He held this thought as he seated himself in one of the two chairs set on either end of the couch. The girls were still busy in the kitchen as Stefan rummaged through an antique wooden cabinet and extracted a large bottle and four crystal glasses.
“I hope you have left some room for this cherry brandy. Galina brought it back from Kiev after her last visit.”
“Stefan, I don’t know where I’m going to put it-but pour away.
Comrade.”
Both men were totally at ease as Kuzmin raised his glass in a toast. “To my son’s godfather — may Nikolai grow up in his likeness.”
Not to be outdone, Valenko took a sip of the potent liquor and then offered his own toast. “To my new friends. May health and happiness haunt these walls always.”
This time, after the sips were consumed, both men sat back. A moment of contemplative silence passed before Kuzmin anxiously caught Valenko’s eye.
“There’s something that I think you should know about. Captain. Chief Chuchkin called here earlier, asking if I knew the whereabouts of Senior Lieutenant Leonov. When I explained that I supposed he was with his fiance, the Chief clued me in on some disturbing news. It seems that Comrade Leonov’s girlfriend defected to the U.S. last month with a Western journalist she had been having an affair with. Several of the crew are currently scouring the city to see how Leonov is taking the news.”
Valenko winced.
“That is a most tragic tale, Stefan, in more ways than one. You see, it was my big mouth that urged Vasili to ask the girl to marry him during this shore leave. The poor guy must be heartbroken!”
“If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll be drowning his sorrows in a bottle of vodka.”
“I hope that’s the extent of it,” Valenko said.
“Leonov’s an intelligent fellow, but a little too sensitive. A tragedy Like this could knock him completely off balance.”
“To the extent of suicide?” Kuzmin asked.
“You never know. Comrade. No pain can be as great as that generated between a man and a woman. I’ve seen many a brave officer not think twice about risking his life during a patrol, yet simply break apart upon our return after having a spat with his loved one.
Sometimes I think that’s one of the main reasons I’ve decided to remain a bachelor all my years.”
“Perhaps I should volunteer my own services in tracking Vasili down,” Kuzmin offered.
Valenko’s response was firm.
“Stay home with your wife and son, Comrade. These things have a way of working themselves out.”
Lifting his glass, Valenko finished off the fiery spirits. While Kuzmin refilled their glasses, the captain silently cursed himself for getting involved with his senior lieutenant’s love life. He had only been trying to do good. Why did these things always have a way of backfiring? His gloomy contemplations were interrupted by the arrival of the girls.
“Hey, you two, why the long faces?” Galina asked.
“I bet you’ve been talking about work again.”
“You’ve caught us out, dear,” Kuzmin answered meekly.
“We promise there will be no more shop talk.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep that pledge,” Galina responded.
“Now, is the kitchen detail going to have to sit here and just watch you drink that fine Ukrainian brandy?”
“I’m sorry, ladies.” Stefan immediately began filling the two empty glasses. While he did so, Ivana nestled herself into that portion of the couch that was situated beside Valenko’s chair.
“You wouldn’t believe the scene that’s visible outside the kitchen window,” Ivana said.
“I’ve never seen the snow fall so thickly before.”
“Just what we need tonight, a blizzard,” Valenko said gloomily.
“Our company isn’t that bad, is it Captain?”
Ivana’s question was delivered with such innocent spontaneity that Valenko broke out of his sullen mood. As the brandy glasses were passed around, he made the first toast. “To good food, good friends, and a world filled with peace and understanding.”
The brandy was sampled, and while Stefan and Galina discussed Nikolai’s feeding schedule, Ivana initiated a conversation with Valenko.
“The trials of parenthood. Actually, little Nikolai is an angel. The dear practically sleeps through the night now.”
“I’m certain that Galina appreciates all your help.
Have you two always been this close?”
Ivana hesitated a bit before answering.
“As the little sister, I was always quite jealous of Galina.
We’ve had our share of spats, but nothing too serious.
During school I didn’t have much to do with her, except to borrow clothes and make-up. And before long she was married, and here we are the very best of friends.”
“That’s the way it should be,” Valenko remarked, while stifling a yawn.
“Being an only child, I wish I could have experienced such a relationship, but it was not to be.” He paused, and then said, “I hate to be a spoilsport, but I think I’d better be getting on my way. Paperwork kept me awake most of last night, and all that good food and drink have drained me completely.”
Ivana covered a yawn herself.
“I guess I’m ready to turn in also. Hold on, and you can walk me downstairs to the apartment I’m staying in.”
“I thought that you were staying here.”
“I was, but with Stefan’s return I just didn’t feel comfortable. This place is crowded enough as it is.
Fortunately, one of their bachelor neighbors is also a submariner and he’s currently out to sea. Galina got the keys from him for just such circumstances.”
“What’s this about somebody wanting to leave?”
Stefan said animatedly.
“Are you certain that you don’t want one more brandy for the road?”
Valenko stood and the others joined him.
“I’m afraid not. Comrade. I can’t tell you what a marvelous evening it has been. I haven’t had such a good time in years.”
“Well, it was a pleasure having you,” answered Galina.
“Please feel free to make our home yours whenever you so wish.”
Kuzmin nodded.
“With that blizzard blowing outdoors, you’re welcomed to spend the night here. I can personally attest to the comfort of this sofa for sleeping.”
“The snows don’t bother me, Comrade. In a way, I kind of look forward to walking in the white stuff once again.”
“If you change your mind after you poke your head outside, just come back and knock,” Galina offered sincerely.
Coats, gloves and hats were produced, and soon Valenko and Ivana found themselves alone in the hallway. Only when they reached the stairs did the naval officer feel the total effects of the alcohol he had consumed. Slightly dizzy, he halted a moment to tightly grasp the shiny wooden bannister. His escort was in no better shape as she stumbled up beside him.
When Ivana hiccuped loudly the two broke up in a seizure of uncontrollable laughter.
“Some example we are to the children of the Motherland,” Valenko slurred.
“A naval officer and a teacher-to-be so potted they can’t even walk down a flight of stairs.”
“Speak for yourself. Captain,” Ivana retorted.
“Didn’t you know that it’s a scientific fact that women can hold their liquor much better than men?”
Emphasizing this statement with another hiccup, Ivana shakily began to walk down the stairs. Her progress appeared steady until she faltered just as she reached the second floor landing. Keeping her from stumbling was a pair of strong, alert hands. Without a word passing between them, Valenko angled his head down and kissed her full on the lips. A vibrant shock of longing jumped back and forth between them.