arm.
“Can I wear it now, Mama? Please?”
“What do you have there?”
“Miss Nadya gave it to me. And it’s a real team shirt, just like the players wear. Can I put it on now, please?”
“Fine, just be careful.” She shooed them out of the kitchen and put her hands on her hips. “I know those jerseys cost the world. I’d thought about getting one for him for his birthday but it was just too much money to spend on something he’d grow out of. And those trucks don’t come cheap either. What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking they’re the closest things I’ll ever have to nephews, and I wanted to spoil them. Now that I know they exist, I want to know their birthdays so I can send them presents and they’ll look forward to visits from their Auntie Nadya.”
“You’re bribing my children.”
“Is it working?”
Mary Ellen laughed. “Of course it is, you nitwit. Come on, let me show you where you’re gonna sleep before you offer to buy the boys a pony.”
“Hmm, a pony. I hadn’t thought of that.”
Chapter Six
“Honey? I’m home. I brought one more for dinner, hope that’s okay.” Bill Michaels strolled into the kitchen, a black lab trailing at his heels, followed by none other than J.T. “Yum, smells good in here.” He placed a kiss on Mary Ellen’s