~ Broken Promises ~

by

Nancy Minnis Damato

That evening, Dylana’s mouth hung open like a fledgling in a nest when Stash entered the library. He wore the borrowed tuxedo with the finesse of a well-heeled aristocrat, just enough swagger to announce his confidence but not brash enough to be tasteless. She glanced at Mother who appeared impressed.

“Mother, may I introduce Stash?” Dylana hesitated, face flushed. “Stanislaus Milosz.”

Her mother offered her hand, “Polish?” Smile tight, she offered her cheek to kiss.

“Yes, ma’am.” Stash took her hand but unwittingly ignored her offered cheek. “Parents immigrated as teenagers, escaping the war. They’re incredibly proud of becoming citizens of this country.”

“Shall we sit?” Mother said. “We always wait dinner until Father arrives.” She directed Dylana to a place next to her on a loveseat. “Yes, your parents should be thrilled at becoming citizens. Have you siblings?” A chill edged her voice, her gaze frigid when she turned to Dylana.

“A younger sister, Caroline. Third year. U of I. She rooms on the floor below Lana,” Stash said.

“Who?” The question held all the threat of a submerged iceberg.

“Dylana. Sorry, habit of familiarity.” Stash’s eyes twinkled when he looked across at Dylana.

“How long have you known my daughter?” Staring at Dylana, Mother kept her back turned to Stash.

“Maybe a month or more. We’re getting acquainted. You have a delightful daughter, a tribute to your family.” The flattery crested his groveling, barely escaping detection. Stash peeked around her mother and waggled his brows at Dylana.

Thank goodness Mother didn’t turn around. Dylana felt her stomach lurch which was followed by an almost uncontrollable urge to laugh. Stash did that to her, put her in impossible situations and dared her to enjoy herself. She smiled, in spite of the need to remain prim, and was rewarded with a penetrating glare from Mother.

Father entered with a brisk step. “Sorry to be late. You shouldn’t wait dinner for me.”

“You know I wouldn’t allow anything else.” Mother offered her cheek for him to kiss.

Unlike Stash, Father accepted the offer. His kiss softened her bearing, brought a smile. “Encountered an onslaught of commuters on the tollway. Driver did his best to get me home this early.” His arm outstretched in welcome, he approached Stash. “I’m Dylana’s father, the second Mr. Howell. Imagine you’ve heard of my father. Pleased to meet you, young man. An emerging architect. Dylana expressed her keen interest in you...in your project to design an entire city in South America. Whatever led you to tackle such a horrendous assignment?”

“The dean invited specified graduating architects to submit designs. The top architect in Brazil engaged a promoter who is offering a one hundred thousand dollar bonus plus unheard of benefits for a two year contract with the French company undertaking the construction. Signing would mean two years away from my family, my loved ones.” He looked at Dylana then back at her father. “But the job guarantees a tremendous financial incentive in return.”

“Sounds promising to me. Excuse me, I’ll dress and come straight back.” Mr. Howell pecked Dylana’s cheek on his way out. “I’d like to learn more about this.”

After her husband left, Mother addressed Stash. “You’ll be leaving the country soon, then?” Her obvious delight brought color to her cheeks as her bloodying glare at Dylana faded.

“First, the architect selects the winning design, then the construction company may offer that student a contract. But yes, if I won, I would leave for Brazil a few days after graduation.” Stash clutched his middle, his cheeks wobbling, his laughter suffocated somewhere in-between.

Dylana, too, struggled to keep from bursting out in laughter. Mother’s pleasure that not enough time existed for mischief was as clear as Stash’s earlier buttering up. The trio waited in silence until Mr. Howell returned.