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Mag had opted to drive herself to Brook's Brew to meet with her mother-in-law, Anastasia. She’d been recovering from a cold and figured it was easier to take her own car than rely on the family driver. The Masters had a fleet of vehicles — from vacation cars to limos — but none of that mattered today. She was driving her '06 Pontiac G6. Nothing fancy, but it got her where she needed to go.
She parked beside the café and checked herself in the rearview mirror. Mag had braided her auburn and plum hair into a long French braid, and slipped into a lavender knit top, black fleece pants, and boots. The long leather coat she’d thrown on felt warm enough for the winter chill outside. After a deep breath, she made her way into the café.
It didn’t take long for her to spot Anastasia. Her mother-in-law looked as youthful as ever, dressed in a soft blush pink sweater, matching skirt, and boots. She could easily pass for someone in her late 30s, despite being well into her 60s. Her long, dark hair was styled into an elegant updo, and her sapphire eyes sparkled when she saw Mag.
"Hey, Anastasia!" Mag called out.
Anastasia sprang from her seat and wrapped her arms around her daughter-in-law. "Mag! It’s been too long! You’ve only grown more beautiful since the last time I saw you! Come, come, let’s talk."
They slid into a booth by the window, the autumn sunlight filtering in, warming them just enough to shake off the winter chill. Anastasia wasted no time, her usual energy bubbling to the surface.
"So, tell me everything," she said eagerly. "How’s my son? And my grandbabies?"
Mag smiled, but first, she motioned for a little break. "Let’s warm up first, then I’ll tell you everything." Anastasia nodded in agreement, and they waited for their hot chocolate to arrive.
Once the drinks were in hand and they’d settled in, Mag began to speak. "Vlad and I are doing great. We just had Donor Day at Vlad-Co. Donated enough blood to supply the hospital for the next two years."
Anastasia’s eyes lit up. "That’s wonderful! Giving back is always important. I’ve talked to the Dean about doing something similar at the university."
"Yes, we’re happy with it. And we recently finished construction on the daycare building at the company. I can’t tell you how many people have had problems finding reliable childcare." Mag sighed, her eyes thoughtful.
Anastasia nodded sympathetically. "It’s a real struggle. People just don’t want to babysit anymore. Or they can’t be trusted." She gave a quiet laugh. "But I’m proud of you for tackling the issue."
Mag took a slow sip of her hot chocolate, feeling the warmth spread through her. "We’ve triple-checked the backgrounds of everyone working there. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m proud of it. Still, I’m already hearing complaints. Apparently, some people don’t like the fact that one of the staff members, Dee, is deaf."
Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "That’s ridiculous. Why would anyone have an issue with that?"
"Because, according to these people, they don’t want their kids learning sign language. Some parents just refuse to accept it. They don’t want their children interacting with ‘special needs’ kids either." Mag shook her head, her voice hardening. "I won’t stand for that kind of nonsense."
Anastasia’s face softened with understanding. "It’s good that you and Vlad are standing up for them. Children should learn to be open-minded, especially at a young age."
Mag sighed, frustrated. "We have people handling it, but it’s exhausting. We thought this would be a good thing, you know? It shouldn’t be so difficult to just be decent to others."
Anastasia sat back, her expression turning serious. "I understand. It’s why I’m proud of what you’re doing." Her tone shifted, more reflective. "It’s so important to start teaching kids good values early on. Otherwise, we end up with people like the one I’ve been dealing with."
Mag blinked, sensing a change in the conversation. "What do you mean?"
Anastasia took a deep breath. "We recently had a disciplinary hearing at the university. One of the younger educators, Stuart Williams, made inappropriate advances toward a student."
Mag’s eyes narrowed, instinctively bristling. "What happened?"
"Well," Anastasia said, her voice tight with disgust, "he went to a student’s dorm under the guise of discussing a paper. That’s already unethical, but then he told her he found her attractive and wanted to get closer. He’s 28, and she’s 18. It was completely inappropriate. There’s no excuse for that."
Mag’s face flushed with anger. "Did you fire him?"
Anastasia nodded. "Yes, we did. But the investigation revealed he was let go from his previous job for similar reasons. He tried to hide it, but the truth came out." She shook her head, still upset by it. "He’s been fired, law enforcement is involved, and both girls’ families are suing him. I just hope the justice system does the right thing."
Mag clenched her fists. "A teacher is someone kids should trust. Someone who helps them, guides them, and cares about them. Not someone who exploits them."
Anastasia gave a small, sad nod. "I agree. That’s why the university is taking this so seriously. All faculty members are undergoing performance reviews, and there will be increased supervision for the next few months."
Mag let out a breath, trying to calm herself. "I can’t believe things like that happen. I remember when I was in school, there were those teachers who made things worse. One of them even influenced some students to steal so he could feed his gambling habit. It’s just disgusting."
"I’m sorry," Anastasia said softly. "I forgot about that."
Mag shook her head, her anger simmering down. "It’s okay. It’s been years, but I wouldn’t have met Vlad if it weren’t for that scandal. And Vlad-Co wouldn’t be here. Our family wouldn’t be the same."
The conversation shifted again, with Anastasia asking about her grandchildren. "How are they doing? Tell me everything."
Mag smiled, wiping away a chocolate mustache. "Jazz is doing great. She’s acing all her classes and has a swimming competition next week. Danny is struggling with math, but he’s got an amazing tutor now, so we’re hopeful. Danielle is looking forward to her gymnastics competition. She’s a natural at it. And the kids are getting ready for a musical showcase at Vlad-Co, where they’ll help raise money for underprivileged kids."
Anastasia beamed. "I’m so proud of them! I can’t wait to see them all compete and perform."
"We’ll make sure you and Nayda’s family can attend," Mag promised. "We’re still working on a day for the family dinner, but it might be a Thanksgiving thing this year. I hope that works for you."
Anastasia smiled warmly. "Any time I can be with my family, I’ll cherish it."
Mag’s smile widened. "Of course. And as for the reunion in the castle, yes, Vlad is still planning to host it. We’re just trying to get through the holidays first."
Anastasia laughed softly. "Yes, let’s get through all of that before worrying about anything else."
Mag finished her drink and looked at her mother-in-law. "So, is there anything else you want to do today? Anything you’d like to see or visit?"
Anastasia thought for a moment. "If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to go back to the castle. Even if it’s not for a big family dinner, I’d love to spend some time with Vlad and the kids."
Mag smiled warmly. "Of course. I don’t see a problem with that. I know your car is in the shop, so how about I give you a ride?"
Anastasia’s face lit up. "Yes, please! That would be perfect. I’ll make a surprise visit to the castle. I’m sure everyone will be thrilled!"
The two of them stood up, paid for their drinks, and headed out of the café. It was a simple afternoon, but it was just what they both needed.