One
879 Words
Anya and her mother arrived at "Medvezhy Ugol" (Bear's Corner), a popular steakhouse in Moscow, for lunch. They were meeting her mother's boyfriend, Dmitri, and his son, Alexei. As they entered, the hostess led them to a table where Dmitri was already seated. Anya's eyes were immediately drawn to Alexei, a young man with a sharply defined jawline, dark, closely cropped hair, and intensely dark eyes. Anya suppressed a gasp.
"Is that his son?" Anya whispered to her mother, her voice filled with disbelief.
"Yes, he's home from university for the summer," her mother replied, placing a reassuring hand on Anya's arm. "I really hope you two get along. Especially since we're officially moving in with them this weekend. You'll be seeing a lot of each other."
"Don't worry, Mama," Anya said, trying to sound confident, though she felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach. The image of a tense, hostile living situation flickered through her mind, not the peaceful home she hoped for.
As they reached the table, Dmitri stood and kissed her mother, while Alexei remained seated, his dark eyes sweeping over Anya with a dismissive glance. He leaned back, took a sip of his drink, and seemed to retreat into his own world.
"Alexei, that's rude. Stand up and greet them properly," Dmitri instructed, nudging Alexei's chair. Alexei grunted in response.
So much for a good first impression, Anya thought. She extended her hand to Alexei, but he ignored it, leaving her hand hanging awkwardly in the air. After a few seconds, she lowered her hand and sat down, feeling a blush creep up her neck. Her mother and Dmitri also took their seats. Anya considered calling Alexei out on his behavior but decided against it, not wanting to upset her mother.
"You'll have to excuse my son. University seems to have made him forget his manners," Dmitri apologized.
Alexei snickered, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I being rude? Perhaps it's because I didn't want to be here in the first place." His tone was dripping with sarcasm.
"If this is how you're starting, I can only imagine what it'll be like living together," Anya retorted, unable to hold back any longer. "Get that stick out of your—" she cut herself off.
Her mother gasped and gave her a stern look, quickly apologizing to Dmitri, who waved it off. Anya noticed Alexei's lips curving into a smug grin. He enjoys this, she thought, her initial impression of him dissolving into irritation.
"Let me get a few drinks in me, and I'll even let you remove it," Alexei retorted.
"Alexei, knock it off, now. Sorry, ladies," Dmitri snapped.
"Oh, don't worry about it. You know how young people are," her mother said with a forced smile.
Anya's phone vibrated in her pocket. It was a text from her best friend, Yulia.
Yulia: I miss you!
Anya: I miss you too! I'm at lunch right now, meeting my mom's boyfriend's son. He's an absolute jerk.
Yulia: Cute jerk or ugly jerk?
Anya: Does it matter?
Yulia: Of course it does! At least it's bearable if he's good-looking.
Anya: I can't with you. I have to go. I'll text you later.
Yulia: Hmm, maybe take a picture?
Anya: Not right now, it'd be too obvious. Talk to you later.
Anya placed her phone on the table just as the waitress arrived to take their drink orders. I could use a drink too, she thought. Too bad I can't legally drink here until I'm 21. In Europe, I could have started at 18.
Her mother and Dmitri engaged in small talk, leaving Anya and Alexei in an awkward silence. Alexei tapped his fingers against his glass and then tilted it towards her, silently offering her a drink. Anya hesitated, then quickly swiped the glass and took a sip, grimacing at the strong, dark liquid.
That was awful.
She pushed the glass back towards him, glancing at her mother to make sure she hadn't noticed. Thank goodness she didn't see. She always expects me to be on my best behavior.
Alexei smirked. "I have to say, I'm impressed."
Anya crossed her arms. "I think it's pathetic how easily impressed you are. Hardly a sign of intelligence."
"And you just took the bait," Alexei chuckled.
Anya clenched her fists. He's so infuriating. "What's the matter? Are you upset Daddy's got his attention on someone else?" she asked, nodding toward Dmitri.
Alexei's smile vanished. "I couldn't care less. It's not like your mother is the first. She's just another name on a long list."
Anya's legs trembled. Seeing her reaction, Alexei smiled and sucked his teeth. The waitress returned with their drinks and took their food orders.
"I need to use the restroom," Anya said, excusing herself.
She walked towards the back, where a sign pointed to the restrooms. I can't believe I have to live with him. I'm an only child for a reason.
As she exited the restroom, she saw Alexei approaching. Instead of passing her, he stopped, standing just inches away.
"God, you make it so easy," he said, reaching for a loose strand of her hair. Anya's breath caught in her throat.
"W-what are you doing?" she stammered.
- Writer
