Page 26 of Conquer

“That would be lovely, thank you,” Vadim says, his smile so breathtaking that even my mother’s nerves seem put at ease. For now, at least. “And please, accept these small tokens of my appreciation for taking such good care of Magdalene.”

He offers my mother the roses, and she simpers. Internally, I know that, like me, she’s tallied up the potential cost of such a gesture and is more than pleased with her estimate. Material value means little to her, but in terms of hospitality, every good hostess appreciates being rewarded for her efforts.

And she shoots me yet another glare before flouncing off, murmuring something about needing Grandmamma’s old crystal vase.

Two of the presents, Vadim has divided between my parents, saving the final one for Magdalene.

“I thought I heard you mention something the other day about working in the garden,” he says teasingly as she rips open her package to discover a blue apron, complete with her own miniature gardening tools. She flashes one of those rare grins and throws her arms around his waist in the semblance of something that could be called a hug before she takes off, dragging my father with her.

Alone with Vadim, the awkward tension sets in, too potent for even my mother’s best hosting abilities to conquer.

“I… I’ll show you to the sunroom,” I tell him before guiding him through the house and out into the sun-dappled space. Beyond the screen walls, we can make out Magda standing patiently by as my father crouches on a gardening pad, cursing up a storm.

Rather than sit, Vadim strips his suit jacket and escapes into the fresh air to join them, much to Magda’s apparent delight.

I hang back, observing from a safe distance as he crouches down, no doubt ruining his priceless suit, and watches intently as she shows him how to use her new tools, her laughter infectious, smile contagious.

Soon my own lips are twitching despite myself, my heart throbbing as I watch them interact, easily including my father into their beautiful dynamic. Almost like…

Almost like a real family. The thought unfurls, too dangerous to indulge in. But I’m weak in this fight, and the fantasies persist.