Part 29

Zander and Sergei were at the Outback, waiting for Quinn.

Zander told Sergei how he wanted to take Quinn to Moscow. "I want to stay in the Central Hotel," he said.

"You don't have to," Sergei said. "I still have the flat."

"You do?" Zander asked. "That's great, Dad!"

Quinn came in. Zander got up, and kissed her. "Dad still has the little apartment in Moscow!"

"As opposed to the big apartment?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Nyet," Zander answered. "There is no such thing as a big apartment in Moscow."

"It's the one where you lived when you were there?"

"Yeah."

"You can stay there, not in some hotel," Sergei said.

"But that's wonderful!" Quinn exclaimed. "Fits right in with the purpose of the trip."

"I'll show you the real sights, too," Zander said.

"OK, but the real sights to me are what has to do with you," she laughed, a gave him a kiss.

Sergei smiled. "You lucky, Sander. You met this girl so young."

Zander met Jackson Delaney at the country club to play tennis against him. Jackson wasn't half bad.

Peter and Tim went with him, and they got Tim in as a guest. The boys played tennis against each other, cutting up more than playing, but generally keeping score, while Zander and Jackson played like it was real match.

Branwyn and her cousin Kara were walking back from the pool.

"There's Tim Connor," Branwyn said. "With that other guy. Peter Smith."

"He's really cute," Kara said.

"Tim's OK. Peter's rather cute though. Come to think of it."

"Girls in skimpy bathing suits at 1:00," Tim said, grinning, when both he and Peter were close to the net.

Peter turned discreetly. "Ah, Branwyn. And her cousin."

"Hi," Peter said, when they had walked far enough to be going along the court Peter and Tim were playing on. "Wanna play against us?"

Tim blessed his lucky stars that Pete was so unshy.

"I don't play much," Branwyn said.

"Neither do we," said Pete.

The girls laughed.

Pete found them some racquets. Branwyn naturally went to Tim's side. Kara felt like Pete belonged to her. It made her feel shy.

The game was fun. They laughed and didn't keep score. Tim went so diligently after one bouncing ball, long after it would have, under the rules, be considered out of play, that the girls and Pete were in stitches.

They sat by the pool until it was time to go home. Jackson came for the girls and Zander for the boys. All four went home in their own state of wonder and excitement.

Zander and Quinn watched the Pennsylvania 500 at the Connors. When it was over, Danny grilled hamburgers in the back yard.

"I got an invitation to Elizabeth's wedding," Joe Quinn said.

"I didn't get one," Quinn said. "But I could. She mentioned us coming, at the party. She likes Paul and I being friends. I told her though that, since Little Emily is one of her bridesmaids, and she may bring Shyster Sean, that it may be like oil and water and cause a ruckus at her wedding."

"That wouldn't be too bad," Danny said. "Many an Irish wedding has ended up in a ruckus."

"I don't think this involves the Irish, Dad," Quinn said.

"Strange, who would have thought Little Emily would date the Shyster?" Kathleen said.

"Little Emily and the Shyster," Danny repeated. "It sounds like a porno movie!"

"The Nurse and the Shyster sounds more like one," Zander said, nudging Quinn.

"Aren't you glad you missed that movie, Zander?" Kathleen said, with a laughing look. "When it was out?"

"I don't think he should be able to stop us from going anywhere, though, Quinn," said Zander.

"He can because he's the one in control," said Quinn. "You're the one that throws punches."

"Well, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry," said Kathleen. "It's part of your charm."

"I'm not sure I'd want Quinn to date somebody who wouldn't want to deck the Shyster," said Danny.

"Thanks, Danny. But I am the one keeping Quinn home from something."

"It's hardly the social event of the season. It's my ex-boyfriend! I will live without going."

"You know something, maybe you could go, with Joe. If he hasn't already got a hot date, that is."

"Why could I go? I might deck the Shyster myself."

"Yeah, maybe we can tell them - Elizabeth and Paul - we'll take them out, on a double date, someday, to celebrate their wonderful wedding."

"Not a bad idea. Like the one with Gia and her husband."

"You have a double date?" Kathleen asked.

"Yeah, with one Gia, one of the models, and her husband."

"A married couple!" Kathleen said, "Oh, this is serious."

"You mean there's something to going on a double date with a married couple?" Quinn asked.

"Oh, yes, it's a big step forward."

"I don't know. Are we ready for this commitment?" Quinn asked Zander.

"Sure," he said. "Bring it on."