Читать книгу The End of the Way - Vladimir Slipets - Страница 3

Today at the bar there was almost no one. Only a couple of men. One was sitting at bar rack, drinking whiskey. As it appears, he had a rough week: he had already drunk a lot and he would soon begin to speak about his problems with the poor barman. By the way – I’m that barman. Yea, don’t be misunderstand, I like my work, and I’m glad that my father chose me for this post. I like people, their little problems. At least these guys are funny.

For example, here is this guy: attractive, even when in insole is drunk, dressed in expensive suit (most likely successful), with beautiful green eyes and rhomboid features of the face. Despite the fact that he already drank a lot, his speech is the same excellent – such as five glasses back. As it appears, he often works with people, directly, like me. I liked him.

It’s been a couple of minutes, and then happened exactly what I expected. He had spoken to me! Eventually, different people have same habits – just a little booze, music, awkward silence and the right companion, and someone will start a conversation:

– Tell me, my friend, have you been working here for a long time? Oh, sorry, I do not introduced myself. My name is Rendell, and how can I call you? – He asked me with a smile.

– Hello, Rendell, my name is Tom, nice to meet you. Hmm… I work a very long time, do not even know when I have started. It feels like I’ve been working here for ages.

– Then you are well preserved! Although, seriously, yes, I understand you. House – work, work – house, and don’t event notice how quickly time goes. Yesterday it seemed like it was Monday, but it’s already Friday…

– Well, but today is Saturday…

– Yes, yes, well, you understood the point, right?

– Well, what to do, this is life, and we need somehow spinning there. It’s a long time when this cabaret has become a house to me, like for most people who decided to visit us. This is not in vain why it was called “The End of the Way.”

– Hmm, the name is still… No, no, not to insult such beautiful place. It’s very nice here, but the name scares a lot. At first, I wanted to pass by. Hmm, by the way, just for a minute… Do you know how I got here? My mind has completely left me.

– I only know that, like all the rest, you went through the door. Then they sat down beside me and ordered the first glass.

– It’s strange, uh, I thought that I have a good memory… – After these words, Rendell fell silent and sad for some reason.

A few minutes later, Rendell remained silent. He looked in empty glass, but didn’t order more. I decided to ask him:

– Rendell, is something wrong? Maybe you would like another drink?

There was only silence. He kept looking at emptiness, and his eyes grew more and more gloomy. He was already somewhere far away, thinking. Day ago, week, month, year – how far he has already been? I’ve seen this before. Still people are similar: mostly they look like him, when they want to find something in their heads, bring everything into order.

And suddenly a pumping silence was dispelled by a cry:

– Exactly! Today I have won a hundredth deal! Tom, pour me some more. And don’t forget about yourself, because I need someone to celebrate this with me!

Although I was a little surprised, but I’m glad that Rendell brightened up and returned back to me. Here I have already topped up whiskey in the second glass, when suddenly I heard another voice:

– Pour and me, but not this swallow, tequila, please! – Said the man dressed in all black, sitting next to the scene.