Ella, lost for words, just nodded.
When the buffet was ready, Ella stood in line waiting to take a plate.
No, you don't have to stand in line, Pavel said as she walked up to her.
I have ten employees, and they always go first. Those people standing in line are real estate agents and bankers and their partners. They're here for a free meal so that I can get a reduced rate from them when I use their services. Come with me.
Ella followed him to the front and, was charmed when he handed her a plate. Ella looked down the table, and there was almost every type of food she could think if. Meats, fish, vegetable, fruits and delicious looking pastries. It all looks so delicious, I haven't a clue where to start, she said.
Start wherever you like. There is just one rule, Pavel said pulling a cheeky face. You have to eat at least one spoonful of caviar. I had it flown in, from Russia specially for today. It's from my hometown.
You had a plane fly it here?
Yes, my plane went and fetched it.
But isn't that terribly expensive, Ella asked slightly concerned at the decadence he was displaying.
“I suppose it's expensive, but the plane doesn't fly empty on the way over there. It's crammed full of toys for an orphanage I look after.
Ella felt guilty for even questioning his motives. Well, in that case, I'll have two spoonfuls.
When they had both filled their plates, Pavel showed her to a table. It was big enough for four to sit at, but nobody came and sat with them. Ella assumed people would only do that if they were invited and Pavel didn't seem to want any more company.
How long have you lived in the US? Ella asked.
Since I was twenty-five, so for about five years.
I hope you don't mind me prying but why did you come here?
I am from a town called Sochi, on the Black Sea. I was an orphan; it seems nobody wanted me, he said with a grin. Ella didn't find his quip funny.
When I was eighteen, I was drafted into the Red Army, like all kids my age. I spent twenty-four months under an officer called Abram Volkov. He was also from Sochi. We left the army at more or less the same time, and when he got into real estate and other business activities, he gave me work doing jobs for him. When he moved his business empire to New York, he brought me here with him.
What kind of jobs? Ella asked.
Pavel looked into her eyes. Where had this beauty suddenly appeared from? he thought. Jobs like collecting money from people, and threatening to break their legs if they didn't pay, Pavel said openly.
Mafia stuff? Ella asked without actually wanting to know the answer.
Abram is a very dangerous man, and he has connections. In Sochi, every second person walks with a limp because he thinks they've crossed him. I was young and strong, and Abram used me to collect rents. Sure, I had to get my hands dirty sometimes, but Ella, it was Russia. Ella nodded and somehow she seemed to understand.
So you came to the US. And do you like it here?
I like it very much. It's a place where you can make vast sums of money. I seem to have done quite well so far. Ella was about to tell him, that money wasn't everything, but she knew it would sound hypocritical. After all, she was working for him, and she needed him to do well.
It's very rude of me, I know, but how does someone get so rich. How can you be born an orphan, and end up this rich, Ella gestured to the mansion.
Pavel wiped his fingers on a crisp white serviette and thought for a while. It's difficult to explain. One day I saw something I shouldn't have and certain people are grateful for my silence. Ella was fascinated. He had only known her for a few minutes, yet he was telling her things, that most other people would keep secret. All I did was work for Abram for some years, save the money he paid me, and invest in a piece of real estate. That was a success , and so I kept on doing it. He paused as he cut a piece of chicken down to bite size. Dealing just seemed to come naturally to me. When I thought I had enough cash, I told Abram I wanted to start up on my own, and that's what I've been doing for the last two years.
What did he say to you? Ella wanted to know.
Pavel pushed a piece of tomato into his mouth and thought about how to answer such a tricky question. He wasn't happy at all. Will you go on a date with me? he said out of the blue.
Ella almost spat her food out in surprise. Why do you want to date me? she asked.
Because you are beautiful and you intrigue me.
You are a very rich man. You have more money that a thousand people will ever see in their lives. I am a black woman from a poor background, and I live in a shit hole. You've gotta be joking.
Pavel laughed out loud, and a number of people looked at them. Er... no actually, I wasn't joking.
You could have any woman walking the planet and you want me? Pavel, I've known you for half an hour, and you've already asked me on a date. How do I know you don't do this to every woman you meet? How do I know you're not just messing with me?