Lana, Oleg, and Ruslan walked to him very quickly, almost running. Lana glanced at Ruslan, and addressed her father. «Daddy, let me introduce Oleg Merkulov. I showed you his wife’s pictures. And this is…» She forgot Ruslan’s name, and confusedly looked at him.
«Ruslan Grafinsky,» he said. «Mr. Limpson, can I have a talk with you?»
«If it’s about sponsorship,» Mr. Limpson coldly replied taking out a business card, «here is the address to send your query or project. You will get a response within three months.»
«This is more important to you than to me,» Ruslan retorted in the same tone that Mr. Limpson had used. He did not take the card, and the businessman gazed at this Russian youth with interest.
«Very well, Mr. Grafinsky,» Mr. Limpson grinned. «I’ll give you a ride home and we can talk.» He went to greet the guests.
«He won’t believe you,» Oleg said in Russian.
«At least I’ll try,» replied Ruslan.
Lana did not understand, but the spite in Oleg’s voice made her worry.
«What?» she addressed Ruslan. «What are you talking about?»
«I’m afraid, sweetheart,» Oleg answered sadly, «my pal wants to ruin our friendship.»
«Nobody can do that, I swear,» she took his hand, and tenderly squeezed it with all her excessive emotion.
Without another word Ruslan moved aside.
* * * * *
On their way home Vlad stopped at the stop signal, and was set to drive again, when Larisa suddenly gasped, «Look, a baby reindeer!»
«Where?» The surprised adults looked outside and laughed when they saw a golden retriever with toy antlers on its head.
«I bet it’s the same dog that we saw on Halloween!» exclaimed Nina, and they got out of the car. The girl petted the animal, and Nina said «Hello» to the owner. He was an old man with a walking stick, and he politely replied, «Good evening, young ladies.»
«I remember her name is Goldy.» The girl trustfully looked at him. «And my name is Larisa.»
«I’m Bill Thompson.» He slightly bowed to her.
«When Goldy has babies, can I have a puppy?» asked Larisa.
«Absolutely.» Bill saw the mother get anxious with his reply, and smiling, he leaned close to her.
«Not to worry, she’s fixed,» Thompson whispered so quietly that only Nina could hear this. «Just let’s not kill the child’s dream, okay?»
Nodding, Nina laughed and looked around.