The air had cooled even more since they’d gone inside and Oksana tucked herself closer into Nikolai’s side. Her dress and shawl didn’t do much in the way of warmth, but she had Russian blood. She could deal with some chilliness. A breeze brushed across her face and she smiled at the smell of autumn, of oncoming winter. Winter had always been her favorite season.
As they hailed a cab, Oksana turned to Nikolai and raised her eyebrows. “Dogs?” she asked. She’d never been able to have one as a child, but she’d always wanted one. One of her father’s closest associates had a giant Newfoundland that she had adored as a child, always wanting to spend time with the creature. Her smile widened and she nodded. “I love dogs. Why?”
As they settled into the cab, heading back to the apartment, she curled into his side again, as if it was already a comfortable habit. He was warm and nice to spend time with, and he had a dog.
As he spoke, she only felt her smile stay firmly on her lips. “Can we take her for a walk?” she asked, not sure what she was more eager for at this point. The dog, or more time with Nikolai.
For whatever reason having a dog had sometimes caused him to suddenly become unlikable during a date. It was concerning only because Nikolai figured that if he was going to become undesirable for any reason it would be his attitude rather than the fact that he owned a dog. He always felt bad for Betty as she, undeservingly, spent a lot of time at home. She wasn’t very old but she also wasn’t a puppy. She had the ability to stay home by herself but Nikolai couldn’t help but continue to feel bad. Betty always received an adequate amount of time on her walks and enjoying herself but Nikolai believed wholeheartedly she deserved much more time out to play.
Nikolai only had a brief explanation as to why he desired to return to the apartment. “She’s still young,” he explained with a light shrug, “I think she gets bored and I feel bad.” Nikolai released a light laugh, feeling somewhat stupid for the level of concern he constantly showed for his pet. At this rate she wasn’t just a dog or just a pet, she was part of his family. Nikolai had adopted her when he was in dire need of life within his apartment and she was a true blessing to him.
He could hardly contain how pleased he was when Oksana asked, “Definitely,” he stated, nodding his head as they approached the building. As the vehicle reached a halt he paid the driver and got out with Oksana. At this time of night the apartment building seemed almost empty. People having better things to do than be home.
The ride up to his floor was a short one thanks to a rather speedy elevator and as they exited he dug his keys from his pocket, unlocking the door. From the other side no noises could be heard but as soon as he turned the light on the little dog’s head popped up from the couch and she climbed up onto the back of it. Nikolai allowed Oksana to take a few steps ahead of him as he slid the door shut behind them, approaching Betty as she wagged her tail.
She raised her nose towards him as he stood next to the couch. He patted his chest a few times and she jumped up and he, as he always did, caught her in what looked like a hug. The dog’s nose rested carefully on her owner’s shoulder, her furry ears pricking upwards as she stared at Oksana. “What do ya think, Betty? You approve?”
