«Thank God, we have no problems,» the woman answered proudly.
«We can make up a situation,» suggested Lana. «Come on, buddy, I need a patient.»
«We’ll see about it,» murmured Nina, thinking, «She gave us such an expensive and wonderful gift. How could I refuse? Why am I so scared?» And she said aloud, «I have to think about it.»
«Of course.» Lana nodded. Oleg finished his task, and looked at them. «All done.» He turned on the water.
«Can I go in?» Wearing her swimsuit, Larisa hopped impatiently. «Pleeeease!»
«The water is too cold yet, honey,» her mother told her. «Wait a little while, okay?»
The girl pursed her lips, but, obediently, she did not persist. She went close to the pool, and looking inside, she played with the running water.
«Do you have some beer?» Lana asked Nina, and the hostess became confused.
«No.»
«Sweetie,» Oleg addressed Lana. «I told you they are tee-totallers. Would you like me to go and buy some? It’s not far away.»
«Okay,» agreed the girl, and Oleg drove away.
«Oh, what a shame!» thought Nina. «But we planned a children’s party.»
«Uncle Ruslan!» Larisa squealed, and the women saw him walking toward them with a box in his hands.
The girl ran to her godfather and climbed on him like a little monkey.
«All kids always love Ruslan,» said Nina smiling, and Lana gazed at her. The woman did not notice it and continued talking, «He’s a wonderful person. I do love my husband, and won’t change him for any man in the whole wide world. But looking at Ruslan or just thinking about him, I always feel something like a slight sadness that I didn’t meet him before I fell for Vlad. Lucky will be the girl who is his wife.»
«Why?» asked Lana and surprised herself hearing how odd her own voice sounded.
«He’s a kind, caring, and honest person. He will never betray.» Nina glimpsed her, and Lana could not understand why a chill tremor ran down her back.
«You look alike.» Nina suddenly noticed, glancing at Ruslan and at Lana again, and she laughed. «Gosh. You are both so similar. Like twins.»
Totally confused, Lana was glad to see Vlad’s car stop in the parking lot, as Nina’s attention went from her to Vlad walking toward them.
«The shop’s closed,» he said to his wife. He saw his friend playing with Larisa, and, smiling, Vlad neared him.
«Congratulations!» Ruslan shook his hand. Vlad looked back, to be sure his wife could not hear them, then addressed his daughter. «Go, ask Mom, maybe you can swim now?»
Larisa rushed to the women, and when she was far enough away, Vlad confessed, «Lana gave us the pool, but I couldn’t choose a pump. They are so different. I didn’t know which one should I buy. Ruslan, can you help me tomorrow?»