Chapter 139
Back in Washington, Eun Mi was tending to the eggs religiously. She kept them inside so the incubator's temperature remained consistent and a few weeks later, Eun Mi came downstairs with the twins in her arms to hear the sound of peeps and slight movement. She put the twins in their bassinette and went to the incubator. None of the eggs had hatched just yet, but she could hear the chicks inside the eggs getting ready and moving around. Some were still a little still but some were definitely getting ready. Eun Mi hurried upstairs to wake the boys letting them know the chickens were hatching. They were sleepy and not quite as interested as she'd hoped but she'd at least let them know before returning downstairs. She'd forgotten how long it took for chickens to hatch so the boys didn't get to see anything before they had to leave for school. Save for 1, all the eggs were hatched by the afternoon. She gave the last egg a few more days but it sadly was not hatching, but just when she was about to give up on that last egg, out hatched the last of her silky chickens.
"So one of them was a late bloomer?" JJ said when Eun Mi showed him the last chicken that finally hatched. "See, I'd said I was only going get you seven and here we are with all ten."
"More chickens mean more eggs and more help with the gardening," Eun Mi reasoned.
"And you're sure all of them are chickens and not roosters?"
"Um," Eun Mi started and went to the Incubator where the other babies were. She started examining their wings which JJ thought was extremely weird but stayed quiet while Eun Mi checked every chick's wing. "Good; we have eight chickens and two roosters. That is a good ratio. There should always be more female than male in a flock." Eun Mi then pondered a moment. "We may actually need to give away one of the roosters. It is best to have 10 hens for every 1 rooster."
"Yeah, we're getting rid of one," JJ said. "I'll call Mrs. Johnson and see if she can take back one of the roosters."
"We are keeping the Silkie Rooster," Eun Mi insisted.
"So one of those white hair balls is a Rooster?"
"Yes, and a handsome rooster he'll be," Eun Mi smiled and started petting the little chick's head.
"So when are they going outside?" JJ asked.
"As soon as they're old enough to keep themselves warm," Eun Mi answered. "They're too young to be outside by themselves."
"Damn it," JJ groaned. He glanced at the incubator and saw that Popo was a little too interested in the chicks. "You might want to get your cat to leave the chickens alone."
Eun Mi looked around to see Popo about to swat at one of the chicks. "Popo!" Eun Mi scolded and got the cat's attention. She went to the incubator and shooed the cat away to leave the chicks alone. Eun Mi put the chic she held back in the incubator and closed it so the chicks would be safe and then went to get some food and water for the babies.
When JJ had a chance, he called Mrs. Johnson to enquire about re-homing one of the roosters. She agreed she'd be happy to have another rooster and had suggested letting Eun Mi have another chicken, but JJ adamantly said that was not necessary and agreed he would bring the baby rooster to the shop and she'd be there first thing in the morning to pick up the baby rooster. When she came to the shop that Monday first thing in the morning as promised, JJ handed over the chick and Mrs. Johnson couldn't resist offering again to give Eun Mi another chicken in place of the rooster Mrs. Johnson was taking off their hands, but JJ reiterated that wasn't necessary. Despite himself, JJ couldn't resist telling Salem about the whole thing. He wrote to Salem relaying how he'd been conned into letting Eun Mi have chickens in their yard.
"What's funny?" Alex asked Salem who started chuckling a little while reading JJ's letter.
"My sister-in-law decided she wanted chickens but my brother didn't. He's just saying Eun Mi tricked him into letting her have chickens."
"I'm told sex can convince a man to do just about anything," Alex said.
"Not necessarily. I've slept with plenty and none of them would be able to convince me to give them a chicken coop. Love? Now that'll convince a man of anything."
"Good thing neither of us have found it yet. Still free men," Alex joked. Salem's answer was a humored smile and a shrug.
"There's something to be said for someone to come home to," Salem said.
"As far as I can see, the woman of your dreams is always at your side," Alex joked.
"Just a vision," Salem chuckled.
"I never took you for the family type," Alex said.
"I guess I'm just starting to feel lonely. I didn't used to think about it but ever since I found out I was being sent to Vietnam, it's been at the front of my mind most times. I guess I've just reached a point in my life where I feel like it's time."
"Well, next we're ashore you can always try your luck with the women here."
"I won't claim that's impossible but I highly doubt it," Salem said. He was quiet for a moment before saying, "Can I admit something?"
"Is it embarrassing?"
"I guess that depends on your definition of embarrassing," Salem answered and then continued, "Before I left, I had a weird dream. My dad was there. So were my brother and sister."
"What happened?"
"We were all on the shore and Dad was there. He gave us all words of encouragement but to me, he'd said I'd find something very special when I'm here. Then he said the tether to my heart will be blue eyes somewhere far away."
"Don't suppose he was nice enough to specify this blue eyed tether's coordinates did he?"
"I'm afraid not," Salem chuckled. "Since that dream I think I've been all the more reckless."
"What did your dad say you'd find in Vietnam?"
"Only that it was something special that would bring great happiness."
"Leave it to dream dad to skimp on important details," Alex said. "Although you do realize if your dad was talking about buried treasure, I will want a cut."
Salem laughed, "I suppose I did make the mistake of telling you."
"Lesson learned," Alex smiled.
In Las Vegas, after their night in the desert Ivory and Anatoli finished the remaining fried snake before packing everything up. Before dropping the camping gear and guns off at Ivory's uncle's house, they stopped at the store and Anatoli bought a box of bullets to replace the ones they used.
"We only used 3 or 4 bullets. I doubt he'd notice the loss," Ivory said.
"Your uncle ask you replace what we used so that is what we will do. Once everything is given back we go to the grocery to buy ingredients for cabbage rolls."
"I can't wait," Ivory smiles eagerly.
No one was home when they made it to her uncle's house so Ivory let herself in and they dropped everything off in the shed. She wrote her uncle a note letting him know everything was returned and he even got a whole box of bullets to replace what they used. They went to the grocery store for what they needed and returned to Ivory's house before Tamara was back. Ivory fed the dragons and cleaned their enclosure showing Anatoli. Once that was done, they got cleaned up (taking advantage of the lack of company to shower together) and then started getting dinner ready.
"Isn't it a bit soon to make dinner?" Ivory asked.
"Cabbage rolls take a long time to make," Anatoli answered. "You fill one large pot and one small pot with water for cabbage and rice."
From there Ivory followed Anatoli's lead and was ready to relax by the time dinner was in the oven. Tamara returned home at 4:30 just as the cabbage rolls started baking.
"Anatoli, you made dinner?"
"He's still making dinner. We've been working on dinner for the last hour and a half and now it needs to bake 2 hours."
"Well, it already smells delicious so I can't wait to have some," Tamara encouraged. "So Anatoli how did you like camping in the desert?"
"I have a lot of fun," Anatoli said. "We hunt rattle snake and Ivory make fried it."
"You followed Daddy's recipe?" Tamara asked Ivory.
"Yes, mom I did and it turned out very good."
"Good. I don't know if you've realized, Anatoli, but Ivory will cut corners wherever she can when she cooks and she's always so surprised when it doesn't come out right."
"Mom," Ivory grumbled. "I don't really like to cook," she admitted bashfully at Anatoli.
"Is okay, I like it," he said.
"Thank goodness; you won't starve once you're on your own," Tamara teased.
"Mom, I know well enough to cook to live on my own," Ivory said.
"She's just no Suzie homemaker is what I'm saying," Tamara replied and gently pinched Ivory's cheek.
When dinner finally was ready, all three of them sat down together to eat. Anatoli was pleased with the cabbage rolls saying they tasted just as Baba used to make them and they brought back fond memories. Since there were leftovers, Anatoli said the few times there had been leftovers he and Boris would always have a cabbage roll for breakfast with an egg or two before work. Anatoli and Ivory didn't go to bed until 1 in the morning and, out of respect for Tamara, Anatoli slept on the couch and Ivory slept in her bed. Ivory wound up waking around 11:30 and went to the kitchen to make fresh coffee. Anatoli was still on the couch sound asleep and seeing him made her smile. When her coffee was prepared she sat at the table to enjoy it, making sure she didn't wake Anatoli as she did so. While she drank her coffee, Tamara came in remaining quiet.
"Still asleep I see," Tamara said quietly.
"It was late when we finally went to bed," Ivory said continuing to smile at him. "I told him I love him."
"Did you? And what did he say?"
"He told me he loved me too. In Lithuanian and in English. He even called me Ivory Dahlia when he said it."
"He is trying hard isn't he," Tamara teased. "I admit I was a little worried when I asked if he loved you and didn't answer me."
"You took him by surprise. Besides, he thought you were pressuring him to propose and it's not time for that yet."
"When do you suppose it will be time? I don't know if you've noticed Ivory but your mother's getting old and deserves some grandchildren. Your father has grandkids. It's about time I got some too."
"Daddy has one grandkid Mom; relax. You're not that far behind. Besides, we haven't talked about getting married much less kids. We're using protection so there won't be any accidents, I promise you that."
"There's nothing wrong with an unexpected blessing, Ivory. Take it from me."
"Did you think that when you first found out you were pregnant and realized you had to tell grandpa?"
"After the shock wore off, yes. And your grandpa was never anything except excited for you. He might have been sore with your father but he was excited about you."
"I miss him too, mom," Ivory said reassuringly to Tamara when she got ever so slightly teary eyed. "Don't worry mom. It'll happen within your lifetime."
"That's a broad timeframe, Ivory."
"I'm counting on it," Ivory said. Tamara smiled and walked over to Ivory to hug and kiss her.
Tamara stayed long enough to have some lunch before returning to the school for her next class. Ivory took a shower and get ready for work. By the time she left her room in her uniform, Anatoli was up and making some eggs while enjoying his coffee.
"Is there enough for me?" Ivory asked as she came into the kitchen.
"We each get a cabbage roll with two eggs," Anatoli answered and then looked at Ivory with a smile. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," Ivory said. "I'd kiss you but my lipstick is on."
"Is okay. I make due," Anatoli answered and gently took a hold of her by the neck with one hand and leaned down to kiss the other side of her neck. Ivory sighed and leaned her head over so her neck was easier to access.
"Are you coming to the casino today?" Ivory asked in a breathy voice.
"If I am invited," Anatoli said.
"You most certainly are," Ivory smiled. "I need to get going soon, though." Anatoli lifted his head to look at the clock to see the time was 2.
"Your shift start three o'clock yes?"
"Yes."
"Breakfast is almost ready. You eat and I clean up and meet you at casino later."
"Okay," Ivory agreed.
Once the eggs were done the two of them sat together to eat and Ivory left once she was done and Anatoli stayed to get the dishes cleaned and promised to meet her later. Once she arrived and got punched in, she searched for Joe.
"Welcome back, Ivory. How was your weekend?"
"A dream. I almost didn't come to work today."
"We can't have that. You're at table 2 Roulette today."
"Okay sounds good. Thanks Joe."
Ivory went to her table and waited briefly for a group to approach to start a session. It was another hour before Anatoli arrived at the casino. He ordered a Whiskey on the rocks from the bar and made his way to the Wild West room to find Ivory. He found her rather quickly and went straight to her table to stand by her while she worked. A few more hours into the shift, Joe was doing his rounds when he was tapped on the shoulder by one of the higher ups at the casino.
"Evening, sir. What can I do for you?"
I need to see you in my office a moment. It's about one of your table girls."
"Absolutely, sir," Joe answered and followed his boss through the casino until they reached his office. Joe took his spot across from his boss's desk and waited for him to take his own seat before asking, "Is there a problem, sir?"
"I'm afraid there is," his boss said. "It's regarding one of your girls; Ivory Black."
"Ivory?"
"Yes, Joe. I've received complaints about her that are concerning."
"Complaints? About what? She's always pleasant with patrons, she's professional with all her coworkers and she nurtures a fun environment at whatever table she's running."
"That's not what this is about," Joe's boss said. "The complaint I'm hearing about is pertaining to a recent patron that's seemed to take a shine to her. More troublingly, one evening he was seen leaving the casino and Miss Black followed after him when she was still supposed to be on the floor, is gone for much longer than is acceptable and the two of them came back into the casino together. You can imagine how bad that looks."
"You have my word sir that it isn't what you are implying. Ivory is no painted woman. That young man is her boyfriend. That night you're referring to there was a miscommunication and the two of them needed to sort it out. I gave Ivory permission to do so."
"Joe," his boss said as he leaned forward, "I'm sure it's as innocent as you're saying it is, but I'm more concerned about how it looks. Now look, gone are the days when prostitution was a perfectly fine business to run. That's illegal now. So imagine how bad it looks when one of our girls leaves work in the middle of her shift and goes after a man and the two of them come back looking rather happy with themselves."
"With all due respect, sir, what Ivory and her boyfriend participate in consensually is their business."
"When they're on company property, it's our business," Joe's boss said. "Given that you gave her permission, I'll let it go this time, but if I ever got complaints like this again, I'll be forced to take more affirmative action. Either Ivory and her 'boyfriend' keep themselves in line or Ivory can find another job. Are we clear, Mr. Henderson?"
"Crystal, sir," Joe answered as calmly as possible. "I will speak with Ivory right away."
"Thank you, Joe," his boss said and stood up to shake his hand. Joe left his boss's office and immediately made a bee line for the Wild West Room suspecting he knew exactly who's fault this was. Eventually he found Ben exactly where he'd suspected he'd find Ben: within eye shot of the table Ivory was working at.
"Ben," Joe barked to get the boy's attention, "come with me." As ordered, Ben followed Joe until the two of them were in a conference room.
"Is something wrong, Joe?"
"Did you tell Rod that Ivory was turning tricks?" Joe came out and asked.
"Excuse me?"
"Don't pull that shit with me. Just answer my question. Did you or did you not tell Rod that Ivory was turning tricks in the Casino parking lot."
"I didn't tell him that. All I said was she'd left with someone the other night and I was concerned."
"Oh cut the bullshit, Ben!" Joe said. "I want to know exactly what you said to Rod that got me called into his office claiming that Ivory was making the fucking casino look bad!"
"I didn't say she was making the casino look bad! All I said was I saw her leaving with someone the other night and came back and I was worried he might have taken advantage of her. Those were my exact words."
"Well, if they were, you said those words in such a manner that Rod accused Ivory of being a God damned prostitute! That poor girl's on thin ice now because of you! Anything else happens, she's fired!"
"That wasn't my intent!"
"Well, fuck your intent!" Joe yelled. After his outburst, he stopped himself to calm himself down and then finally said, "You leave Ivory alone, Ben. Do you understand me? If you pull this shit again, you'll be the one out of a fucking job. I don't want to do that to you, but if you keep harassing Ivory like this then I'll have no choice. I mean it: leave her alone. Keep your bruised ego and hurt feelings to yourself like a man and move on. If I get called into Rod's office again because he got a 'tip' that Ivory's misbehaving, that's it: you'll be dealing with me. Are we clear?" Ben was quiet for a bit. A little too long for Joe's taste. "I asked you a question, Ben. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir," Ben finally answered begrudgingly.
"Good," Joe said. "I'm reassigning you to the Arabian Night Room from now on. Maybe a new bit of scenery is what you need."
"I don't want to leave the Wild West Room."
"Well, tough shit Ben, 'cause you are," Joe said. "I'll be talking to Huey and talk to him about switching you out with one of his security team. I'll have you transferred by tomorrow's shift. Come to me after you punch in, I'll take you to Arabian Night and Huey will get his choice to Wild West. Capeesh?"
"Capisco," Ben answered.
"Don't start speaking fucking Italian to me," Joe groaned. "Now get back out on the floor and I want you far away from Ivory and her table."
Though clearly upset, Ben only nodded and left the conference room with Joe and returned to the Wild West Room. He stayed on the other side of the room as he'd been told to but he still kept his attention fully in Ivory's direction. Joe kept close to Ivory's table to be sure until it was finally her lunch break. She brought Anatoli with her to the bar and Joe followed after them.
"Hey, Joe. You joining us for dinner?" Ivory asked after she and Anatoli were seated and Ivory saw him approaching.
"Sorry, kid, but this is a business matter. A serious one I'm afraid."
Ivory glanced at Anatoli and then back at Joe, "Is everything alright?"
"I got pulled into Rod's office because, evidently, you were seen the other night following Anatoli to his car and he said the act appeared suspicious."
"What the hell are you implying?" Anatoli spoke up.
"Calm down; I'm not the one implying anything."
"Joe, Anatoli is my boyfriend. There is no money involved in what we do privately."
"I know there isn't," Joe said. "I stood up for you and made clear the situation at the time and that I had given you permission to leave the floor. The issue is according to Rod, someone that doesn't know your relationship would get the wrong idea and he's concerned it makes the casino look bad."
"Are you serious?" Anatoli asked indignantly.
"Down, Ruski; this whole situation started because you stormed out on her."
"You call me that one more fucking time-" Anatoli started but Ivory stopped him.
"Joe, just tell me what happens now," Ivory asked.
Joe sighed a little and said, "I know who told Rod that you left during your shift. I've already dealt with it. What I need you to do is always stay where people can see you. I would suggest not leaving or coming to the casino together so nothing else gets misconstrued as inappropriate." Ivory gave Joe a look that said she also knew exactly whose fault this all was and she looked so frustrated and yet powerless to do anything about it.
"Joe, please. I know you say you talk to Ben and make yourself clear but clearly he doesn't get it."
"Wait, you mean the asshole who confront me the other night?" Anatoli asked. "He fucking did this?"
"Ivory, I'm having him moved permanently to the Arabian Night Room effective tomorrow. I'll be talking to Huey before I leave tonight and we'll be switching out security."
"Fuck that; fire him," Anatoli said.
"For what? Registering a complaint to HR? I can't fire him for that."
"For harassment you stupid asshole!"
"Watch it you little bastard," Joe said. "He claims that he told Rod that he saw Ivory following you and was concerned for her safety. If I fire him, he could easily turn around and point the finger at me claiming I'm permitting this shit. I'm responsible for the girls on that floor so if it's so much as implied that I'm letting them provide sexual favors to customers on the clock then my ass isn't just on the line; we're now looking at legal trouble. Do you understand me now, kid?"
"This is fucking ridiculous. She's being punished for nothing!"
"I'm not punishing her," Joe said. "You get points in my book for standing up for her, boy. But I need you to let me do my job and, secondly, do what I say and be a little more discerning. Do we understand each other?"
"If he's working in a different room, will he leave me alone?" Ivory asked.
"I've made clear to Ben in no uncertain terms that he's to leave you alone or I will fire him."
"If he doesn't, he can fucking deal with me," Anatoli muttered.
"Cool it, Macho Man. You aren't exactly in a position as an audibly Eastern European to be arrested for assault."
"Like hell I am not."
"Again: points in my book for standing up for her. But you need to watch your step. Ben has managed to spin this whole thing in such a way that you'll be the one looking bad if anything goes down. Now he may very well have not intended for this to I'll make the arrangements with Huey to have security switched out so you don't have to deal with him on a day to day basis. I can't promise you won't see him in the break room or in passing, but at least you won't see him while you're working. And if anything else happens, you tell me right away okay Ivory?"
"I appreciate it, Joe," Ivory said.
"Any time, kid," Joe said and patted Ivory on the shoulder and then looked at Anatoli. "Try to leave before or after she does from now on. It won't look so implicating."
This time Anatoli didn't say anything except to appear infuriated with the whole situation. Joe told Ivory to relax and enjoy her break before going to the Arabian Night room to locate Huey so they could discuss switching security around. Ivory couldn't help herself sighing heavily and rubbing her face a little. When she began sniffling, Anatoli wrapped an arm around her to hold her close.
"I guess I should start looking for a new job," Ivory said.
"You do nothing wrong; you should not have to," Anatoli said.
"I know, but if what Joe's saying the boss implied was right, I may not have a choice. There are plenty of casinos in Vegas. I'll find something else. Joe will give me a good reference. So will Drake." Anatoli held Ivory a little tighter in a reassuring manner while Ivory made a point to not let herself get upset. "This isn't what I was hoping to show off to you when you came to watch me work."
"Is not your fault," Anatoli said and kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ivory finally smiled. "I guess let's order dinner and forget about this whole thing."
Anatoli reluctantly dropped the matter as Ivory requested and the two of them got some dinner and ate it together at the bar. They didn't talk anymore about what happened but Anatoli could tell Ivory was still upset. He kept his hand on hers to give her comfort through dinner. Once it was the end of her break, the two of them walked to her next table assignment and Anatoli excused himself only once she was at her table to go to the men's room. Once he exited, he noticed Ben was in the hallway smoking a cigarette while writing in something next to a phone. For an instant, Anatoli debated whether to leave well enough alone or give the man a piece of his mind, but his decision was made when he and Ben made eye contact and he noticed the contempt in the man's eyes. That look was enough to reignite the fury from earlier and Anatoli approached the man.
"Can I help you, sir?" Ben asked contemptuously.
"Cut the bullshit," Anatoli said. "Your little stunt nearly cause Ivory to get fired."
"Yes, so Joe's already informed me," Ben said.
"I do not know what you think your relationship with Ivory is or what you think this will accomplish, but it stops now. Ivory is with me and if you ever do what you did to her today; you will not get away with just a warning from me."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I am warning you," Anatoli answered pointedly. "And do not even think of going to your boss to cry. You already cause Ivory to feel she has no choice but to find a new job. If you make it so I cannot come here, you will just make it worse."
"You're the only one making anything worse," Ben argued.
"You go to the boss accusing Ivory of prostitution and you accuse me of making things worse?" Anatoli said.
"I didn't accuse her of being a whore!"
"You tell your boss you see her come back in the casino with me and claim to be concerned. What else is your boss supposed to assume you mean?" Ben was quiet a moment, so Anatoli continued. "You stay the fuck away from Ivory, and we will not have a problem."
"Fine," Ben finally said. "I'll leave her alone." Anatoli stared at the man, not liking how…easily he seemed to give his answer. However, Ben didn't say anything else, so Anatoli took the affirmation.
"Good," Anatoli said and finally walked away. He went back to the Wild West room to Ivory's table.
"There you are," Ivory smiled.
"Sorry, there was a long line," Anatoli lied and smiled back at her.
When it was the end of her shift, Anatoli left first but brought his car around so he was closer to hers and could watch the entrance just in case. Ivory walked out of the casino without incident and got to her car. Once she was in her car and started driving, Anatoli was close behind her and they returned to her house. Earlier in the night, Joe made the necessary arrangements with Huey to switch around security so Ben was working in the Arabian Night room and a young man named John would be working in the Wild West Room. When Ivory went to work the following day, Ben was nowhere to be seen just as Joe had promised. After that, Ivory didn't have any issues surrounding Ben at work and was finally able to relax and Ivory and Anatoli enjoyed their remaining time together. For Anatoli's last few days in Vegas, Ivory requested two personal days so she and Anatoli could have four uninterrupted days together to do whatever they wanted. Ivory took him on a true tour of the city taking him to her favorite stores, restaurants and to the Hoover Dam where she encouraged him to make a wish and throw a coin into the dam.
Their last night together, the two of them decided to spend the night in a hotel. They got a room that had a giant bed and a pool on the ground floor. After getting settled in their hotel room, the two of them went to the ground floor of the hotel to enjoy the pool together. It was a chance for Ivory to wear his little shirt Anatoli liked so much and actually wear a bathing suit underneath. They ordered drinks, swam around in the pool, sat on the edge of the pool together until the sun was beginning to go down. They went up to their hotel room to shower together, got dressed for dinner and went back downstairs to have dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
"How have you enjoyed Las Vegas?" Ivory asked after they'd ordered their drinks and were looking over the menu.
"It has been amazing," Anatoli said and took a hold of her hand on the table. "How have you liked having me around?"
"It's been wonderful," Ivory smiled. "Are you sure you can't call Embry and ask for another month off?"
"I wish I could, but June is when the season is busy and Embry will need me back," Anatoli said. "You will be in Washington again in December, yes?"
"Yeah, I'll be visiting for December," Ivory said. "Do you think Uncle Embry will let you take the month off again to visit me same time next year?"
"Of course," Anatoli answered. "Maybe we can camp out in the desert more than one night."
"That would be a lot of fun," Ivory said. "I realized you never did try your hand at one of the game tables."
"Maybe next time," Anatoli said.
The waitress returned with their drinks and took their dinner orders and once she left, the two of them continued to talk pleasantly. After dinner, they went back to their hotel room together hand in hand with a bottle of wine they bought from the restaurant to take back to their room with them. Once in their room, Ivory suggested they take a hot bath together and got the water going while Anatoli opened the bottle of wine and poured them both a generous glass. By the time Anatoli came into the bathroom with their wine, Ivory was already naked in the tub while the hot water filled the tub and Anatoli quickly followed suit and got in with her handing Ivory her glass of wine. They clinked their glasses together and took a sip of their wine before leaning forward to give each other a kiss. Ivory moved through the water so she was sitting in Anatoli's lap while they soaked in the tub drinking their wine.
"What time were you planning to leave tomorrow?"
"I can wait to leave after we have breakfast," Anatoli said. "I thought we could sleep in, have breakfast when we want and I will drop you off home before I leave."
"Sounds like a plan," Ivory said as she leaned her head back into Anatoli's shoulder. She moved her head to the side so her neck was exposed and Anatoli started kissing her neck. "Will you call me when you reach home?"
"I will," Anatoli agreed while he continued kissing her neck. He pulled away to gulp down his wine, place the glass on a nearby counter so his hand was free to roam her body. Anatoli kept his left hand on her breast while his right hand touched all over her body until his fingers delved down between her legs where, as gently as possible given they were under water, he massaged her clitoris. Ivory moaned and felt herself go limp. She dropped her glass of wine in the tub staining the water and grabbing their attention.
"Damn it," Ivory said and grabbed the glass out of the water.
"Did you want another glass? You can use mine."
"No, it's fine. I didn't really like it anyway if I'm honest."
"Neither did I truthfully," Anatoli said.
"I guess we'll just get rid of it," Ivory said.
"For $35, we should get something out of it," Anatoli said and then grabbed the bottle of wine. He poured it into the tub, staining the water a pale but rich red. Ivory squealed and then started laughing.
"Anatoli, what are you doing?" Ivory asked through her laughter.
"If we cannot drink the wine, we bathe in it," Anatoli said and kissed her cheek before putting down the bottle.
"Is this a thing in Lithuania?" Ivory asked jokingly.
"If it was, I sure as shit could not afford it," Anatoli said. "I can now, though." Anatoli returned to planting kisses to Ivory's neck and started touching her again starting again from her breast. Ivory sighed and leaned into his touch. She brought her hands to both of his and followed along with him
His hand finally made it to her core again where he returned to gently rubbing her clitoris while also inserting a finger inside her. It made her tremble with longing and she turned her head desperate to kiss him. Their lips finally met and their kiss was passionate while Anatoli continued his sensual touching. Ivory could feel his erection against her back and she reached between them so she could touch him.
Although the wine was greatly diluted, Ivory still kept her touch gentle so she wouldn't hurt him. Anatoli groaned against her lips and his fingers went deeper inside her to check her readiness. When he knew she was wet enough, Anatoli took a hold of her hips and lifted her up so she was on her knees and her hands against the lip of the tub. It brought them both just above the water line and without thinking, Anatoli slipped inside her and gripped her hips painfully but they both moaned from the contact.
"Anatoli," Ivory moaned his name. She hated needing to stop him. She hated it all the more when her started to thrust and it was making her mind go blank. But she had to. "Anatoli. Baby, we have to stop."
"What?" Anatoli asked, bewildered, but did immediately stop his movement. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm great," Ivory said. "But you're barebacking me."
"What?" Anatoli asked, not getting what she meant, but then looked down and realized then they weren't using protection. "Blet," he muttered to himself and pulled out. "I have in my pant pocket," he continued and reached for his jeans and grabbed a condom from one of his pockets.
"I'm sorry. I ruined the mood," Ivory said.
"Do not be sorry. It was my mistake," Anatoli said. He didn't put on the condom right away, though. Instead, he placed it within easy reach. "Face me?" Ivory did as Anatoli asked and turned on her knees so she was facing him.
Anatoli lifted her so she was sitting on the thick lip of the tub, the blue and yellow tiles cold against her skin. Anatoli started by kissing her and they hugged while they did so. Then Anatoli began to kiss a trail down her body sucking on her skin while he did so. Then he reached her core and started running circles around her clitoris with his tongue while his fingers were inside her. She cried out a little and took a hold of his hair with one hand while the other stayed firmly on the lip of the tub to keep herself steady. Anatoli had shaved that morning but a scruff was already forming on his chin that was scratchy and tickled her skin. With each graze, it tickled making her body clench while she giggled and moaned all at once.
"See," Anatoli said against her skin. "Mood is not ruined."
Anatoli then kept going, using his tongue and fingers to bring Ivory closer and closer to orgasm but he stopped just short of bringing her there. After he'd brought her just shy of release, Anatoli reached for the condom and got their protection applied before taking Ivory in his arms and slipping inside her. Ivory wrapped her arms around Anatoli's neck and kissed him while he began to thrust. Since he'd stopped just before bringing her to climax when he'd been licking her, Ivory achieved orgasm near immediately. When she did, Ivory's nails dug into his skin and she was sucking on his skin so her high pitched moan would be muffled. He kept up his movements until he gripped the flesh of her hips tightly just before he reached his own orgasm. He took a moment to remove the used condom and tossed it into the garbage can before pulling Ivory back into the tub with him.
"I love you," Anatoli whispered in her ear.
"I love you too," Ivory moaned and brought her head up to his so they could kiss. Since the water had gotten a little cold, Anatoli unplugged the tub so the water and wine would drain and got them both out of the tub so they could grab some towels to dry off. Once they were dried, Anatoli lifted Ivory into his arms and carried her to the giant bed to get under the covers with her. Ivory snuggled up to Anatoli and rested her head on his chest while Anatoli wrapped is arm around her. Ivory trailed the tip of her nail over his chest affectionately and started thinking. He'd be leaving tomorrow and it was making her upset. "Anatoli?"
"Yes?" Anatoli asked in a groggy voice.
"Will you miss me when you go back?"
"Of course I will miss you," Anatoli answered. "Will you miss me?"
"More than anything," Ivory said and flattened her hand on his chest. Anatoli brought his hand up so her could hold her hand. "How much longer do you think it would be before you'll move out?"
"I am not sure yet," Anatoli said. "If I stay close, it could reasonably be sooner, but if I were to come here, it would need to wait much longer."
"I guess Aunt Amber really relies on you with the twins doesn't she?"
"I am afraid so," Anatoli said. "Would you consider moving to Washington permanently?"
Ivory was quiet a moment before eventually saying, "I suppose it would make most sense for me to come to Washington. We could always visit Las Vegas every year to see mom and she would still come to Washington for Christmas."
"We would make it work," Anatoli said and kissed Ivory's head.
"I don't know if I'm ready for the transition, though."
"It will not be now," Anatoli reassured. "We still have time. When is something you are comfortable with doing and I can have my own place, we will move in together. Whether is me moving here or you moving to Washington, we figure out."
Ivory smiled again and kissed Anatoli's chest and then looked up at him, "I know we will."
Anatoli smiled back and leaned down to kiss her. That kiss turned passionate and they spent the remainder of the night in each other's arms. When morning came, they stayed in bed for a while and didn't leave until it was nearing ten in the morning. They showered, went downstairs to have breakfast at the hotel and then left so Anatoli could drop her off at her house. When they arrived, Ivory didn't get out of the car right away. She stayed in the front seat with Anatoli and the two kissed for tens of minutes saying goodbye. Anatoli promised he'd call as soon as he returned home and if he called when Ivory wasn't home, he'd leave a message at the very least.
"I love you," Ivory said. "Drive home safely okay?"
"I will," Anatoli answered. "I love you too."
They kissed one more time and then they got out of the car to get Ivory's things and then Anatoli walked Ivory to the door. After a final kiss, Anatoli said goodbye and returned to his car to make the long drive back to Washington. Anatoli's drive home was not quite so exciting as his drive to Vegas. He already missed Ivory and as soon as he was out of the city and venturing into open desert, he remembered their camping trip and missed her more. He took the same route home as he'd used before and sped his way cross country not stopping until he reached Bend, Oregon. By the time he got there, he was exhausted and needed to sleep. The next morning he drove the last stretch of his trip back home and didn't arrive back until it was midnight. He let himself into the house and stayed quiet as he could, but then a loud cry sounded from Lilliana and Anatoli groaned.
"Kaip jūs visada žinote?" (How do you always know?) Anatoli muttered to himself and took off his shoes and dropped his luggage on the floor before finally going upstairs. As he came upstairs, he overhead the master bedroom door open. "Mama?" Anatoli said, not being too loud but so Amber would know he was in the house.
"Anatoli? Did you just get home?"
"Yes, I just get in. I suspect is reason Lili is crying."
"How does she always know?" Amber asked as she opened the door to the twins' room.
"I ask myself the same question," Anatoli joked and followed after Amber. As soon as Lilliana saw Anatoli, she reached for him and he picked her up. Only when she was in his arms did she finally relax. "You are so spoiled," Anatoli said to Lilliana with a groggy smile.
"Thank God you're home. She's been crabby since you left."
"I am sorry, mama," Anatoli said to Amber and then said to Lilliana, "I cannot even go on vacation without you throwing fit." By now, Lilliana was already drifting off on Anatoli's shoulder. He glanced at Tristan: out cold and dead to the world snoring gently as though his sister was not crying just a moment ago.
"I know. I'm jealous of him too," Amber joked. Anatoli smiled and patted Lilliana's back.
"I will take her downstairs so she can sleep with me."
"Thank you, Anatoli. And welcome home. We missed you."
"I miss you too," he said and kissed Amber on the cheek. "I let you go to bed. I can tell about my trip tomorrow."
"We'll do that over dinner. You're returning to work tomorrow?"
"Day after," Anatoli said. "I use tomorrow to clean and put my things away. I can make dinner."
"Oh, no, your grandma is making Sauerbraten tomorrow to welcome you home. She's had it marinating for days now."
"I cannot wait," Anatoli smiled. "I see you in the morning mama."
"I'll see you in the morning Anatoli."
Anatoli went downstairs with Lilliana in his arms and Amber returned to bed. Once downstairs, he grabbed one of the phones and took it with to his room and closed the door. He got situated in his bed and dialed the number to Ivory's house. He waited a single ring before Ivory answered the phone.
"Anatoli?"
"Good evening, Ivory. Or morning I suppose," Anatoli said.
"Did you just get home? How was the drive home? Did everyone miss you?"
"Yes I just arrived home. Lilliana cry the instant I come into the house so she definitely missed me. I am holding her now so she would go back to sleep."
"Good grief," Ivory said but couldn't resist giggling. "I take it Aunt Amber is happy to have you home?"
"Thrilled," Anatoli answered as he glanced down at Lilliana. "How was work today?"
"A little sad. I've gotten so used to having you with me at my tables so when I don't see you there, it makes me sad."
"Is okay; we can talk over phone and I see you again in December."
"That's so far away, though," Ivory whined.
"I know," Anatoli lamented. "I miss you too. Has everything else been okay with work? In particular with that guy that was bothering you. He stopped while I was there. I want to make sure it stay that way."
"I haven't seen him around except in passing and in that case I avoid him. Nothing else has happened. If this keeps up, then I'll put off finding a new job."
"Okay, good. If anything changes, you tell me, yes?"
"If anything happens, you and Joe will be the first to know."
"Good," Anatoli said. "Are you allowed to call me during your dinner break?"
"I'll have to check if I'm allowed to make long distance calls. If I can't, I'll let you know and we'll think of something else. It probably wouldn't be a good idea for me to call you at the house after I get home from work."
"No, it would wake the twins," Anatoli said. He heard Ivory stifle a yawn and smiled. "Should I let you go to bed?"
"I hate to say so, but I should probably go to bed," Ivory said. "I'll talk with Joe tomorrow and see if I can call you on my dinner break and if I can, I'll call the house, okay."
"Alright. If I do not hear from you, I'll call you," Anatoli promised.
"Okay," Ivory said. "I love you."
"I love you too. Good night, Ivory."
"Good night, Anatoli," Ivory answered and the two of them disconnected.
Anatoli brought the phone back outside to the living room and then got back into bed with Lilliana still sleeping on his chest. He managed to fall asleep shortly after getting under the covers, though he suffered a rude awakening when he felt teeny tiny hands patting on his face while uttering little coos and high pitched noises of joy. He opened his eyes and saw Lilliana on his chest with a big baby smile.
"Geras rytas, mažai monstras," (Good morning, little monster) Anatoli said affectionately and started tickling her belly. Lilliana giggled and started wiggling on his chest and Anatoli kept his hands on either side of her so she wouldn't fall off him. There was a gentle knock at the door before Kevin stepped into Anatoli's room.
"There you are, Lili," Kevin said as he walked in. Lilliana saw Kevin and gave him a bright smile before reaching for him as much as she could while situated on her belly. Kevin picked her up and patted her back. "Christ, she needs to be changed."
"Yes, she does," Anatoli said and sat up on the edge of the bed. "You want I change her?"
"No, I'll take care of it. You've been driving for two days. You relax," Kevin said.
"Thank you," Anatoli said. "Did she wake you when I came in?"
"She woke the state," Kevin teased and tickled Lilliana's chin. "What time did you get in?"
"Midnight," Anatoli said. "I am sorry to wake you all."
"It's not your fault," Kevin said and gently pinched Lilliana's cheek. "You go back to bed and I'll take care of Lili. Embry's not expecting you back until tomorrow."
"Thank you, dad," Anatoli said and started getting back into bed. "Mama said grandma is making Sauerbraten?"
"Yes, that's dinner tonight," Kevin said. "We're going over there just for reference."
"Okay," Anatoli said. "I will have all my clothes cleaned before that. I need to adjust back to normal sleeping routine."
"Yeah, I bet you do," Kevin chuckled and left the room with Lilliana to get her changed.
Anatoli was awake to say goodbye to everyone before they left for the day. Once alone, he got all his dirty clothes together and started doing his laundry. While he was waiting on the washing machine to finish, Anatoli walked to Anna's and Levi's house to see them and ask if there was anything he could do to help with dinner at least until he needed to go back home to finish his laundry. He helped mix the dough for the spätzle noodles and broke up the ginger bread cookies for the gravy before returning to the house to get his clothes in the dryer. Around noon, the house phone rang and Anatoli answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey Anatoli," Ivory's voice came from the other side. "In case I'm not allowed to call you on my dinner break, I wanted to talk to you before I leave for work."
"Your dinner break starts at nine, yes?"
"Yeah, so if Joe confirms it's okay then I'll call around nine."
"We will be back from my grandparents' house by then. Grandma is making Sauerbraten for dinner tonight."
"I don't think I've had the pleasure of trying it but I hear it's delicious," Ivory said.
"I need mama or grandma to give me the recipe," Anatoli said. "I think next I come to Las Vegas I will make that for dinner for you and Tamara."
"That would be really nice," Ivory said with a smile. "I can't wait to see you again. I've been so lonely since you left."
"I miss you too," Anatoli said and sat on the couch. Since he was home, he was with the twins and he watched the two of them playing on the floor together. Tristan was chewing on a block toy and Lilliana was taking that same toy the block was from and was shoving the blocks through the appropriate slots. "I cannot say it is too quiet without you. The twins alleviate that."
"They're a different brand of fun," Ivory said. "Are they behaving themselves now that you're home?"
"I do not know if 'behave' is the right word," Anatoli joked and patted Tristan's back. "I am being told they are behaving better at least."
"That's good news. Are you excited to return to work tomorrow?"
"I am," Anatoli said. "Is the season for a lot of outdoor projects."
"Do you think you'll be doing another house flip soon?"
"Is possible but Embry needs to find a house first," Anatoli said. "When he buys another house to flip I will tell you. If he does, it will be soon. Embry always prefers to flip houses during the summer."
"Makes sense," Ivory said. "So has everyone missed you while you were away?"
"Yes, everyone missed me," Anatoli said. "Mama and dad missed me at least. I have not seen Heather or Levi yet today."
"I'm sure they missed you too," Ivory said. She seemed to notice something and sighed a little. "I'd better leave for work. If you don't hear from me at nine, will you call me when I get back from work? I promise, I'll only ask for a call in the middle of the night just this once."
"Think nothing of it," Anatoli said. "I am happy to call you."
"Even in the middle of the night?"
"Yes, even then," Anatoli smiled. "I will talk to you tonight."
"I'll talk to you tonight," Ivory said. "I love you."
"I love you too," Anatoli answered and the two of them disconnected the phone. Once Anatoli put down the phone, he returned his attention to the twins still playing on the floor on their little blanket. He finished all his laundry before Heather and Levi returned home from school and the three of them with the twins went back to their grandparents' house to help with anything else Anna needed for dinner. Levi Sr. helped Levi Jr. and Heather with their homework after which Levi Jr. and Sr. engaged in a game of chess while Heather started reading on the couch while the news played on the TV.
"How did you enjoy Las Vegas?" Anna asked Anatoli while he helped her with dinner.
"Is a bright city. I enjoyed it a lot."
"More importantly, did you and Ivory have a good time?"
"Very much so," Anatoli said with a silly smile. It made Anna laugh just a little and pinch Anatoli's cheek.
"You love her I can tell," Anna said. "So do you plan to propose to her soon?"
"Not yet," Anatoli answered. "We still do not know for sure if she will come here to live with me or I go to Vegas. If I leave for Vegas, it will have to wait until the twins are older."
"What is the likelihood that Ivory will come here?"
"I do not know," Anatoli said. "We have not talked about it as much as we probably should have."
"It wouldn't seem so," Anna said. "I would recommend the two of you make a point to come to an agreement about that."
"I know, I know," Anatoli said. "Is just too soon to come to a decision right now."
"I suppose that's true," Anna said. "Just don't put it off for too long. It's not right to keep a young woman waiting too long."
"I know," was all Anatoli said.
Amber and Kevin arrived at Levi's and Anna's house just in time for dinner. They all asked Anatoli how he'd enjoyed Las Vegas and, inevitably, when their next visit together would be and what the plan was going forward etc. He did not relay much in the way of future plans since there were no: definitive plans to relay at the moment. They remained after dinner for a while but returned home by 8:30 since Levi and Anna wanted to go to bed. Anatoli stayed downstairs ready hoping to hear from Ivory. The phone rang fifteen minutes past 9:00 and Anatoli answered the phone.
"Good to hear from you," Anatoli said as soon as he answered the phone.
"You too," Ivory said. "Joe said this was a onetime thing only so we'd better make this worth it."
"I can do that," Anatoli smiled.
While he and Ivory talked, Anatoli took the receiver into his room with him so the two of them could speak more privately. While he and Ivory were talking, Amber kept glancing at him. When she overheard him mention to Ivory that everyone was asking quite a bit about what the two of them planned to do about their current living situations and overheard him mention the circumstances under which he would be able to move to Las Vegas with her. She sighed rather audibly while she was putting dishes away and just as Kevin was walking into the kitchen.
"Amber? Is everything okay?" Kevin asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Amber said.
Kevin glanced in Anatoli's direction overhearing more of the conversation and realized what she must be upset about. Kevin went to Amber and gave her a quick kiss before cleaning what he needed to and then drying and putting it away. Kevin returned to his office and kept listening for when Anatoli and Ivory would be done talking. They talked for a half hour before finally ending their phone conversation and by then, Amber had returned upstairs to first check on the twins to make sure they were asleep and then start getting ready for bed herself. Kevin used that time to go to Anatoli's room just as he was about to get ready for bed. He knocked on the doorway so Anatoli would look at him.
"Yes, dad?" Anatoli said.
"Don't get too comfortable yet," Kevin said. "How about you and I go for a walk? We need to have a talk."
"Sure," Anatoli said and put his shirt back on and followed after Kevin. "Did something happen?" he asked as he was putting on his shoes.
"Not necessarily. We just need to have a little heart to heart I think."
"Sure," Anatoli said a little hesitantly and followed Kevin out of the house. Once Kevin locked the front door, the two of them started walking in the direction of the park. "What do you want to talk to me about?"
"It's about something you and Ivory were talking about that I think may have upset Amber," Kevin said.
"What did I say?"
"It was about you telling Ivory the possibility that you would move to Las Vegas," Kevin said. "She looked upset but when I asked her what the problem was, she said it was nothing, but I overheard what you were talking about and figured I knew what the problem was."
"Oh," Anatoli said and rubbed the back of his head. "I tell Ivory that if I were to do that it would have to wait until the twins are at least five. I cannot in good conscience leave mama with the twins now."
"No, I agree with you," Kevin said. "Although if your mother had her way, you'd stay here. Hell, I don't think she'd mind if you just lived with us indefinitely."
"I cannot do that; I am a grown man," Anatoli said.
"Again, I agree with you," Kevin said. "So what is the likelihood you would ultimately decide to move to Las Vegas?"
"Truthfully?" Anatoli asked and Kevin nodded. "I would greatly prefer to stay here, but Ivory is not so eager. I know why. Her mother and mother's side of the family are all in Las Vegas. She also just loves Las Vegas. She would far rather stay in Las Vegas."
"So right now, you're both trying to plead your case?"
"More or less," Anatoli said.
"Well, let's think about this: If you leave to be with her in Las Vegas, you're effectively starting over. You've already done that as far as I'm concerned and you've come a very long way. Granted part of that is having a supportive family system, but you've still accomplished a lot. My concern is you might face tougher road blocks than you did when you came here with us."
"I point out to Ivory that I would be starting over from scratch," Anatoli said.
"Not to mention outside of Ivory and I guess Tamara, you don't really have much in the way of friends in Las Vegas. Here you have coworkers, you have family and extended family and so on. Ivory has that here too."
"Yes, but her friends are in Las Vegas," Anatoli said.
"It would still be considerably easier for her to find work here than it would be for you to find work there, especially for what you make now."
"Yes, that is another reason I do not want to move to Las Vegas permanently," Anatoli said. They made it to the park and sat on the park bench together. "I do not want to force Ivory to move here, but it really is the easier of our options."
"I'd agree with that," Kevin said. "And Nathan certainly won't complain about Ivory living here."
"But Tamara would not be happy," Anatoli said.
"I wish I had an easy answer for you," Kevin said. "When your mother and I were first dating, it was effectively agreed that she would be moving to America to be with me and me moving to Germany would be an absolute last resort."
"I enjoyed Las Vegas and I have no problem visiting, but I do not want to live there," Anatoli said.
"Have you made that clear?"
"I am trying to do so as gently as I can," Anatoli said. "Ivory tends to be a little stubborn."
"She gets that from her dad," Kevin chuckled. "You'll have to grow accustomed to that I'm afraid."
"I do not mind it," Anatoli said with a little smile. "I admire it."
"Good choice of wording." After a brief silence, Anatoli sat back with a deep breath. "What's on your mind?"
"I suppose I want to ask your advice since we are talking about Ivory and work."
"Okay," Kevin said.
"You know Ivory works for a casino, yes?" Kevin nodded. "There is a man working there that is harassing her."
"How so?" Kevin asked and straightened up a little. Anatoli rubbed his face a little and sighed as he stared up at the moon.
"When I first went to visit Ivory there, I stepped away to the bar to order something and he walked up to me claiming that he and Ivory had been dating for two years and I needed to back off."
"Really?" Kevin said, raising a brow.
"Yes, and….I took what he say seriously at the time and I stormed out angry. I should not have, but I could not imagine why this man would lie about something like that. Ivory found out and came after me. We make up of course, but he continue to harass her and even went to their boss accusing her of being a prostitute because she came out after me and we walked in together."
"Is that so?" Kevin said.
"Ivory's immediate boss Joe told him to stay away from her and moved him to another room so he was not seeing Ivory, but I am worried that will not stop him. I tell him he needs to leave her alone but I am worried he will eventually realize that I am no longer there and will take advantage of that. I tell Ivory to call me if anything happens and she said she will, but there is only so much I can do when I am not there."
"I see," Kevin said and cleared his throat a little. "I knew there was someone at her job that hit on her, but she'd always said he was persistent at worst."
"If he was before, he has become rather aggressive," Anatoli said. "And her bosses do not help. Joe does what he can, but when I tell him he should fire Ben, he tell me no claiming he could turn around and accuse Joe of being involved with Ivory being a prostitute or something."
"He's done just about everything he can to make sure he doesn't look like the bad guy I see," Kevin said.
"I do not know what Ivory could have done to make him think she is interested in him, but he is delusional," Anatoli muttered irritably. "He had the nerve to say I was the one making everything worse for Ivory. He did not bother her again after I confront him but, again, I am rather certain it is because I was there."
"Under the circumstances, that's not surprising," Kevin said. "You said her boss Joe is addressing the situation?"
"As much as he's willing to," Anatoli grumbled. "I still say he should fire the man, but he claim it would not look good if he did."
"No, I think I know where he's coming from," Kevin said. "If he were to attempt to claim that Joe fired him because he's Ivory's pimp as it were, even if Joe didn't lose his job, Ivory definitely would."
"So in other words, she has no choice but to get a new job when she did nothing wrong?"
"It's beginning to look that way I'm afraid," Kevin said. "Make sure you tell Nathan about this too. Ivory isn't likely to but really if there's anyone that'll put that kid in his place it'll be Nathan."
"True," Anatoli said, "Still, I really should be the one to do that."
"Don't be afraid to involve Nathan. My baby brother is not a man to be fucked with, especially where any of his kids are involved."
"Yes, I know," Anatoli said. "Truthfully, given she like will need to find work elsewhere anyway, it is all the more reason for here to come be here."
"I would not recommend using that argument," Kevin said. "The last thing you want to imply, especially to Ivory, is that she needs you to take care of her."
"I know," Anatoli said. "It was not my intent."
"I know it's not, but again: do not use that argument while trying to convince her to move here. That will not go well for you; I'm telling you right now."
"I am very aware," Anatoli said and glanced to his left between them. "Last we did this, we had beer. We should have gotten some beer."
"Sorry, I should have thought of that," Kevin said and patted Anatoli's shoulder. "I guess just keep trying to convince Ivory of moving her to Washington, if nothing else for the sake of your mother's sanity."
"I will. And thank you for the talk," Anatoli said.
"You're welcome," Kevin said and stood from the bench with Anatoli following after him. "When we get back, go right back to bed. You're going back to work tomorrow."
"I am looking forward to it," Anatoli said. They returned to the house and went to their respective rooms for bed. Amber was already in bed when Kevin stepped into their room.
"Did you leave the house?" Amber asked when she lifted her head to look at Kevin.
"Anatoli and I went for a quick walk together to talk. He and Ivory are still trying to come to an agreement over who will move where but Anatoli tells me he's trying really hard to convince Ivory to move here."
"I hope he does," Amber said. Kevin undressed and got into bed moving close enough to hold Amber in his arms against his chest. He kissed her head and she rubbed his forearm. "Am I being selfish?"
"Not at all," Kevin said. "There are plenty of practical reasons for Anatoli to stay here and he agrees with me. Right now it's just a matter of the two of them coming to an agreement."
"Okay," Amber said. "When it is time for Anatoli to find his own place, do you think he could find a home here in the neighborhood?"
"I don't see why not," Kevin shrugged. "He's not going anywhere right now, Amber. So try to take a deep breath, okay?"
Amber nodded and kept rubbing Kevin's arm to reassure herself. In Las Vegas, after Ivory had ended her phone call with Anatoli Ivory went to the kitchen to get her dinner and brought it to the break room to eat it really quick. She saw Ben in passing through her lunch breaks the past few days but made a point to ignore him. He didn't seem to be engaging her either which was fine by her. Ivory and Anatoli kept talking over the phone periodically though because Ivory wasn't allowed to call from work it meant the two could only talk before Ivory left for work on Sunday, maybe Saturday, and after Anatoli returned home from work on Mondays and Tuesdays. It would have to do for now, but it wasn't long before she was feeling a little down from not seeing Anatoli every day. She'd quite liked it while it lasted. By June, she was working on convincing Joe to let her call Anatoli from work Saturday the 12th so she could wish him a happy birthday. He eventually permitted it but warned her to make sure the call was kept short which she agreed to. Come June 12th when it was her lunch break, Ivory went to the phone and dialed the number to her Uncle Kevin's house.
"Black residence," Kevin's voice came.
"Hey, Uncle Kevin. It's Ivory. Can I talk to Anatoli? I want to tell him Happy Birthday."
"He's out right now I'm afraid. Embry and his little brothers took Anatoli out for his birthday, but if you want, I can ask him to call you when he gets back. You're up at 1 right?"
"No, that's okay, I'll call him tomorrow before I leave for work," Ivory said, a little deflated.
"No, no, I'll tell him to call you. He'll be home by then. I told Embry to ensure as much."
"Okay. I appreciate it Uncle Kevin. I'll wait to hear from him. Have him call my house."
"I'll let him know," Kevin said and the two of them said goodbye to one another. Ivory sighed a little as she hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to get her dinner and bring it to the break room. When she arrived, Ben was sitting at one of the desks near a window writing in something, but she ignored him and took a seat at one of the tables with her back to him so she could eat her lunch. She'd been seated for about ten minutes before someone pulled out a chair near her and took a seat and it was Ben.
"Everything alright, Ivory? You look a little upset," Ben said.
"I'm alright," Ivory left it at that and kept eating her dinner.
"We haven't talked in a long time."
"Joe said you're working the Arabian Night room now. That must be exciting."
"I preferred working the Wild West room," Ben said. "Listen, Ivory, I'm really sorry if anything I've said or done made you uncomfortable. It was never my intent to do that."
"I appreciate that, Ben," Ivory said briefly.
"Do you think we could start over? As friends?" Ben asked.
"We were already friends, Ben," Ivory said, finished her dinner and stood from her chair. "I had better get back to the floor. My break ends soon."
"Alright. Well, I'll see you around?"
"See you around, Ben," Ivory said and left for the kitchen to return her dishes and get back to work. When she returned home, it was 1:15 in the morning. She'd rushed home hoping that she'd make it in time and almost the instant she walked into the door, she heard the phone ring and she went right for it. "Hello?"
"Ivory?" Anatoli's voice came.
"Hi, Anatoli," Ivory said with a smile. "How was your night out with the guys?"
"Thank goodness is Sunday tomorrow," was Anatoli's answer and Ivory giggled. "I sober up considerably before calling but my head already hurts really bad."
"I bet it does," Ivory said and sat down on the couch.
"I am really sorry. Dad say you call at nine and I was not there."
"It's alright, you were out for your birthday; I get it," Ivory reassured. "So long as you had a good time, that's what's important."
The two of them talking on the phone for nearly an hour before they finally said goodnight to one another. Before ending the call, Anatoli apologized again for not being home when she called and Ivory promised she wasn't upset. The next day she went to work as usual but when she returned home, on the kitchen counter were a bouquet of roses. She went to them and saw the note from her mom saying, 'These came in for you'. She looked at the roses with a smile and took out the note to read it.
"I'm sorry and I love you," the note read.
She wasn't sure why Anatoli was beating himself up over missing her call so much but she was appreciative for the flowers. She smelled the red roses thinking back to when she and Anatoli had gone on their first date and he'd given her a bouquet of white dahlias. She'd liked those more, but considering he'd probably had to call a shop in Vegas to get these flowers, this was likely the most readily available. She took the flowers with her to her room and placed them on her nightstand before getting ready for bed.