Chapter Eleven:

The day of the meeting, twenty seven days later

I’d been waiting at Sky Harbor Airport for over an hour on an empty stomach. Charlotte offered to toast me a bagel before I left, but I was in such a hurry I didn't take her up on it. Which was probably for the best, because I have a hard time eating when I'm wracked with nerves like this. Although Vasha’s flight wasn’t due for another ten minutes or so, my anxiety had gotten the better of me. I wanted to be here early just in case. Flying really is unpredictable, after all. The few times I've flown taught me to be prepared for extended layovers and quicker take off times. I didn't want to take any chances with my girlfriend, especially since she was flying internationally.

After glancing at my watch another fifty times, I paced around Vasha’s terminal and observed the masses bustling about, stressed. My heart went out to a middle aged business man with salt and pepper colored hair who just spilled hot coffee all over his neatly pressed white button down shirt. A few kids ran circles around their parents, almost twirling right out of their Mickey Mouse eared hats as they rushed toward their destination. Once I got tired of people watching, I brisky walked to the closest restroom and double-checked my appearance. My hair was curled, and fell in soft waves around my face. Courtesy of Liza, who came over to help me get ready three hours ago. I had my best light-washed jeans on. The low cut red halter I was sporting matched my lips, and I smiled at my reflection. I’d been waiting so long for this meeting, it was almost like an out of body experience, being there at the airport.

I got back to the terminal just in time. I watched my girlfriend's plane pull in, and felt my stomach knot up with anxiety. Several minutes later, people began filing into the walkway in front of me, laughing and hurrying to their destinations. I squinted and took a step forward. Then, I saw her.

My little Vasilisa.

She looked so small and fragile in contrast to her large black duffel bag, not to mention disoriented from the long flight. I noticed her looking around for me frantically. God, she was...perfect. Even with her disheveled black hair and rapidly blinking green eyes. Unlike I if I were to travel fifteen plus hours by plane, she still chose an attractive style of dress. Dark green skinny jeans, black button up shirt with white birds soaring throughout the material underneath a heavy black coat. She tilted her nose upwards, looking all around in an awe struck state. I watched until I couldn't take it anymore, feeling lightheaded as I started walking toward her.

“Vasha!” I called out, almost breathlessly. She immediately whipped her head around, and we locked eyes for the first time in person. It was as if we had tiny magnets attached to our hearts, and being near one another was causing them to pull until our chests were pressed together.

I was grinning from ear to ear, and she gave me the biggest smile I’d ever seen. Like the Cheshire cat's. Her ears were burning bright red as she choked back an emotional cry.

"Come here!" I commanded, walking faster.

“I'm coming detka, wait there for me!” Vasha weaved her way through the crowd, and I rushed into her arms. The second we touched, I burst into happy tears and she swung me from side to side without a care about who may have been watching. Finally, the woman I loved was here with me. She smelled of pine and sweet spice. I inhaled deeply, burying my face into the collar of her black suede jacket.

"I can't believe I'm hugging you." I laughed through my tears, feeling Vasha's soft thumbs wiping them away as I kept my face buried in her neck.

“I know. God, it feels so wonderful to hold you Francine. I never want to let go.” She muttered into my ear and bit the lobe affectionately. Her thick Russian accent made my heart skip a beat, and I closed my eyes. Enjoying our first embrace. It’s the little things. “You know I love the color red on you.” She yawned after a few minutes, planting a tender kiss on my forehead. My skin tingled at her intimate touch.

“Hmm...no, like this.” I whispered, and pulled her into my lips. She became hungry, wrestling her tongue with mine before realizing we were in public, and suddenly breaking the kiss in embarrassment.

“What's wrong Vash, shy?” I teased, poking her rib cage. She squealed, pushing my hands away. My eyes widened with disbelief. I didn't expect her to be that sensitive, and it just made her that much more sexy.

“Don’t do that, I’m very ticklish.” She pleaded, but it sounded like she didn’t really want me to stop, and I made a mental note of it.

“Thanks for the tip, now I know how to get anything I want out of you.” I winked, and she laughed dryly as we walked toward the exit hand in hand.

“Good luck, I fight back.” She retorted, causing goosebumps to form on my skin.

I couldn’t wait to see what she meant by that.

********************

I was a little self conscience over never learning to drive, but I had a valid reason.

My stepmother feared my recklessness as a teenager, and forbade me to get my permit. Now at twenty five I was terrified of motor vehicles. Or at least operating one. Vasha called me practical, and said she’d drive me all over when I came to see her in Russia for our next visit. It was one of the many reasons I loved her. She was always trying to understand others, even if she hadn't gone through what they did.

We sat in the back of the bus so Vasilisa could get a good look at everything. Her curious expression at every stop was adorable. The people, the signs. She stared with unabashed interest and asked me dozens of questions.

“It’s much smaller than the Metro....I like how high the seats go!” Since we were so short, our feet didn’t even touch the floor. I swung my legs back and forth in delight, and she watched in awe.

“In Russia, everyone is so serious...nobody is smiling. I’m enjoying the American attitude much better.” She swung her legs so they aligned with mine, and I took note of her black Nike Air Force Ones. I always thought Nikes only looked good on Athletes, but Vasha could pull off anything.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” I sighed, squeezing her hand. She brought my knuckles to her lips and kissed them lovingly. Her touch felt firm, but not. Her kiss was everything I imagined it’d be. Those lips had the softness of a cloud. I’m not big on expectations but if I had been, Vasha would have vastly exceeded them. My girlfriend was absolutely perfect, and I couldn't believe how lucky I was to have her right next to me. After waiting for so long.

“I don’t have words for my happiness.” She mumbled, kissing each of my fingers. The inside of my wrist. She felt electric, and I couldn’t get enough. Each soft kiss jolted my heart with tender feelings, giving me the sudden urge to just pin her against the window and cover her entire face with kisses of my own. She giggled uproariously, gently shoving me off only to calmly pull me back into her arms protectively.

“Well you’ll just have to show me later huh?” I smirked, brushing the black bangs out of her face. She untangled my body from her's so she could stretch her arms over her head, and rewarded me with a wide smile.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll show you things you never knew you were missing. Everything your heart desires...” Her voice trailed off seductively, and she suddenly tickled my right knee. When I jumped from the shock and let out a squeal, she snickered.

“I told you I fight back, detka."

********************

In preparation of Vasha’s two week stay in America, Olivia and Charlotte made a huge deal out of dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to smell pot roast, baked potatoes, and fresh garlic bread the second we stepped into the house. Vasha hastily removed her shoes, setting them neatly beside the door. When she noticed I was still wearing mine, she frowned.

“But won’t you track dirt inside?”

“No, detka. That’s why we have a welcome mat outside.” I explained, and she nodded. Taking in the smell, she licked her lips and followed me into the kitchen where Charlotte and Olive were getting down plates and cutlery.

“Hiiii!” Char gleamed at us, rushing over to greet us properly. Like a true cultured woman, she invited Vasha to hug her instead of just diving right in.

“Privet! Rad tebya videt'.” (Hello, glad to see you).

I’d spent hours teaching that phrase to Charlotte, and it paid off. Vasha beamed at her and asked me to thank her warmly before we all sat at the table.

“This is called a roast, detka. Salty red meat with bread, and I know you love potatoes.” I served Vasha a heaping portion, which she started in on without hesitation. Liv finally joined us with a large bowl of salad, and the table went quiet save for the “mmmmms” of approval in between mouthfuls.

“So, what are your plans for tomorrow? Char and I know a great mountain if you’re in the mood for hiking-“

“Relax, Olivia. She JUST got here. Let them have their time.” Charlotte scoffed, exasperated. Olive mimicked her expression and I couldn’t help but stifle a giggle. Vasha glanced around the table, intrigued by their dynamic even though she couldn’t understand anything being said. She was so quiet I almost forgot she was there.

“I have a few things planned....but I’m sure she’s tired, her flight was like sixteen hours long. She might be sleeping at the ass crack of dawn, which is usually when I hear you getting ready for a hike.”

“Offers there in case she’s too excited to sleep!” Charlotte grinned and gestured for Olive to follow her into their bedroom once they'd cleaned their plates. Presumably to give us some alone time, which I was grateful for. I thought they were awesome, but I really wanted to show Vasha around.

“This was delicious. I couldn't take another bite.” She rubbed her slightly swollen stomach in appreciation and sighed. “I should have learned more English before coming. I’d like to thank them myself. Since I haven't though, the main thing is I’m fortunate to have a sexy translator.” She reached over and stroked my hair gently...threading her thin fingers through the strands. My breath caught, and I took hold of her hand.

“Let’s go to my room...you can put your luggage up.”

“Can we also remove our clothes?” Vasha asked, taunting me with her come hither gaze. My eyes trailed to those luscious lips as she bit down on her lower set in an almost pouty way. Sex over Skype isn't the worst way to fuck, but there's nothing like having your partner right in front of you.

“I guess you’ll have to find out.” I eyed her up and down, and knew she couldn’t take the teasing any longer. She proved me right by rushing me down the hall with urgency. I could hear Charlotte and Olive cackling as I shut the door behind us.

I hoped they wouldn't wind up needing ear plugs.