Chapter 8. A toast to the ladies. And an unexpect

               
    After drinking coffee and liqueur, Lech went about his business. I decided to take care of my own. Having had a hasty lunch and dressed un-beachily, pulling on trousers and putting on shoes, knowing that I was going to meet her at the hotel, I went to the beach to look for Masha-Tanya, as I now called these two girlfriends. Arriving at the beach, unbuttoning my shirt and taking off my shoes, I rolled up my trousers and wandered along the sand hot from the scorching sun in search of girls. And I quickly found them.
- Hi girls. And you've been loafing around here for a long time. Twosomes. We are glad that you ran away from home and no one is watching you. And who will do your homework for you? — I started egging them on. — No, to sit at notebooks and learn letters, they, you know, lie here and count crows. "And there are no crows here,— Tanya said, smiling. She was in a good mood and responded cheerfully to my joke. Unlike her friend. She was clearly not in the mood and was silent. Well, they'll be here soon, I said cheerfully.
- And why is Masha silent? I dropped a ball into the water.
- No, it was Tanya who dropped the ball into the water.
"Oh, yes," I corrected myself and continued to say lines from a children's poem. - Hush, Masha, that is, Tanya, don't cry, the ball won't drown in the river. Probably, our Masha didn't eat porridge today... And Masha and mom were washing the frames, I continued jokingly to pronounce familiar lines from the school primer. And she was very tired, probably overheated in the sun. Let's move into the shadows. Otherwise, you can bake here. Let's. They agreed. And we moved into the shade of the large, spreading trees growing along the beach. And what's the matter with our Masha, she's kind of sad today. Probably someone offended her, or maybe she lost ten kopecks and she feels very sorry for them. But for some reason Masha was silent and did not react to my jokes. She was worried about something. Looking at Tanya, I realized from her look and the interest with which she looked at Masha that they had most likely recently talked about me. And he began to vaguely guess something himself. It seemed to me that I was most likely the reason for her bad mood. And I was suddenly struck by an incredible thought: are we like-minded people, only for completely different reasons. She liked me from the first time we met. However, so does she to me. And she would like to get closer to me. But Lena stands between us. She feels it intuitively. Yes, it's a strange situation. But now I was most interested in how to find out Lena's phone number so that the girls wouldn't guess anything. And I said to them, "Why are you here alone, but where is your new friend who promised to spend time with you here? Perhaps you didn't like her?" "No, we called her, she got sick," Tanya said, "but she asked us to come to her, visit her. She will be pleased." And she also asked: "Is Vlad with you?" I said he hadn't come yet. And she said, "Well, wait a little longer, and as soon as he appears, take him with you. After all, we have a common company, and he may be offended. It's not good."
- And what does it hurt?
- She's got a cold, she says her throat hurts. Wow, you can catch a cold in this heat.
- yes. She says she drank water from the fridge and ate a lot of ice cream. And now he walks around with his throat wrapped up. Aren't you coming with us?
- What should I do there? You're friends, and which side am I from? You have your own conversations, your own secrets, I will only bother you. You'll say you didn't wait for me. I don't know, she said so that we could wait for you and come all together. We were silent for a while. And I said, "Actually, it's possible in principle. The hotel there is so gorgeous. It's just interesting to see how she's settled in and how she's doing inside."
- And why did you tell me then that her husband was coming now? Masha suddenly asked."You knew her husband wasn't with her right now. And she stared at me How meticulous and suspicious she was, I thought, and she obviously guessed something. Remembering that I really blurted it out then for the sake of persuasion, so that she would calm down faster and agree to come with me. I thought feverishly, not knowing how to get out.
- Which husband? What does her husband have to do with it? Am I supposed to keep an eye on him? He said and said. What's my business where her husband is? She should be worried about that, not me. I guess I didn't understand her. I've been thinking about you. I got out of it cleverly.
"It's all strange, there's something wrong here," she said thoughtfully.
- Why are you bothering a man? Why does he need this husband of hers? I don't understand you, Masha," Tanya said.
"I get it,— I said. — Masha is jealous of her that she has such a packed husband, and wants to meet him. That's why she's worried about him. And then you see, maybe he will be interested in her. And what, why not, young, beautiful, and what about the wife? She had already fed up with him for so many years with her whims, arrogance and indifference. They probably live like that out of habit, and they have a child. Maybe he'll fall for Masha. And what. Young, pretty, and smart. It's not interesting to live with a fool. It is quite possible that she will take it away from her. I made up this nonsense to hush up an unpleasant conversation for me. Even starting to get mad at her and deciding to turn everything into a joke.
"And then she'll live in this hotel too," I said, laughing. And Tanya and I will come to visit her. If she deigns to call us, of course. Or maybe he won't let you in the door. And now she's thinking hard about how to do it. That's why she's not in the mood right now and she's not up to us.
- And you know her well and think she's a fool. She asked me.
- Well, I didn't say that, I'm so in general, - I hesitated.
- Ha ha ha. Tanyusha burst out laughing.- She turns out to be a fool, and Masha has her eye on her rich husband. Tatiana persisted.
- I didn't put anything in.Masha said resentfully.- You're making it up, and then blushed. - Yeah, I blushed, I blushed.Tanya chattered happily. - So it's true. Masha was silent, and then she told me.
- Your jokes are weird, it's like you're mad at something. And it was you who introduced us to her. And Tanya, just to make fun of you. Showing off here in front of him. She's having fun.
- Come on, - she jumped up nervously, I'd better go take a dip. It's very hot. "Come on, come on, go cool off," Tanyusha said after her. When she came back after a while, I told her: - Masha, I'm sorry for this stupid joke. Don't be offended. I was just making a bad joke, I wanted to cheer you up.I didn't mean to offend you, I blurted out this nonsense without thinking. Don't be offended. Let's forget this nonsense. Masha remained silent, not reacting in any way to her words. I told the girls that it was time for me to take a dip in the sea. - And you're not going Tanyusha. "No, I've been swimming recently," she said. Having bought up from the bottom of my heart, I returned to my girls.  We stayed on the beach for a while longer, and then we decided to visit our patient, who called us so persistently and longed to see us all together. - I should buy her something. It's not good to go to a party empty-handed. I said. - But what should I give her? Some sweets in a box. And let's buy her flowers and fruits, I suddenly remembered my joke about flowers and the promise to give them to her. After consulting, we bought fruits, a box of chocolate-covered marshmallows and flowers. We entered the hotel. A chic foyer opened up in front of us, lined with luxurious large flowers growing in large tubs, sofas and armchairs with small coffee tables. The floor, decorated with light marble, was covered with beautiful colored paths. We asked the desk clerk how we could get to the room we needed, and he pointed to the elevator doors and said.- Seventh floor. We went up to the seventh floor and found her room. We knocked, and she asked, "Who's there?" and immediately opened the door for us. Lena exclaimed joyfully, hugging the girls. "Hello, Vlad!" she said. "Make yourself comfortable. Oh, what flowers, thank you!" She was wearing a beautiful short robe, wrapped in a large colored kerchief. "I'm so glad you came. I'm sorry, I'm like this. How did I manage to catch this sore throat. Well, thank God, it's much easier for me, I'm taking the medications that the doctor prescribed. Did you go to the doctor?" asked Tanya. "No, there is a doctor on duty here, he examined me and said, "Nothing serious, it will pass soon," and prescribed medications. The girls, a little confused by the luxury of the interior, sat down in armchairs arranged around a small table and began to inspect her chic junior suite, as she later said. She had a TV and a telephone in her room. There was a movie on TV, and we started watching it. "Can I have a smoke?" I asked Lena. "Yes, of course. Go out to the loggia. Take the ashtray on the table. I went out onto a spacious loggia, where from a great height there was a stunning view of the coastal park, the sandy beach in the distance and the wide expanse of the sea stretching in front of me, stretching to the distant horizon. The surface of which sparkled and shimmered in the sunlight, painted dark blue and turquoise, over which small white clouds slowly floated. Lena put a bowl of cookies, a large box of chocolates, fruits and our marshmallows, saying at the same time: "My favorite." And she said, "You must be hungry." The girls hesitated. "Well, of course, you haven't had time to have lunch yet and came straight from the beach. I'll cook something now." She made sandwiches, the same as she brought ashore yesterday, and asked to open a jar of sprats, pate and wine. Then, turning to me, she said: "You're like a man. Treat the ladies. Pour it. What are we drinking to? Actually, since you're the only man among us, you're toasted. Tell us a few words." I got up. "We're listening." Lena said. After a little hesitation from surprise and gathering my thoughts, I said: "I want to raise this glass to you, dear ladies, you are so beautiful, so wonderful, so charming, and I am very glad that I met you and that you paid your attention to me and honored me to be next to you, and therefore, taking this opportunity, I want to propose this toast for you." to your health, To your beauty, to your successes and I sincerely wish you all good luck, and may this wonderful wine and this meeting cement our friendship and mutual understanding. And by chance, having gathered here in this beautiful city by the sea, we will all remember this sea, and our meetings with you, and our friendship forever. And, who knows, maybe we'll meet again in the future. I would really like to believe that. And I would like to sincerely thank our wonderful hostess for this wonderful evening, her friendliness, sincerity and... beauty. I said with pathos.
- What a beautiful toast. We are all touched by your words. Really, girls? - Yes, they exclaimed. - Great, Tanya said. I've only heard that in the movies. About these Hussars. "What a date we have today," Lena said. Let's drink to such a wonderful toast soon. Everyone raised their glasses, and I continued, getting into a rage. - Standing up for the ladies. And he drank. "Bravo," Lena said. - How nice to see a real man in front of you. And I, flattered by everyone's attention and the effect I had produced, got emotional and just shone. When we were hungry, we attacked the food with appetite. Then she gave us coffee. Then we all went out onto the loggia and looked with admiration at the bright panorama that opened up in front of us. When the girls left, and I was still smoking, Lena lingered and quietly whispered to me: "See them off, come back." And she went out. I almost dropped my cigarette in surprise. That's right. Well, Lena, what an actress. I thought about her with admiration. And a shudder ran through me at her words. We sat for quite a long time and, heated by the wine, talked animatedly and watched some kind of concert on TV. And they began to gather when evening had already come. - Goodbye, girls, I think I'll be better tomorrow. We should have stayed a little longer, but I'm not in shape right now, if you'll excuse me. But I promised to invite you, I always keep my promises and I am very glad that you came. Thank you for visiting me. I was very pleased to spend the evening with you. Now I'll meet you at the beach when I get better. And then we can all go to the dance together. There's a beautiful dance hall here. With a bar and tables. We'll get together with you and dance again. Thank you for a wonderful evening. - Thank you for that, - said Tanya. "Not to you, but to you," Lena corrected her, already standing in the doorway. Am I an old aunt? Everyone laughed, and we left. Yes, what can I say, she clearly did not look like an old aunt.
Outside, we walked down a shady alley to the town where the girls lived. I went to see them off, thinking about why Lena had called me. She couldn't talk in front of them, that's understandable, but it was something very important to her, since she, being under constant supervision, still decided to call me. Tanyusha chattered merrily, but I, Immersed in my thoughts, did not listen to her well. — Lena is cool. And she behaves so simply, in her own way, does not show off, and invited us to the dance. And how cool she is, and the sea looks gorgeous from the balcony. — From the loggia, Masha corrected her. — It doesn't matter. You just have to find fault. — Yes, she was lucky with her husband. He lives in such mansions. It's not for nothing that Masha wanted to take him away from Lena. Tanya laughed, tipsy. And suddenly Masha said something that made me stop in surprise. — And she's not sick at all. — Why did you decide that? Tanya asked her, no less surprised. — Where did you get this from? And why would she pretend? You're just jealous of her, Masha. So you're talking about her. Too much for me, I made it up — not sick, but what kind? — When we arrived, she was barely talking. But then she started talking like that, she couldn't stop, forgetting that she had a sore throat and that she was sick. And they don't drink with angina. She didn't just invite us, she needs something. Masha continued her thought. — Oh, oh, oh. She needs you badly. I also found an important person. She's bored alone, she said so herself. She wants to communicate with someone. So she decided to call us. She invited us to her place, since she promised, and treated us, decided to get to know each other better, find out who we are, where we come from. And I was very glad. And Vlad said it so beautifully. Everyone liked it. She was pleased to be with us. And what, do you think she should sit in four walls and look at the sea, and that's it? After a day you will get bored, live communication and friendly company can not be replaced by anything. And we are also not some kind of nerds, we are students, we are studying, we will get a higher education. It inspires respect for us, and we still have everything ahead of us. We are educated, and she is interested in us. I listened to her and thought. She's good, she's smart, she seems to be saying everything right. That's how it looks from the outside. She said it right. But if only she knew how right Masha was. But how was she supposed to know that, the hidden truth, and what was behind it all. That's who the real, real detective is, so it's Masha. What intuition and observation she has. How she immediately noticed the change in my mood on the beach, intercepted my gaze fixed on Lena for a split second, and how she looked in our direction, or rather, at me, she immediately understood everything, and there were also a lot of people, and I could look at anyone, even to some friend of hers, but she immediately figured it out. And then she said the words that I remember so well: "It's because of this woman." I walked in silence and did not interfere in their conversation. And then he said: "Well, Masha, what can I say here, you entered the wrong institute, apparently. And I chose the wrong profession. You have a direct path to the higher school of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Urgently drop your students, this kindergarten, and transfer there. You'll make a great detective like Sherlock Holmes. Or write a dissertation on psychology and become a writer. Then you will become very famous, like Agatha Christie." "That's it," Tanya screamed again, listening attentively to me. "You're just a dreamer, making up all sorts of nonsense. I really liked Lena." Yes, Masha was most likely jealous of Lena, seeing her as her rival with some sixth sense. And she realized that in many ways she was inferior to her. It was difficult for her to compete with this self-confident, self-aware beauty, and moreover, a rich woman. That's probably why she was so sad. But she had one undeniable advantage over Lena, outweighing much, if not all. She was younger than her rival and unmarried. She was free. Unlike Lena, she did not have a child. She was not bound by anyone or anything, and she still had everything ahead of her, as Tanya correctly said. And she didn't even realize that it was for these reasons that Lena was jealous of her. This beauty. But did Masha understand this at the moment? I was thinking about her. "In general, Masha, when you reveal this great secret, I hope you will tell Tanya and me about it." "Yes, yes, tell us, we'll listen. That's right," Tanyusha screeched again, finding an ally in me in this playful conversation with Masha. I had a good time with the girls, and I was flattered that two women who were worried about me liked me. And in all these events that so unexpectedly unfolded around me, it turns out that I was the main culprit. And no matter how much I liked Masha, who was sad, as I already realized, because of me. My thoughts were right there now. In this gorgeous hotel. Where a woman who had so absurdly got into an extremely unpleasant situation because of me was waiting for me. Soon we came to the house where my girlfriends lived. I said goodbye to them and hurried to the hotel. She was waiting for me. And when I entered, she rushed to me. "I've been waiting for you so much," she said, kissing and hugging me. - "My good one. I'm all on edge. I'll tell you everything now. Are you not offended with me for talking so rudely and ugly to you this morning? I'm very uncomfortable in front of you, I'm sorry, don't be angry, please. You are the closest and dearest person to me right now. It's good that you're back. There are only enemies and envious people around me." How she spoke. It doesn't look like her at all. I thought in surprise and with a hint of doubt creeping into my soul about her sincerity. Today I witnessed how well she played the role of a hospitable hostess, joyfully receiving guests she simply doted on. And, despite the alleged indisposition from a cold, I overcame myself and was happy to communicate with them. Yes, she would have made a very good actress, just great. You can't say anything. Natural talent. Apparently, a sense of danger brings people closer together. And they seek protection, discarding their ambitions and aplomb like an unnecessary husk, or rather, it flies off them, and then, left without it, they become what they really are. And they are looking for support and protection, and are drawn to people who recently were not appreciated, were not considered and who were arrogantly neglected, treating them down, but who in a moment of danger turned out to be much stronger and more courageous than themselves. And you could lean on them in a difficult moment, and find protection from them, knowing that they would not refuse it. "Well, I can see you're still mad at me. I was wrong, I was all worked up, I'm in trouble at home and here. You don't know anything. And I don't even have anyone to share it with, and there's no one to understand me, I'm all alone. I have no one to consult. You're the only one I hope I can trust." And suddenly there were tears in her eyes. She began to cry. "Well, calm down, Lenochka, don't. Everything will be fine. I'm with you. I'm near. Stop it. I stroked her hair and kissed her tear-soaked face. Let's have a few drinks and you'll calm down." "Come on," she said. And I realized that she was now looking for protection and comfort in me. She was really glad that I was with her, she was waiting for me. At the moment, I was really the only man close to her who could comfort and reassure her, which she needed so much right now. This strong and determined, and now such a weak woman. "I'm just going to wash up now. The mascara has spread over my face." Soon she came out of the bath, calmed down a little, and sat down next to me, we drank a little. And I started kissing her. "You know, I think I've been figured out," she said. — Or rather, you and me. And I do not know what to do. And I decided to consult with you. The matter is getting serious. — What are you doing? How do you know that?
— I know. — What do you know and who could have tracked us? We didn't meet and we were completely alone that night. Maybe you're imagining it and you're exaggerating.
— I was seriously hinted at... She had not finished speaking when suddenly there was a knock on the door. Who could it be? She put away the glasses and adjusted her scarf around her neck. The knock was repeated insistently.
—Go into the bedroom," she nodded at the other door, —and sit there for now. I'll find out who it might be, who brought it there.
I locked myself in the bedroom and sat down on the wide bed. Lena opened the door.The door opened and a man's voice said: "Hello, Lenochka. Can I come in?" The bedroom door was loosely closed, and I could hear their conversation clearly.
"I didn't seem to invite you."
— I came to talk to you.

— We have nothing to talk about with you.
— You're wrong, Lenochka. There is a lot to talk about, and it concerns you personally.               
"There's nothing to talk about, and nothing to do with me. Should I push you out the door or hit you with something heavy like that time?               
"Don't go too far, my dear. I repeat, this is about you and your lover.         
- What kind of lovers are you telling me about here? Lena asked in a slightly trembling, trembling voice.
- Do you have several of them? I didn't know. So are we just going to talk through the threshold or are you going to let me in? Somehow it doesn't work out well, and someone can hear this confidential and highly personal information about you, dear. She must have let him in, the door could be heard closing behind him.
- Let me sit down, we're not going to talk standing up, and you should sit down, the conversation won't be very pleasant for you. And I need to show you something interesting.
"You shouldn't be sitting here.
- You don't greet guests well, Lenochka.
- And you are not my guest. I didn't call you. He broke in himself.
- So I'll sit down anyway, dear, with your permission. After what I show you and tell you, you'll want to sit down yourself, dear. This guy behaved self-confidently and brazenly and spoke to her mockingly and ironically. But who is he? And what was he trying to get out of her? What is its purpose? It was clear that he was blackmailing her. He's probably going to extort money from her now, the bastard, I thought excitedly, hiding in my hiding place.
"Please take a look at this," he continued, showing her something.
"I do not know these people," Lena said.
"That's right, you don't know them. And you pay attention to the background. Don't you recognize yourself there and your boyfriend?
- This is a beach, and there are no reserved seats. You never know who can sunbathe nearby. There are days when you can hardly lie down, but stand on one leg because of the tightness.
- The correct answer. Clever. But look at this. Who are you affectionately covering your mouth with your lovely hand? Is it also from crowding? Or did he say something to you that you decided to cover his mouth? Let's say. But he kisses your hand at your elbow, and you stroke him so gently and affectionately. And you're already dressed. Here you are, apparently, saying goodbye to a meeting under the moon.
- So this is my friend's boyfriend. - Look, you found out. She said she didn't know him. It's just that someone brazenly settled next to you without asking, because of the tightness. But you're answering correctly. It still doesn't mean anything. You never know. A friend of your girlfriend Masha's kissed your hand in a friendly way. At these words, I even felt a rush of heat.
- By the way, you can even keep these photos as a keepsake.
"But you're forgetting where I work, honey. And I have much more serious facts. Which, my dear, you can't get away from.
We were being followed. She was found out and presented with very weighty evidence, from which it was impossible to deny. A man's voice, coming from the room, maliciously and with a grin presented her with these proofs. I felt a rush of heat again. I was confused at first, and then a wave of wild rage swept over me. I could hardly restrain the urge to rush at this scoundrel and grab him by the throat. My beloved woman was being taken away from me now. Everything has opened up, and she will have to leave here. Her husband won't let her stay here anymore after learning about her infidelity. But it's a good thing I didn't do it. Then something happened that I could not have expected...