4

While I was digging into the details of my sales and orders, the little monsters managed to explore my office inside and out. My collection of miniature models of the most expensive cars and motorcycles got the most attention.

“Hey, careful with that!” I look at the troublemakers who’ve already pulled a black Bugatti Veyron off the shelf. “One model like that can cost as much as all your toys combined.”

“We’re bored,” Egor whines, pouting. “When are we going to see your bike, Uncle Nazar?”

“Can we sit on it?” Andry perks up, staring at me expectantly.

“I wanna too!” the little one starts squeaking.

“I’ll see how you behave,” I try to tone down the bandits’ excitement. “Maybe I’ll allow it. It all depends on you.”

Like magic, the kids went quiet and turned into pure perfection. While I wrapped up my business, not one of them made a sound, all waiting to saddle the metal beast.

Childish gasps of awe and anticipatory sighs reached me when we stepped into the workshop, where my fiery steed stood apart from the rest. Their eyes widened and shone as they stared at that powerful masterpiece. I had to keep my promise and let the little destroyers climb onto my bike. It was hilarious watching them imitate engine roars and racing sounds, imagining themselves as bikers. Even Soli got swept up in the boyish hype and played racer. Feeling unexpectedly soft, I even snapped a few photos of them on my phone. I’ll have to send them to my brother and Vicky.

While the boys were spinning around and admiring my monster, I noticed Soli quickly lost interest and was standing there, all puffed up.

“Solomiya, what’s wrong?” I crouch down to her level, and she looks at me with a hurt expression.

“I’m hungry…” the little one whispers quietly, almost ashamed, and I suddenly want to smack myself on the forehead. We’ve been out so long, and it didn’t even occur to me that they might be hungry!

“Don’t be sad!” I smile at the cutie, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “We’re going to a pizzeria right now!”

“Yay!” I hear the boys cheer in support. “We’re hungry too!”

That settled it. Saying goodbye to my staff, we head to a local pizzeria near the huge city park. At this time of day, it’s packed with people walking around with their kids, and finding a table for us turns out to be no easy task. So we order our food to go instead. No big deal. An improvised picnic on a bench somewhere might be even more fun!

Grabbing our food and drinks, satisfied, we head for the exit. In the distance, I spot a remote empty bench and aim straight for it. But after taking a couple of steps, I don’t notice a girl about ten years old crashing into me. She bounces off painfully and lets out a groan.

“Oh! Sorry, kid! I didn’t see you at all,” I apologize to the little girl, and she lifts her miserable gray eyes to me, full of regret and guilt.

“I’m sorry,” she tucks her head into her shoulders. “I was hurrying to my mom and wasn’t looking around. I didn’t mean to…”

“Don’t apologize,” I smile at the distracted little blonde without malice, briefly noting her slightly messy appearance and worn-out clothes. “It can happen to anyone.”

“Sorry again…” lowering her eyes, the girl quickly disappears toward a small crowd of women.

Adjusting our food in my hands, I nod to the kids toward the bench, where we settle down. Judging by how fast they devour their slices, I realize they were seriously hungry, which makes me want to smack myself even harder.

But once they’re full, they catch a second wind and drag me to the nearest playground. And I’m good Uncle Nazar, after all. So I let my nephews and niece burn off some extra energy on the slides and swings.

While they go wild on the playground, I glance around, and my gaze freezes on one spot, unable to look away. On one of the benches sits a beautiful woman who somehow pulls me in and locks my attention on her. I can’t take my eyes off her.

Standing there like an idiot isn’t an option, and I’m not a shy guy. So I decide to walk over to the gorgeous stranger and get to know her better.