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“I saw something special in her, and I wanted to take her under my wing,” he said. “I’m surprised she didn’t tell you. Ruth, why didn’t you tell your father that?”
I plucked at my skirt, wishing that I’d worn something a little lighter. I was feeling hot — I didn’t know if it was the bodies around the table, the lingering oven heat still emanating from the kitchen, or just the utter awkwardness of this situation.
“We’re both pretty busy,” I said. “You know how busy I am, Max.”
“I keep her very busy,” he informed my dad. “But what do you do to stay busy, Gerald?”
“I have many things to occupy my time, Max,” my father snarled.
“That’s Mr. Volkov, to you,” Maxim said mildly.
I pressed his leg under the table. “Please stop. Both of you. I don’t understand why you’re upset, but it’s Thanksgiving.”
“For God’s sake, if you’re angry, have more wine.” Alexei tipped a bottle in their direction so suddenly that Becca had to snag it before it poured over the tablecloth.
“I think I need some of that right here next to me,” she said, grinning even though I could see right through her sunny facade. She was right here along with me, wondering what the hell was going on.
I kept feeling like I was missing something. There was a puzzle piece that wasn’t quite there. But I’d been so sure that I was the missing puzzle piece — that my secret was what was wrong with this entire evening — that I had completely overlooked the idea that something else could go wrong.
What was going wrong?
“Can I get anyone anything else from the kitchen?” I asked. “There’s still plenty to eat. There always is — that’s the point of Thanksgiving.” I went out on a limb — Alexei was obviously drunk, but he seemed like he was the safer of the two brothers at this point. “Lex, have you ever celebrated Thanksgiving during all your travels? Max said it wasn’t really a thing outside of the United States.”
“Thanksgiving is a family holiday,” he said, waving his hand as if to dispel a smell. “My only family is Max, and we don’t need to ritualistically gorge ourselves on an annual basis to affirm our relationship.”
Becca flicked him. “That’s not what this holiday is about, dummy.”
“Could you think of something you’re grateful for that has happened over the past year?” I asked, desperate to salvage this sinking ship. “Sure, Thanksgiving has been commercialized. And some people might disagree with celebrating it. But it is a good time to reflect. What’s something you’re thankful for?”
Alexei’s glance immediately slid over to Becca, and he blushed. “Meeting new friends, obviously,” he said. “I don’t know how much anyone has traveled around this table, but it can be lonely not knowing anyone where you’re going.”
“No one has traveled as much as you have,” Maxim teased.
“Becca?” I asked hopefully. “Something you’re grateful for?”
“New friends for sure,” she said. “And new opportunities. Like my internship. I still can’t believe I had the chance to play a solo during the orchestra’s performance.”
“I am also thankful for that performance!” Alexei boomed, thumping his fist on the table and making all of the cutlery rattle.
“Dad?” I prompted tentatively. “Something you’re grateful for that happened this year?”
He heaved a deep sigh. “I am always grateful for you, Ruth. For the things you have achieved, and the things you have yet to achieve. I am thankful you are my daughter year round.”
“Max?” I asked, cringing as gently as I could. There was no telling what was going to come out of his mouth — I had no way of anticipating it. Not with the way he was acting. And not with the way he usually behaved.
“I’m grateful for the growth in my company,” he said, eyeing my dad. “For the risks that were taken and the rewards that resulted from them. For the chance to meet and mentor new minds.” Maxim looked at me and smiled, and I froze. “For Ruth, of course. Her professional successes have greatly contributed to Volkov Telecom. And also, for Ruth, personally. It has been a long time since I felt like this. I love you, Ruth.”
It would’ve been sweet if this wasn’t the first time my dad was learning of our relationship — by Maxim declaring his love for me.
“Max, I … don’t know what to say,” I managed to stutter out, not daring to look at my dad. What could he be feeling, knowing that the CEO of Volkov Telecom was sitting here at Thanksgiving dinner declaring his love for me?
What was I feeling? Because I did love Maxim, but I hadn’t returned his declaration. Because I was so afraid of what was happening here — and what would happen afterward, when I would be forced to cope with the secret I was keeping.
“Isn’t it your turn to say what you’re grateful for?” Maxim asked me. “We’ve all had a turn. Go on, then.”
“I’m thankful …” For what? For this? This was a disaster. I didn’t know what was happening. “I’m thankful that I almost have my degree. I’m thankful for Becca, who’s pushed me continually. I’m thankful for my dad. You’ve always supported me. I’m thankful for new friends — like you, Lex. And for you, Max — everything you’ve done for me. There’s not a word that can describe how I feel about that. I thank you so much. And I do — I do love you. I just don’t understand what’s going on right now. Why you’re upset. Why my dad’s upset.”
