I checked Ava’s grandmother on my right.
Jacqueline had been crying through the whole performance. Even now she dapped at her eyes with my handkerchief.
She noticed me watching her and then looked at the handkerchief. “I’ll have to clean this for you. It’s ruined.”
I held up my hand. “That is fine. Keep it. I’m just glad you got to see Ava perform on this special night.”
“I knew she could dance ever since she was a little girl. I’ve even seen many of her videos, but tonight. . .” She dapped at her eyes again. “Tonight, my baby had me mesmerized. I’ll never forget this, Misha. Never. God is truly good. And you. . .you’re special.”
Shocked, I opened my mouth.
She sniffled. “Your men may be crazy, and having that man get me was poor judgement, but. . .” She shook her head. “I watched my baby show them all who she was. And no one can take that away from her. And I got to watch her on the night she was given the crown, and no one can take that from me either.”
I tried to calm myself. “I still apologize for everything that happened. Like I have said before, I will spend my life making it up to you.”
Still holding the handkerchief, she placed her hands in her lap. “You’re forgiven, and trust me, Misha. I’m not an easily forgiving person, but I see your heart. I don’t know you, but I know there’s good in you.”
“I try.”
She turned back to the empty stage. “I don’t know what type of future you will have with Ava. I’m not even sure if you’re the man for her.”
My heart beats stuttered.
“I want to know more about you.” She moved her attention back to me. “I have to make sure you’re not dangerous.”
“I would never hurt her.”
“I believe that. I also believe that your men and lifestyle could hurt her. Even though you don’t intend on it. You’ve got to realize that. Especially with what has happened to me.”
Reluctantly, I nodded. “I would—”
“Ava should be with a regular man. Someone with a 9-5. A man that knows the lord. Goes to church on Sunday because he feels that need burning in his soul, not because it looks good.” She sighed. “But Ava won’t be with a regular man. Not with the way she dances. Not with what she’s capable of. She’s going places I can’t even comprehend.”
I had nothing to say. All I could do was listen. It had been a long time since I’d had an older woman truly talk to me about life. Kazimir’s mother had been the last one to give me that enjoyment. And when my aunt died, all feminine wisdom ceased.
“In the end, it will be Ava’s decision.” Jacqueline nodded. “I can’t tell that girl what to do, even though she’s always been a good baby and listened to me. There’s a point where even my knowledge won’t fit for this new world she’s entered. She’s a star in Russia. I don’t know nothing about this place or the people.”
“I could help her navigate through this world.”
“I believe you could, but would you get her killed in the process.”
Silence moved between us.
I looked away. “I lost my mother to my father’s enemies.”
I was shocked that I confessed it to her. Maybe it was the comfort that Jacqueline had pulled around me like a blanket. Perhaps, she had a knack for getting people to admit things they never would.
Jacqueline studied me. “Your father was part of the Bratva?”
“He was. Now he has passed too. Recently.”
“How recently?”
“This week.”
Jacqueline placed her hand on mine. “I’m so sorry, baby. I had no idea you’ve been mourning your father’s death.”
“I should be organizing the funeral, but. . .”
“It’s too much.” She patted my hand. “I know a lot about burying family, especially to crime and guns.”
Stunned, I gazed at her.
“We may not be from the same country, baby, but we’re from the same sort of world. We both know about pain from violence.”
“When I tell you that I’m not part of the brotherhood, I am being truthful. But I cannot lie to you. My family would like me to be a part of it.”
She nodded. “Since your father died, they think it’s time for you to step up.”
I quirked my brows.
She gave me a sad smile. “Like I said, we may not be from the same country, but we probably have a lot more than you think in common.”
For the first time that day, my body calmed.
My voice went hoarse. “You understand?”
“Maybe not the full extent, but I know about family being solely involved in dark things. And I know about family expecting you to be right there with them.”
“I really did start the company on my own. I do my best to keep a distance. I’m only. . .”