Suddenly Megan VanStein noticed that the other Russians were visibly confused as she intercepted exchanging glances. When Marina finished, and all the people applauded, she asked, «What was this song about?»

«Just a love song,» Vera hastily answered, and Megan did not like the look on her face.

«One girl loves one man,» Marina sighed, walking back to the couch.

«Yeah, one married man,» Nina Lapina said very loudly and laughed.

A deadly silence reigned at once.

Vlad quickly nudged his wife, and she looked at him, then around the room with naive surprise, as she did not expect her phrase to have had such an effect.

David saw Marina glare at him. Framed with the puff of her fluffy straw-colored hair, her face went red, and he was amazed, feeling his own cheeks blush as well. The guests exchanged whispers.

«I see it’s a very frequent situation.» Lana gave Oleg a wink.

«What do you mean?» wondered Oleg.

«I mean when a girl loves a married man,» she answered very quietly, staring at him.

Little by little the party resumed its normal course, and when Lana’s father entered the hall, only a few people noticed.

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.

There was no wind, and the snowflakes dancing in the still air wove an enchanting lacy display. Lit up with Christmas decorations sparkling from everywhere, the usual buildings looked like fairy houses, and Nina lost the sense of reality.