After breakfast they drove Brenda back to the apartment so she could rest while Viktor and Amanda went to the grocery store to buy what they needed for dinner. Viktor pushed the cart while Amanda led the way down the aisles.
“Did you find a recipe for plov?” Viktor asked as she picked up some beef chuck.
A slight grin crossed her lips. “I did.”
“Have you already tried it out?”
She put the steaks in the cart and replied with an abashed smile, “I did not. And I’m very nervous.”
“Want me to help you?” he offered.
“You know how to make it?” she asked, sounding a little intrigued.
“Yes.”
“Would you like to look at the recipe I found and tell me if it’s right?”
“Sure.”
She pulled the recipe up on her phone and showed it to him. He carefully read it over and then handed her phone back.
“That’s pretty much it,” he declared. “If that’s what you’re doing it should come out perfect.”
She felt a little relieved but not much. He could see she was still anxious about it.
“Don’t worry. I will help you,” he tried to reassure her.
She shrugged and let out a frustrated sigh. “I kind of wanted to impress you …”
He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. “We’re a team. I will help you.”
Her anxiety instantly melted away. “Why are you so good to me?”
“Like I said, we’re a team.”
An enormous smile grew on her face. “I like having you as a teammate.”
“Me too,” he replied with a smile that matched hers.
“You like having you as a teammate?” she teased.
He rolled his eyes and pushed the cart away. “Let’s finish and get back to your mother.”
She giggled and chased after him.
As they were checking out, Viktor insisted on paying for some of the food but Amanda flat out refused, telling him that he could make dinner for her when she comes to California. He felt frustrated but he let it go. He wanted to tell her about his finances but every time he got close, fear of her reaction choked him at the last minute. He was so scared to lose her, he didn’t want to risk it. She was adamant about not wanting to date a wealthy man and she gave him no reason to doubt the sincerity of her conviction. He knew he would have to tell her, eventually. It would have to come out. He just had no clue how he was going to do that.
They returned to the apartment and Viktor carried most of the groceries. The kitchen was barely big enough for one let alone two, so food prep spilled out onto the dining table. Brenda sat at the table and began peeling potatoes while Amanda prepped the chicken for the oven and then mixed the dough for dinner rolls. Viktor waited by the table for direction.
Amanda set the dough aside and then turned to Viktor. “Help?”
“Yep.” He quickly stood and came to her in the kitchen. “Do you have a pot?”
“Yes.” She pulled it from the cupboard and placed it on the stove.
“Do you want to chop the meat or do you want me to do it?”
“Can you do it? I’ll cut the onions and carrots.”
“Of course,” he agreed.
They squeezed into the kitchen together and worked side by side on the small section of counter that was available.
“I hate my kitchen,” Amanda lamented as she and Viktor constantly bumped into each other.
He laughed. “I don’t mind being this close to you.”
She reached one hand up to his face and pulled him towards her so she could kiss him. “You’re a very patient man.”
He grinned. “And you’re a very anxious woman.”
“I’m a little less anxious every day I’m with you.”
He smiled and kissed her back. “I’m glad.”
After searing the meat, they added the vegetables and spices into the pot and left it to simmer on the stove while Amanda turned her attention to the chicken.
“Oh no!” Amanda suddenly declared.
“What is it?” Viktor asked.
She looked at her watch. “I forgot to pick up wine.”
“I’ll go,” he said.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I meant to pick some up while we were out.”
“It’s no problem,” he said calmly. “I’ll go now.”
“Thank you,” Amanda said appreciatively as he grabbed his keys and headed out.
After Viktor left, Brenda picked up the bowl of sliced potatoes she had been working on and started to bring it to the kitchen.
“I got that, mom.” Amanda quickly took it off her hands. “You want a cup of tea?”
“That would be great,” she agreed.
“How are you feeling? Are you tired? Do you need to lie down?”
“No, dear. I’m fine. Thank you.” She walked to the archway outside the kitchen. “You’ve got a keeper.”
Amanda looked back with a smile. “Viktor?”
“Who else would I mean?” she laughed.
“You really like him?” Amanda asked, still feeling insecure.
“I like him a lot.”
Amanda sighed as if relieved. “I like him a lot too.”
Her mother laughed. “I see that.”
Amanda turned red and looked away.
“I’m happy for you, honey.” Brenda moved closer and hugged her. “I hope things continue to work out.”
Amanda squeezed her back. “Thanks, mom.”
Viktor returned with the wine and not long after, the guests began to arrive. Amanda was still cooking and Brenda was resting on the couch so Viktor was put on door duty. The first person to arrive was Amanda’s best friend Kim Carr.
