Kate,
Sitting at the dinner table eating my oatmeal alone. I straightened up at the sight of my father joining me for breakfast. He has a cup of coffee in one hand and places the newspaper out to the side of him with the other. He sits across from me intertwining his hands together. I can sense him watching me eat for a while before he starts to speak,"Mija, you're already at an age where you should go out and get married." Surprised, I almost spit out my drink. My father continues to speak. "Do not worry, I've found the perfect man for you. We are well aware this is a dangerous world so I did my best to find someone to protect you." He motions towards me, his thin lips forcing a smile.
"Of course, father." I say, feeling my eyes grow moist. Why does my culture have to be this old fashioned? I just turned 25. They already believe that if I'm not married, I would be old and outdated. I hold in a sigh, stirring my oatmeal. I completely lost my appetite.
"He's also a jefe, or a capo. However, those Russians say it." Motioning his tan hand in a dismissive way. "It would be good for our family to have one of their guys to marry into; to you know? unite the families." Clasping his hands together, He quickly opens up today's paper. I assume that's the end of the conversation when he continues, "The Reyes family has a few more connections that would benefit us." Before he could say anymore, I hesitate to ask, "What if he doesn't want to marry and rejects your offer?" I'm not too afraid to ask, seeing as he is more interested in the paper than me.
My father puts down his paper and stares at me with his brown eyes. He slowly reassures me "Mija, they appreciate all that I've done for them and respect me enough not to turn me down. I expect the same from you."
My eyes widened, "Yes, of course father. I would never disrespect you nor would I make you look bad. I'll do as you need." I nervously put my head down avoiding any further eye contact.
"I know you will, Mija. You've always proven yourself as such.' picking up the paper he continues. "Also, don't forget this is more for your sake since you haven't found anyone worthy yet. you're at your peak, Mija and time runs out fast. I love you too much to let people gossip about how you have not wed." Even through the paper I can tell he is lying to me. I don't even have to see his face anymore to tell I can just hear it in his voice.
"Thank you, father, I love you too." I whisper as I leave the kitchen table and head into my room.
I throw myself on the bed. Of course, he claims it's for my sake but in reality, it's for his. Using me to grow his business. pretending it's to save me from embarrassment; in reality it's so save his. He doesn't even have the connections and power he once had. I have no idea why, but I can see it crumbling him. Now he is using me to claim back what he once was.
In this family women must always stand behind a man never having their own opinions. my mother might have been fine marrying a rich man to do everything for her; but I'm tired of always being told what to do and what to say. Maybe if she knew what her future held, she would have chosen differently.
Burying my face in my pillow I let out a deep sigh. I don't want to be a trophy wife with nothing more. Disappointed at my pre planned future. I look up to my stuffed animal, pulling him close. I squeeze him as I selfishly hope he rejects the offer even if it hurts my father's pride.
Nikolai,
Looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, I am grooming my beard; trimming it to the perfect length. I prefer it on the short side, it's more comfortable this way. That means I have to trim it quite often. I don't mind though; I like grooming and taking care of myself. I'm aware that I come off as some brute man, but I tend not to be in private.
Washing my face and exiting my bathroom. I stand over the clothes I've laid out for myself. Concentrating on the suit I chose for myself and this occasion. I went with a three-piece black suit with burgundy undertones. I put it on and walk over to my full length mirror. Looking at myself, satisfied with my choice. I'm going for a dark intimidating look, although my sharp nose and squared jaw can be intimidating by themselves. I like to make sure I look presentable; clean.
As I reach for my pocket watch, I notice I'm getting a call. I groan as I see Alexi`s name flash on my phone screen.
I immediately barked at him on the phone, "What do you want?"
"Are you almost ready for our meeting with the head of the Reyes family? We can't keep him waiting for too long you know"
Fixing my tie in the mirror I respond, "Of course, I'm already ready for my meeting" I can hear the amusement in his voice. I swear I think this is what he lives for; to constantly annoy me.
"Great! I'm outside waiting for you in the car."
"You're at my place? Why?! I can get there on my own." I growl looking out the front window, and sure enough his black Benz M9 is parked out front. He rolls down his window and waves me over, "Quit being a brat and come out already." I hear him through the phone.
I step out of my place and into the backseat of Alexi`s car. As we head over, I warn him of speaking to me. I also take this time to look over some important emails. I'm finishing up an email concerning a delivery when I realize we've arrived.
We met him at this nice five star restaurant he had chosen. I notice the parking lot is empty. to no surprise so is inside of the restaurant. Javier must have rented the whole space out. Is he trying to show off or to get us alone? Either way I'm on guard.
"Hello mis amigos, my friends." Javier approaches us with open arms "I'm glad to see you looking well Nikolai." He emphasized while patting my back. Javier seems relaxed; a glass of red wine in one hand and motioning us to a table with the other. As we all take a seat a waitress tries to hand us our own glasses of wine.
"No, thank you." I motion dismissively at her "I'm not much of a wine type." I'm lying, I just rather stay sober when I have busy days. I do however enjoy glasses of wine during my own personal time, they just don't need to know that.
"Try not to be so rude Nikolai, come on have a glass; relax" Alexi chimes in while checking out the waitress.
"It's fine, I do not mind a stern Nikolai. it's actually what I like about him. Always alert and ready." Javier responds with an eager expression.
I don't know what his angle here is or what he wants. I would rather get this over with, and go on my way "Is this why you set up this meeting with me? To praise me?"
"Are you single Nikolai? Or do you have a woman I don't know about?" Javier bursts with no explanation.
Alexi bursts out laughing.