106. Travel Plans

106. Travel Plans
We chatted with the guests for a while and proudly introduced my girlfriend. She was elegant, exuded class and manners, and engaged in lively conversation on any topic.

Everyone was charmed by her.

After the introductions, I looked for my girl; she was chatting with Katia on the couch. She glanced at me and smiled, and I winked at her.

I noticed Liliane, a friend of Katia's who had always had a crush on me. My sister introduced her to my woman, and Liliane looked at her with a sour expression.

Okay, that's it. I was going to get her out of there.

"Babe," I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Hello, Liliane," I greeted her politely. "Come on, Margaret, I want to introduce you to some people," I led my woman away from there.

"She likes you," Margaret whispered lowly.

I sighed.

"Well, the feeling isn't mutual, darling," she chuckled softly and looked ahead.

I introduced her to the Crafts, Mr. César was one of my father's lawyers and also had other businesses with the gang.

"Darling, I'll be right back," she whispered in my ear.

"Of course, babe, second door on the right," I smiled and kissed her head. She excused herself and left.

I loved it when she called me darling.

"Congratulations, Nikolay, she's fantastic," Helen commented, and I nodded, grateful.

We talked a little more about the gang's new actions and also about football. Was there no conversation among men that didn't involve football?

I saw Margaret and my mother talking quietly. They looked at each other affectionately. It was extraordinary, considering they had started off on the wrong foot and barely knew each other.

I approached and wrapped my arm around their shoulders.

"What are the two women of my life talking about?"

Victoria looked at both of us.

"I'm very happy for you," she gently squeezed my arm. "You're a great man, son, you deserve a woman like her."

She was emotional.

"Good evening, family, the life of the party has arrived," my brother and his charm caught everyone's attention; he came with Kate.

I saw him introduce her to my parents and the other guests. I lowered my gaze to Margaret and kissed her forehead.

"How are you doing?" I focused my attention on her, now that we were alone.

"Very well, your family is being very kind to me," she smiled and wrapped her arms around my waist.

I picked up a plate of prawns and sauce and placed it in front of her mouth; she took a bite, with a grateful smile.

"You need to eat a little more, Margaret," she pouted slightly, but nodded and resumed eating.

"Brother, you left me alone in Samara," I looked at him skeptically as he released Kate's waist and chuckled. The girls hugged.

Yarik smiled at me mischievously.

"So, girlfriend, huh?" he inquired. I shrugged.

"Surprised to see you with one?" he laughed and shook his head.

"If you're happy, I'm happy too," he said.

I nodded, grateful.

"Dinner is ready," Victoria announced.

We moved to the dining room; my mother had outdone herself with the food, she loved getting into the kitchen from time to time, and she made fried chicken with mashed potatoes. How I loved it.

We had a very pleasant and smooth evening with Yarik and Katia's anecdotes.

After finishing dinner, we moved to the living room to have coffee, although I went straight for the bourbon. I finished my drink and walked over to Ana, who was talking with Kate on the couch.

"Soon we'll be at the beach soaking up the sun," I overheard Margaret telling Kate.

Beach? What beach? Were they going to the beach, and I didn't know anything about it?

"What beach, babe?" she looked at me, embarrassed.

"Margaret and I are going on vacation to Barbados after my graduation," Katia said.

"Oh, great," I thought sarcastically, "Damn, the beach. How long? And why didn't she tell me?"

"I didn't know anything," I looked at her, hoping she would tell me about it later.

"Well, yeah, your sister gave me a trip to relax a bit after... after what happened," she said softly.

"Right," that was all I could manage, to avoid saying something I might regret later.

I was fine with her taking a vacation, but damn, she was going far away from me, to a beach full of guys, wearing one of those killer bikinis, and everyone would be staring at her. Damn.

"She's pregnant," my conscience attacked.

"Margaret deserves a good rest, Nikolay," Kate's annoying voice chimed in again.

Why was she so meddlesome?

I saw Margaret was annoyed, but she kept quiet.

"I'll go check on Yarik," Kate said, the most sensible thing she'd said all night.

"Don't be an idiot, she deserves a break after what happened," Katia told me, making sure only I heard her.

I restrained myself from telling her to shove her advice where the sun don't shine, because undoubtedly, she was right.

I sighed.

"Margaret…" I said softly, but she just looked at me indifferently.

Okay, I deserved that.

"I'm sorry, I'm used to being in control of situations, and... it's hard for me to let go, especially when it comes to you, you mean a lot to me."

No one had ever mattered to me so much, and I was afraid she'd realize she could find someone better than me.

She sighed, tired.

"We'll talk about that later, okay?" Her expression had softened, but she was still upset.

"Guys, we're heading out," Yarik interrupted us, wrapping his arm around Kate's waist.

"You should show her a little more respect, don't you think?" I had introduced her as his friend, and now he was shouting that he was taking her home in front of everyone.

I mentally clicked my tongue.

"Margaret, I have your things in the car. Come get them," Katia said, and Margaret stood up.

"Sure, I'll be right there," she spoke indifferently.

I sighed.

I watched them walk towards the door, and my brother slapped my shoulder.

"Hey bro, what's with that face?" he questioned.

"She's going on vacation, and I didn't even know," I grumbled, as if it were his fault.