Читать книгу Collection of Stories - Igor Yevtishenkov - Страница 11

* ODD MAN OUT

Eric was a reliable colleague and excellent employee. He was not greedy and never had money to burn, but he managed to get by. However he always said he felt uneasy in our corporation and wanted to try something else. He was content, and never worried about promotion or a great career. To me he was the odd man out because he even didn’t have a girlfriend. So I wasn’t surprised when he said he was going to get a new lease on life. As the big day arrived, all folks were incredulous saying, “How can you throw all you’ve worked for down the drain?” However, Eric was ready for adventure. He left the office and never looked back. I’ve never met him since then but I’m sure he’s happy, if not wealthy.

* LONG-AWAITED REST

It was the first time I had a week off and we set off for a lovely hotel which was tucked away in a deep forest. Our room on the first floor opened onto a balcony with lovely view of a charming lake. Woods stretched away to the horizon. Early morning I could see a few fishermen who were spread out over the lakeshore. My wife and I went out onto the balcony wrapping ourselves up in tweed blankets, drank frothy coffee and felt we were completely cut off from the crazy modern world!

* A NEW ROOM

“Come in, mate. Do you like it?”

“What a great room!”

“Well, I like it too. I rented it at a knockdown price. The landlady was kind. The room was a bit dim and dull when we moved in, but my girlfriend bought these nice curtains, which helped to brighten it up. In fact, I like it so much here that I’d rather stay in than go out most evenings while she’s working in the cafe.”

“You’re a lucky, man! The cave I rent is so miserable. I hate it. I stay out as long as I can! I even stayed on at college tonight until it closed!”

“You may need to find a girlfriend too.”

“No, thanks! They all are ‘high maintenance’, you know. Too expensive for me by far. Well, I’ve come to bring you your powerbank with the cable – you left it behind at the lecture this morning.”

“Oh, thanks! How stupid of me! I owe you big time.”

“Never mind, I stayed behind to ask the girls about a revision and then saw the powerbank lying there.”

“I see. Thank you very much. So, interested in girls, are you? Well, take it easy and remain calm!

“I’m OK. Just hate talking about it.”

“No problem, understand. Would you like a coffee now you’re here?”

“I am in a hurry. Gotta be off. But I’d love to call back another time, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure. Let me know when you’re free. It’d be great to get together with the others tomorrow evening. Feel free to drop in.”