*****
“I'm going to tell him,” I said to myself, as he stopped the car at the valet post.
Someone opened the door for me and I stepped out. At Peter's arm, I followed him into the Russian restaurant I knew he loved. He had told me stories about the many times his parents had brought him here, and I had asked him if he could make reservations on such short notice. I wanted him to find out he would become a father in the same place he had so many happy childhood memories.
By the time we sat at our usual table, I was certain I was feeling better. With the doctor's prescription and with a successful trial for the national art competition, I knew this was about to be the best day in both mine and Peter's lives.
“How have you been this week?” he asked, making me grin.
“Fine. I got into the competition.”
“I never doubted that, baby dot. But you told me yesterday you didn't feel too well. Did you see your doctor this morning?”
“Yes. How is your father?”
“He's strong as an ox. And eager to get back to work. You know, he actually scolded me for flying there to see him.”
“Really? Wow.”
He laughed and I was glad my good news would come on top of other good news.
Before I could decide on what was the best moment to share my pregnancy, the waiter came and exchanged a few words in Russian with Peter. I saw a shadow pass over his face.
“Nyet,” he said, and the waiter backed away.
“What was that?”
“Nothing, just someone I don't really want to see.”
I chose not to say anything, not to ruin the evening. Besides, he didn't look like he wanted to share what that was all about.
“Shall we have the usual?” he asked.
“Actually, I think I'm in the mood for caviar.”
“Ooh! What's the occasion? Are we celebrating your contest?”
I shook my head.
“OK, I get it, it's a secret celebration. Nevertheless, some caviar and fine vodka would do me some good, I guess.”
“No vodka for me,” I said, trying to keep a straight face.
“Oh. How come?”
I opened my mouth to answer evasively when a man approached our table. The shadow was back on Peter's face.
“What are you doing? Am I disturbing?”
“Yes. What do you want?”
I was put off by Peter's attitude. He never struck me as the offensive type.
“Who's this chocolatey beauty?” the man kept going, and I could see now why Peter would dislike him.
“None of your business. And watch your mouth.”
“Oh, I see. So, while your girlfriend is waiting for you at home, you're out drinking with dolls. Wait until Father hears about this.”
“First of all, Father—”
I felt the blood draining from my face, and the urge to empty my stomach propelled me off the chair and towards the bathroom. I got there just in time, before making a mess in the restaurant or crying in front of the two of them.
I spent minutes trying to recover, then even longer to wipe off the runny makeup under my eyes.
I couldn't believe my ears. Peter had a girlfriend. And here I was, carrying his child and feeling stupid. No wonder he didn't want the guy near me. He had just spilled the beans on him.
I finally straightened up, deciding I looked decent enough. I had to end this evening with my head held high; I had no fault in all of this.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the restroom door and almost bumped into Peter.
“Look, I'm sorry for what he said. Are you alright?”
“I'm fine, thank you.”
“Are you sure? Should I take you to a hospital?”
“No, I'm alright. I think I should go.”
“What? Why? Because of what he said? That doesn't mean anything.”
Of course it wouldn't. What was I? Just a nice piece of tail on the side. Why would the truth of the matter mean anything?
“It's quite alright,” I said, trying my hardest not to burst into tears and make a fool of myself. “I'll be leaving now. Don't come after me.”
I walked back to the table, grabbed my purse and left. It felt like everyone was watching me, knowing what I was and pitying me for the child I was carrying.
At the door, the man from earlier intercepted me.
“Miss, if I may apologize,” he started.
“Leave me alone.” My voice was small with tears as I pushed past him and into the street. I needed a cab fast.
My lucky night, I thought when a cab stopped at my feet. As the car started moving, I caught a glimpse of the two men who had just ruined my life. I was shocked to see Peter punch the other man so hard in the stomach that he doubled over, only to meet Peter's next fist face front. He crumbled down under everyone's eyes. It was only natural no one would interfere with the head of the Russian crime empire.