With the Wind | A Short Novel

by Judith Cropola

  He remembered that brief moment in the barn when they looked into each other’s eyes.

  They had spoWilson to each other through their eyes. But what had they said?

  He would do his best to do what Mr. Anthony asked of him.

  He would try and make Misty smile.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Your new Russian cowboy has a death wish.”

  “Have a little faith, Jose,” Anthony said as he put his leg up on the fence rail. “You said he was good.”

  “No one is that good.”

  Daniel was leading Sweet Pea around by a short rein in a small circle.

  The mare was named Sweet Pea as a joke.

  She was ornery as hell and refused to allow anyone to ride her.

  Anthony was set to ship her off when Daniel told Jose that he would like to try and tame her.

  “Legkij. Medlennyj.”

  “What’s he saying to her?” Anthony wanted to know.

  “I would guess, 'please don’t throw me off and stomp on me’,” Jose replied.

  Daniel stopped and held Sweet Pea for a second a few feet away from him. When he approached her, the horse nervously jerked a little and moved her head.

  “Legkij. Medlennyj.”

  Sweet Pea relented and allowed Daniel to gently stroke her neck. As he was doing so, Daniel fed her a sugar cube and whispered in her ear.

  “Did you tell him that...”

  “Yes, Misty. We told him. Your new friend insisted on giving it a go anyway. He’s doing quite well.”

  Misty was walking to her car when she saw Daniel in the corral with Sweet Pea.

  Misty realized that she was a bit smitten.

  For the moment she classified it as a teenage type of lustful crush, nothing more.

  She really didn’t know this boy at all. How could she? He barely spoke a word of English.

  Since the incident in the barn on the day of her engagement party one thing was certain – a measure of joy had returned to her life.

  She wasn't sure why, but this beautiful Russian horse whisperer was an important part of her improved disposition.

  At night when Misty turned off the light and lay in her bed she could see Daniel looking down at her, begging her to be happy, to live.

  This was the first time Misty had seen Daniel with his shirt off. He was muscular; in a smooth, toned way. Standing there in the corral in his jeans and boots and light brown skin glistening in the sun Misty had to try hard not to stare. She was thankful that her mirror shades concealed her not so platonic intentions.

  “Mr. Anthony, I not so…” Jose was ready to step into the ring and end this demonstration before Daniel got hurt.

  “No, Jose. Let him try,” Anthony ordered.

  Daniel led Sweet Pea over to the saddle.

  He showed it to her as he continued to speak softly to the horse, as if he was explaining exactly what he intended to do.

  When he let the rein go, Jose and Anthony winced.

  They expected Sweet Pea to react, to bolt.

  Sweet Pea stood there, attentive and still. Daniel brought the saddle up to her nose and allowed her to sniff it.

  “He’s getting her approval,” Misty chimed in. “He’s asking her for permission to ride her.”

  “I think you’re right, honey. I’m amazed. I’ve never seen anyone work a horse like that,” Anthony replied.

  Sweet Pea stood there and allowed Daniel to put the saddle on her back and cinch it. Before he mounted her, Daniel crossed himself and kissed the crucifix that was hanging from his neck on a leather strap.

  The horse reacted, but not violently.

  She pulled up and danced around, not at all sure what was going on, but she did not panic.

  Daniel didn’t yank hard on the reins or try and force her to calm down. He gripped the horse firmly with his legs and continued to speak to Sweet Pea and stroke her neck.

  After a few minutes Daniel was riding her around the corral and Sweet Pea was responding to his gentle commands. She was well on her way to being saddle broWilson and therefore useful to the winery.

  Daniel dismounted the horse in front of Anthony, Misty and Jose. He spoke to the animal once more and gave her a sugar cube.

  “Say hello to Sweet Pea please, Misty,” Daniel asked.

  “No, Daniel. Thank you. Horses and I don’t get along.”

  Daniel smiled. “Not this horse. She like you very much.”

  “She told you this?” Misty said, laughing.

  “Yes. Do you believe me?”

  “Will you hold her tight?”

  “Yes, no worry. Sweet Pea just want to say hello.”

  Misty then leaned over the fence and touched Sweet Pea on the nose. The horse inched a bit closer, so Misty stroked the mare’s head with both hands.

  “She like these,” Daniel said, giving Misty a couple of sugar cubes.

  Misty fed Sweet Pea the cubes and then the horse leaned over and nuzzled Misty on the face, startling her.

  “Horse kiss,” Daniel said, as he turned and led Sweet Pea back to the barn. “Told you that she like you.”

  “Two miracles in one day,” Anthony pronounced. “Daniel saved Sweet Pea from the glue factory and my daughter actually touched a horse.”

  Misty’s heart was racing.

  Who was this man? He made her feel like she had never felt before, alive and happy and free inside.

  Isn’t this how Wilson is supposed to make me feel? Misty silently asked herself.

  Somehow this young Russian boy had turned her world completely around in a few days. He had done this without being able to utter a complete sentence in English.

  “Not for long”, Misty whispered, loud enough for her father to hear.

  “Say something dear?” Anthony asked.

  “No Father,” Misty said, as she kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going into Forest Hills for a few hours.”

  “Shopping?”

  “Yes, you know. A girl can never have enough shoes.”

  Misty wouldn’t be shopping for shoes today.

  She was headed to a bookstore to buy a textbook.

  She desperately needed to get to know Daniel Novikov and the only way that could happen was if she taught him how to speak English.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “Where have you been?” Wilson asked accusingly.

  “In town. Why? Did I miss some…Oh my God. Wilson, I am so sorry. Is she still here?” Misty answered.

  “Martha left an hour ago. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to engage Martha Press for a wedding? Why was your phone off?”

  “I never switched it on all day. I feel terrible.”

  “You should. Anthony said you went after shoes. Please tell me that it was something far more significant than the latest Jimmy Choo offering that cost us our chance to hire Martha Press.”

  “I got lost in the bookstore reading bride’s magazines. Before I knew it …”

  “What’s this I hear?” Anthony said, as entered the room perspiring heavily and covered in dust. “What happened with Martha Press?”

  “I missed the appointment, Daddy. I was apologizing to Wilson.”

  “Well, I guess I should be grateful. That woman is very expensive and to me a picture is a picture.”

  Wilson sighed. “Anthony, please. That’s just not the case wi…”

  “What’s plan B?”

  “There is no plan B,” Wilson admitted. “Martha was my only option. I’ll be starting from scratch.”

  “It was my mistake. I’ll find us a wedding photographer, honey. Maybe if I beg and plead Martha will change her mind and see us again.”

  “No chance of that. She handed me a bill for two hours of her time and stormed out.”

  “You have a professional photographer on the premises. He could help you pick the best candidate, Misty.”

  “Who?”

  “Your Russian friend, Mr. Novikov.”

  “What are you talking about?” Misty’s he
art skipped a beat at the mention of his name.

  “Daniel told me that he came to America to be a photographer’s assistant in San Francisco. When the man died unexpectedly he had to find other work and he eventually made it here.”

  “I wondered what his story was, I knew that …”

  “Honestly, Anthony. Daniel is not qualified to select our wedding photographer.”

  “I think Daniel will surprise you, Wilson,” Misty argued. “I’ll pick the photographer; Daniel can help me.”

  “It might be courteous to ask Mr. Novikov if he would be willing to assist you before you enlist him for this duty,” Anthony said.

  “Invite the boy for dinner,” Wilson suggested.

  “That’s a great idea,” Misty agreed, beaming.

  ********

  Daniel came to dinner dressed in the best clothes he had – a pair of khakis and a black silk shirt that while intact had seen better days.

  Misty thought Daniel looked very handsome.

  She arranged it so that she could sit next to him at the table.

  Her form fitting grey skirt and low cut light yellow top said, “I want to be noticed.”

  And not by Wilson.

  “Daniel, why don’t you tell us about your background in photography?” Anthony asked after the aperitifs were served.

  “My parents from Moscow. Father a chemist at University. Mother a nurse. My dedushka, grandparent, worked on farm south of city. I spent many summertime working on farm.”

  “Photography?” Misty asked.

  “I love pictures since small child. Learn to develop, print, whole thing. Get better cameras as get older. Learn more. Take pictures for Russian magazine.”

  “Have you taWilson wedding pictures?” Wilson asked, pronouncing his words slowly and deliberately.

  “Wedding, ah…svad'ba pictures.” Daniel took a bite of his sorbet. “Yes, more than one time. Last time sister’s wedding in St. Petersburg.”

  “Where are cameras?” Wilson asked, in a condescending tone.

  “Cameras, yes. Must sell cameras brought to U.S. Need money for food.”

  “Do you have any of the pictures you took that were published in the Russian magazine?” Anthony asked.

  “I have magazine, yes.”

  As the butler was clearing the sorbet dishes and preparing to serve the salad, Daniel removed a file folder from his tattered case. He took the magazine out of its protective sleeve and handed it to Misty.

  “Russian Life,” Misty said, as she looked over the magazine. “Do many people read it?”

  “Largest circulation in Russia,” Daniel answered. “Maksim’s Farm, that is English translation of name of article. Maksim was my dedushka .”

  The piece began with a haunting black and white silhouette of a grain silo framed against a dusky sky. Every picture was animated and unique, taWilson by someone with a keen eye for contrast and angles. A picture of Maksim leaning against a barn door was particularly outstanding.

  “Your grandfather?” Misty asked.

  “Yes, my dedushka. He and I very close. He die three years ago. It was him who told me come to America and work for Mr. Simkalo and become best photographer possible.”

  “I’m sold,” Misty said, handing the magazine to her father.

  “More than good enough for me,” Anthony concurred without bothering to look at the photos. He handed the magazine to Wilson.

  “You no have wedding photos?” Wilson asked. His tone had crossed the line into offensive.

  “Wilson, Daniel understands English. You don’t have to talk down to him like he’s a toddler.”

  “Misty, dear. I apologize. I don’t wish to offend your friend, but we are asking Mr. Novikov to be responsible…”

  “To be responsible for absolutely nothing, Wilson. He can obviously evaluate photography,” Anthony interjected. “Daniel, would you help Misty hire a good wedding photographer?”

  “Help her?”

  “Help me find a good photographer,” Misty said, as she touched Daniel gently on his arm.

  “My pleasure to help you in any way possible.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “May I take a few pictures now, just for fun?”

  “Sure Mimi, if you’ve got a minute,” Misty responded.

  Mimi removed her digital camera from the bag and snapped some shots with trees and the waterfall in the background.

  “One more. Kiss the bride, Daniel.” Mimi Kelly was four feet high and three feet wide and bursting with energy.

  Daniel understood, but he didn't know what to do. Misty was a zanjataja zhenwina, an engaged woman. As much as he wanted to it would not be proper to kiss her, or so he thought. Perhaps in America such things were done.

  “You heard the lady, kiss me,” Misty said.

  “It is okay?”

  “We are playing a game. Like actors in a movie.”

  Daniel intended to give Misty a quick peck on the lips, as if he was kissing his sister or a female relative back home. But when they looked into each other’s eyes their souls connected again, the same way they did that day in the barn.

  As soon as their lips touched the world around them ceased to exist. Misty was swept away in passion and wanted nothing more than for the moment to never end.

  For Daniel his dream was coming true – the most beautiful woman he had ever seen was embracing him, almost begging for his love.

  Awkwardness arrived the moment their lips parted.

  “Incredible!” Mimi exclaimed. “That will make a truly marvelous photograph.” All two hundred and fifty pounds of Mimi Kelly jiggled in delight.

  “Ah, Mimi,” Misty said, trying to regain her bearings. “Please be sure to give that photo only to me. Daniel and I, well, that was very special. We don’t want anyone else to see that picture. Ever.”

  “Understood, for your eyes only.”

  “Thank you.”

  Whispering Misty said, “Daniel, I need to say something to you …”

  “Game is over, no? I understand. American custom.”

  Misty was relieved that Daniel had offered her an easy way out, a convenient excuse to avoid dealing with the raging passion that was burning in her heart.

  “Yes, the game is over.”

  But the game was far from over. It had just begun.

  “This most beautiful place,” Daniel said.

  “This is a beautiful place,” Misty corrected. “We are at Multnomah Falls; the air is fresh, you are a handsome man.”

  Daniel laughed. “I may be handsome, you may not?”

  “I may not,” Misty said, chuckling. “Guns are not handsome. Women are not handsome. Men are handsome. You are handsome.”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Because you think I am handsome.”

  Misty blushed.

  She felt completely at peace around Daniel, as if she had known him all of her life.

  Misty realized that she was experiencing something she thought would be impossible for her.

  She was happy.

  This wonderful Russian boy without a penny to his name who owned no more than the clothes on his back made her happy.

  “When is the wedding?” Mimi asked.

  “In ten weeks, ten weeks from Saturday.”

  “That’s great! You picked the one weeWilsond I’m free for the next four months. It must be fate.”

  “It must be,” Misty said, looking straight at Daniel.

  “I brought along my portfolio. You have a professional who would like to review my work, is that right?”

  “Yes, Daniel. He is a very good photographer.”

  “Well I guess the groom can’t be expected to take pictures of himself, now can he,” Mimi said, as she tottered over and laid out her portfolio on the trunk of Misty’s Mercedes coupe.

  Daniel carefully examined the first twenty pictures in Mimi’s portfolio. He asked her questions about the settings, the light, angles, why she made the choices she
made before taking the pictures.

  “May I speak with you?” Daniel asked.

  “Excuse us for a second?” Misty asked.

  “Certainly,” Mimi said.

  “This is best photographer. No doubt.”

  “She is what?”

  Daniel understood. He smiled and tried again.

  “Miss Mimi is the best photographer we have interviewed. She is most...no, highly skilled. In my opinion, you should hire her for your wedding.” “Then I will hire her.”

  “She thinks you and I are to be married.”

  “I know. I’m still playing the game. Just go along.”

  Daniel smiled. “I go along if it makes you happy, Misty.”

  “It makes me very happy.” Misty couldn’t believe she just said that.

  Misty waved to Mimi and reached into her purse for her checkbook. “Would a five thousand dollar deposit be sufficient?” Misty asked.

  “More than sufficient. The Buffett Winery. I hear it is the most beautiful estate in the valley. I would like to set up a day and time when I can come and visit, scout the locations and take some pictures.”

  Misty handed Mimi a winery business card. “Just call me and let me know when you’d like to come.”

  “You know, I’m sure you hear this all the time, but you two are a gorgeous couple. May God grant you many children and a lifetime of joy.”

  Mimi enthusiastically kissed first Daniel and then Misty on the each cheek in European style and then waddled back to her car.

  “She is very joyful person,” Daniel said.

  So am I, Misty thought. Whenever I'm with you.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Tell me again what was wrong with Mimi Kelly,” Wilson asked.

  “I thought about it and decided that Mr. Perko was the better choice,”

  Misty lied.

  “Perko does have an extremely good reputation.”

  “I’m glad that you approve dear.”

  “It’s settled then. Everything seems to be in order.”

  Wilson and Misty were out to dinner with their parents at Sommers Mill, an historic site overlooking the gorge.

  They were standing together on the deck behind the restaurant admiring the stunning scenery.

  “Kiss me, Wilson. Tell me that you love me more than anything in the world.”