December 31, 1993
Friday
13:30
I felt buoyant, Alina was blushing like a poppy in bloom.
She kept moaning «Oh my God! How could this happen? How on earth?!!», wandering around the apartment gathering up her clothes, marveling at the stains. Balancing right on the edge of hysterics.
I took the pants, blouse, and underwear from her weak hands and threw them in the washing machine. Explained the paint was water-based, would wash out better than out of new fabric. Let’s knock back some coffee, if sex is off the table. Anyway, don’t sulk: sitshun normaldy, as they say at Proma.
Alina allowed herself to be treated to a cup of coffee and drawn back into bed. The third time turned out best from a technical standpoint, Alina squeaked here and there, but no fire ignited in her shoulder blades. I went through the motions of making love while analyzing. Take Verochka, for instance – she reveled in my cock. No need to consult a fortune-teller: Vera adored fucking. Alina showed no feeling. Lay there squeaking with concentration, like Lindsey Buckingham in that song about Big Love.
I came, sank onto my back, heard the phone ring. Remembered it was Friday, so not a day for meeting Vera. On the other hand, who else could be calling?
I made it to the phone. My expectations weren’t disappointed:
– Hi! Happy almost-New-Year! What are you up to? – Vera rattled off into the receiver.
– Well, uh… still sleeping!
– Quit snoozing, sleepyhead! Where are you seeing in the New Year?
– Haven’t decided yet.
– Decided! At my place! Come earlier. Can you make it by six? We start celebrating on Irkutsk time. I was born there!
I turned to Alina. Didn’t see her there, promised anyway:
– I’ll come.
– Write down what to bring.
Vera dictated two whole pages of food and drinks.
Alina had managed to shower, pull her clothes out of the washing machine, iron them, put them on, and stand by the door waiting. I dropped the receiver and notebook, started scrambling around looking for my pants. Alina stopped me: I’ll see myself out, just open the door.
She planted a gentle kiss on my lips and left.
I thought I ought to ask Vadik who exactly Alina was. But that could wait. Right now – what had been dictated to me, and where do I get it all?
