AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, at a party in Long Island.” I clear my throat.
Nick returns and sits down with a glass of beer. “OK, I’m ready to have some fun now. What are we talking about?”
“Drew Conroy.” I speak up before Maureen can continue on the topic of Long Island.
Nick scrunches his nose. “I haven’t worked with him, but I’ve heard he’s an ass.”
I raise an eyebrow. It takes one to know one.
“Aw, don’t say that.” Maureen frowns at him. “I’m sure he’s not all that bad.”
Five servers arrive at our table at once, halting our conversation as they place a bowl of soup in front of each of us. Inside is a rich, red broth with lots of vegetables and a dollop of garnished sour cream at the center.
“Oh, this is Borscht!” Nick picks up his spoon as he watches us inspect our soup. “It’s a classic first course for a Russian meal. It’s beetroot soup, made with beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and of course, beets. It’s super good.” He gestures to the expanse of room around us. “If you couldn’t tell, the owner of this hotel came here from Russia. He had it built in traditional Russian architectural style. I talked George into booking this place for tonight. Feels like home.”
I doubt Nick has spent that much time in Russia. He doesn’t even have an accent, but I take a tentative bite of the bright red liquid and quickly find out I actually agree with him on something for once. The soup is really good. I glance up to see Sophie, Brent, and Maureen enjoying theirs too.
“My grandfather actually used to make this for us all the time. The recipe was passed down from his mother,” Nick explains.
Sophie glances up at him. “Was that your great-grandparents who died during the war?”
Nick beams. “It was.”
“That’s wonderful that they could hand down the tradition before they passed.” She smiles warmly at him.
“How did they die?” Maureen asks.
Nick sets down his spoon and his face grows serious. “It was the cold and the starvation in the dead of winter the year of the Leningrad Siege. They loved each other so much, they laid down one night together in their bed, fell asleep, and never woke up…”
Maureen brings her hand to her mouth. “Oh my…”
Sophie shows an agreeing expression of sorrow. “I know, isn’t it the sweetest thing? And they were holding hands too, right Nick?”
I furrow my brow slightly, watching the bizarre exchange.
“That’s correct,” Nick replies. “They went peacefully together. Never had to live a day apart.”
Sophie and Maureen both rest their chins on their palms, watching Nick sympathetically.
I look at Brent, who’s quizzically observing too.
“What a wonderful way to go,” Maureen sighs.
Nick takes another bite of his soup and nods. “I can only hope to be so lucky too.”
I shake my head, turning to Brent to change the subject. “So, do you have a ring yet?”
“Oh my God, you’re proposing???” Maureen’s eyes go wide and eager as she forgets Nick’s story like it’s yesterday’s news.
Brent laughs. “Yeah, hopefully soon.”
“She’s so lucky!!” Maureen squeals. “How are you gonna do it?”
Dinner continues with a main course of Chicken Kiev, broccoli, and potatoes. I don’t particularly love that we’re celebrating the holiday with the meal of Nick’s poor romantic ancestors, but it is warm and filling. We eat and chat while he downs another four beers, and his speech begins to slur. Sophie and Maureen continue to ask him about his heritage, and Brent and I continue to try and shift conversation elsewhere. I’ve heard quite enough about Nick for the evening.
As we’re finishing our dinner, the servers wheel a giant table full of desserts to the center of the room. There is chocolate cake, crème brulée, crepes, macarons, and countless other delicious-looking morsels towered artistically on the table.
“Oh my Godddd…” Maureen’s mouth drops open. “Now, this is what I need.”
