Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 9 - Comrade Cowboy

Driving into Lee Vining, we discovered it was smaller than anticipated. Wondering whether we'd have to settle for some gas station food, Dimitri pulled over to the side, spotting a tiny little Italian restaurant along the main drag. Stepping around to open my car door, he took my hand in his. Walking to the restaurant door, he held it open.

It was almost clichéd. Small round tables with chequered tablecloths, a sprig of wildflowers in the center of each and the warm smell of garlic, basil, and pasta. Yet it was so perfect. Homely and without a hint of pretension, it seemed the ideal spot for Dimitri and I. We were slightly early for lunch, so there was only one other couple seated. In their sixties, and wearing matching leisurewear, ten bucks said they owned the RV parked out the front. The woman looked at us as we walked in, giving us an indulgent smile.

Showing us to a table at the front overlooking the lake, the server also gave us a kind smile as Dimitri held my chair out for me before seating himself - taking my hand in his and resting them entwined on the tabletop. He looked confident and relaxed, the smile he usually reserved just for me evident on his face for all to see.

I was feeling a little shy, which was ridiculous given what we'd been doing less than thirty minutes ago! I just wasn't used to Dimitri being so openly demonstrative, but I loved it. Holding his hand looking into his eyes, we sat there staring at one another until a disobliging gurgle from my stomach spoiled the moment.

"I think my lady needs to eat," Dimitri smiled, sliding across a menu with his free hand. Quickly scanning the list, I decided on garlic bread and venison soup, followed by lasagna. Checking the prices, I was reassured I had enough money on me to pay my way. I'd never been on a proper date before, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

"So tell me how you managed all this," I gestured around with my free hand after the server had taken our order.

Grinning in a most un-Dimitri like way, he started, "I heard about the change of format for this year a few days after we were together in the cabin. The Guardians were supposed to be allocated randomly, but after the cabin, I was determined to get a one-on-one session with you. I was going to put in a request, but your Mom and Stan got in first. Alberta thought they might have reason to be unjust, so she asked me if I'd be ok doing one of the longer shifts with you to try and balance things out a bit. Originally, it was going to be a couple of days, but you got through the Canada and Yomba Reserve legs more quickly than anticipated, and so here we are. So was your Mom ok?"

"Well, she had a reason for requesting me," I replied. "It turns out I have a Dad. One that wants to be involved, I mean. He's Moroi, obviously, and apparently rich as hell. I'm his only child, and Mom says he's really keen to meet me."

"That must have been a surprise?" Dimitri asked, stroking my hand softly. "How do you feel about it?"

"Well - it could be cool to meet my other parent," I mused. "I just don't know what to expect. Apparently, he and Mom were in love. It was ok seeing Mom. She's better than before. She seems to be really trying."

I didn't have to say it, but he understood I meant 'really trying since Mason died.' While it wasn't something I spoke about often, I was still struggling after his death.

My soup and garlic bread arrived, interrupting my reverie, along with a Pasta al Fungi for Dimitri. Both serves were large and smelled delectable. Tucking in with vigor, between mouthfuls I told him about meeting Guardian Asimov and the rabbit stew.

"I make a great rabbit stew!" he confirmed with a grin. "My Grandmother, Yeva, is unrivaled when it comes to setting traps. When I was young, money was scarce, so she'd supplement our food by trapping game. Her snares are genius, so we weren't often without fresh meat. She also had a massive vegetable and herb garden. She'd have us out there helping her planting and weeding every day, or in the kitchen pickling for winter, but it kept us fed. I've seen rabbits on the outer edge of campus. I'm not as good as Yeva, so it might take me a while to snare one, but how about when I trap one I'll cook it up for you?"