“How’s Vlad? We haven’t seen him in a while.”
“Vlad’s great. Chasing skirts all over town as always.”
“Your cousin’s a card.”
“Indeed.”
“Okay, he’s down,” Inessa announced with a sigh. “Let’s eat before I fall asleep on my feet.”
Charlie and I followed her to the dining room.
“Do I smell Pirozhki?” I asked.
“Yup. I also made Pelmeni. Just for you, brother.”
“That’s so sweet. Thanks, Sis.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I miss your cooking, Inessa.”
“I did spoil you rotten for years.”
Inessa and I lived together when we moved to the US. She was still in high school, so I didn’t want her to live alone. She’d cook most days as I was out working.
“When are you going to find yourself a decent woman, Max? I’ll teach her how to make your favorites.”
“Subtle, Sis,” I laughed.
“Come on, Max. Don’t tell me you can’t find a woman. You’re not getting any younger.”
“Excuse me. I’m only thirty-one. That’s hardly old.”
“It’s old enough. I want Jeremy to have cousins. Charlie doesn’t have siblings, so you’re it, brother dearest.”
“I don’t know about kids, but I have met someone pretty fantastic,” I grinned.
“Oh?” Charlie said and smirked. “Who is the lucky lady?”
“Her name is Angelica. She’s an attorney.”
“I hope you’re going to introduce us to this wonder of nature,” Inessa smiled.
“You make it sound as if I’m picky.”
“If the shoe fits. All I’m saying is that we haven’t met a girlfriend of yours for years. This must be some woman.”
“She is.”
“When do we get to meet her?” Charlie said between chews.
“Soon.”
“Bring her around for dinner. I’ll cook,” Inessa offered.
“Okay.”
“How about next week?”