Exchange

14 pages

Chapter 8

The guys' quarrel ended with the fact that neither Rene nor Rick wanted to see each other even at a long distance. But this was not possible, because there is only one counter, and it can hardly be divided into two halves. The guys tried not to look at each other, not to hear their names and the names of their comrades. And in principle, he does not see anyone, does not hear anyone. Rick was so angry that when he saw Theodore, he almost boiled like a kettle. Every time he saw this boy, he tried his best not to shoot at him with some object that came to hand first. What seemed more annoying was that Theo was smiling hopelessly at everyone, including Rick himself. Shaliz either didn’t notice it, or he didn’t give a damn about it in any way. He did what was expected of him: he worked. And he basically didn’t pay attention to the rest. The only thing that wasn’t included in this “rest” was Renee–that’s what Rick thought. Andrew might not have entered either, but Theo seemed to know the border crossing. His “rest” included only Rick, at least the red-haired man himself thought so. Every day Rick shared with Andrew his assumptions that he didn’t believe the teenager a bit. Minyard listened attentively, but did not answer. Rick had long been used to this kind of silence. He came to terms with it at the same time when he first began to understand that Andrew could not be expected to be emotional either. Although anger or warning could be detected in his tone, but only in extreme cases. Sometimes the corner of Minyard’s mouth twitched, which served as another success. Showing emotion is a good quality. Of course, not always, but you can skip it. The Saturday event will take place this week, which means that you will have to decorate the restaurant. Employees must be present under any circumstances, in one condition or another. Rick and Andrew’s plan failed because the director made it clear what would happen if someone didn’t come. Rene had no right to discuss the holiday in a workplace full of people waiting for an order. She served in silence, encouraging sad customers with her sincere smile. Andrew cooked meals, mailed them out of habit, and in his spare time just sat with a notebook in his hands, leaning back against the countertop and crossing his arms over his chest. Today he was working alone as usual. It is unlikely that Theodore will be able to leave school on Wednesday. Due to problems in the school administration, exams in the ninth and eleventh grades will be held in early August — on the third. And the third day falls on Sunday, which means that Theo will not be able to come to work. This news upset both the restaurant staff and the director himself. Rick was pleased that there would be no eternal smiles in his direction. And Andrew didn’t give a damn whether Theo came or not. He just did what was required of him, and did not look at others. Renee worked with impending boredom, she had no business to discuss or just have some kind of conversation. Too many customers came that day, and Renee, in turn, could not cope with all the responsibilities. When the notebook left for Andrew, Walker had to write down one order or another on the back of her hand all the way to the elbow. Then, when the wallet came back, Renee copied the notes on a piece of paper and handed it to Rick. He only caught a notebook and wrote down his orders, which had accumulated over a certain period of time. Rene and Rick tried not to look at each other, but it turned out badly: each time they had to share a notebook, thereby passing it from hand to hand or just tossing it slightly. They had not shared the notebook when they were still able to communicate, but now no one dared to be the first to regain friendship. On the one hand, a break in friendship is normal. But on the other hand. Okay, that’s not the point now. Andrew, like many employees, was thinking about the event. On Saturday, there will be three or even four more people than usual. Naturally, who wouldn’t come to a restaurant when the discounts are under fifty percent.

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The number changed to the twentieth. Two days and that’s your problem. Rick had a lot of things in his plans, but they all collapsed when he thought about the day after tomorrow again. What should I do there? People will come in either white or shades of green. “White greens” is just like in a fairy tale. They came up with a name. Contests and various games were planned on Saturday, in which both a small child and an adult can participate. Of course, this is good, very good, but still: there are not so many employees, Andrew will have to cook alone, and Rene and Rick will eliminate fights and scandals anyway. For the most part, the guys will have to disperse the crowds of people in the corners so that there is enough room for everyone. In principle, a lot of things are fine — at least the employees — but Andrew will have to tinker. Speed up the pace, mark the time and set it aside for each dish. You will have to do “Two-Two” — this is the name of the cooking form, when two orders are prepared at once at the same time. Yes, their restaurant is weird, but it’s getting higher and higher. It’s funny. Actually, Rick planned to spend the evening at the bar in order to drive away all thoughts. But for some reason, I changed my mind, asking Andrew’s permission to spend the night with him. Without any exclamations, Minyard agreed, to which Rick was very grateful. There was no need to wait for the end of the day, because with such people you would hardly look at your watch. They’re ticking: tick-tock, tick-tock. Andrew has often thought about the “White Greens”, namely about revenue. He still hoped that not too many customers would come to the Penguin. Minyard didn’t really want to see about two hundred people. It’s too much. Their recent work rate was almost fifty percent out of a hundred. Previously, the restaurant was crowded, but now there is no such thing. The number of customers decreased after the day when it was foggy and there were no people at all. It would be safe to feed restaurant food to stray animals that walked the streets of the city. There were a lot of them that day, they probably compared with the number of passers-by. It was the stray cats and dogs that kept the city completely empty. Big deal… Then the work schedule changed a little, Andrew got rid of weekends and now works like everyone else. Theodore comes in from Monday to Friday evening, and on Saturday and Sunday he works in the morning. If there are any problems with the school — exams, preparation — Shalise immediately warns Andrew or the principal. They don’t scold him for his absence, knowing the reason. But with the rest of the employees–especially Andrew, Rene, and Rick–it won’t work. Even if it’s something serious. Andrew doesn’t have days off anymore. A few minutes passed, and then evening came. Almost. Had to stay at work for about three hours, after which could safely go home. Andrew only liked working here because of Renee and Rick. He wouldn’t have been able to work for about a year and a half if his friends hadn’t been around. The only drawback is that smoking is prohibited in the restaurant itself. But on the street it is possible, there is even a separate corner for this, but because of the customers who came, you will not move from your place. A Minyard is not supposed to leave the kitchen area while people are waiting for their order. And this, by the way, happens so often that Andrew literally cursed everyone who came and went. Yes, there are also cameras through which the director watches. Sometimes you have to sit and wait until everything falls into place, and then go at least on all four sides. But, going outside after the closing of the Penguin, you can smoke at least a whole pack (or even two). This is a little encouraging, although Minyard himself could agree with Rick’s eternal statements about how tired of these orders-decrees and showdowns at every turn. Andrew planned to stay in the break room for the rest of the time, but the path of the clients turned the situation around at the right angle. In fifteen minutes, only three people came, and half an hour later a whole crowd fell in. The company of seven people was dressed all in black, and the hair, in turn, of both boys and girls was laid on their sides. Are they tasters or something? No, no, there was definitely not enough of this in the Penguin. And in principle, it was fine without them… the man who stood closest to the counter held out his hand. Rick was standing very close, so he couldn’t dodge the palm squeeze. After shaking hands with the first one, he took two steps back and looked in surprise at Minyard, who was standing apart from everyone. He was scribbling something in a notebook, not looking in their direction. Was he interested? And who knows. Andrew did not hide from the shocking gaze, so he looked at Rick, and a little later turned his attention to Renee, who was carelessly explaining something to the group. He definitely would not tolerate another showdown, and therefore did not decide to interfere in the process of their conversation. Like Rick, he just stood there, looking around the company with an impenetrable gaze, clearly studying everyone and was ready if any of them intended to get their way with their fists. But no matter how much they talked, neither of them raised an eyebrow. They listened to Walker with such interest that they themselves wanted to come closer and listen. However, neither Andrew nor Rick did this, because it would attract attention, although not much. Renee, apparently, is coping perfectly well on her own, and therefore she does not need help. Minyard was the first to get tired of leaning on the counter with his hands. He stepped back a little and, after making sure that everything was fine, went to the recreation area. There is a big TV where the guys often watch movies or play games. Yes, there are consoles and a mini speaker, there is a separate corner for a snack and another sofa where you can sleep. But Andrew wasn’t interested in either, he just wanted to go outside for a second and get some air, thinking about today. But because of the company, he couldn’t leave the room, because if someone ordered something and Andrew wasn’t around, and the cameras were on, then Minyard would collapse. So much so that it won’t seem enough! The director’s methods are too serious. Then Andrew waited. He just rested his elbows on the table and looked around the corners of the room without any patience. To say that it was a little boring for him… He got tired of standing and just suffering bullshit the fastest. It would be better to go to the guys, at least there won’t be such a quiet atmosphere. And still, the fact that Minyard likes to stay in silence, where there is no one. After walking his way, Andrew looked out from behind the wall. In other respects, the picture that flaunted before my eyes was still the same. Renee was still explaining something to the guys, gesturing with her hands. Is she preparing them for capture? Rick was still standing, leaning back against the countertop and watching, wary of the crowd. Andrew walked quietly, without the slightest sound, and touched Rick’s back with his hand. The latter, in turn, jumped up and turned sharply, his shoulders instantly tensed, but the tension subsided when the red-haired man saw Andrew. He was no longer so surprised, so he came closer with a frown on his face. Rick tried to slap Andrew on the back of the head, but Andrew only took two steps back. Because of the counter separating the guys, Rick couldn’t do it, but only frowned even more. “You’re a fool,” Andrew said without any sympathy. “Squirrel,” Rick said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Renee?” “You.” What does it mean? Andrew covered his face with his hands and shook his head. Then he looked at Rick through his fingers and, rolling his eyes, squeezed through to the counter. Renee had finished by that time and went over to the guys. The people who came had already left, only Walker knew what they needed. She looked at Andrew and Rick in turn and smiled, tapping her nails on the glass surface. It didn’t take long to wait, so the guys immediately got into Walker’s words. “In short, the first thing is calm,” she held out her little finger to Rick and smiled briefly. She didn’t seem to be joking at all. “The second: these people came to buy a restaurant. They were looking for the director of the Penguin, they say, like he himself doesn’t mind a lot of money. They said that the director himself put up an advertisement for the transfer of the institution to the new owner. Are there any bets on whether this is true or false?” Rick opened his mouth slightly, looking at Rene dumbfounded, but closed it without saying anything except a short “uh”. Andrew was not embarrassed by the news, so he just looked at the girl with his usual emotionless gaze. Although there was nothing on his face except: “oh, come on,” Minyard’s shoulders visibly tensed. “I refuse to bet on that,” Rick said, a little anxiously, “but I’ll pray it’s a lie. The joke is there, a prank.” Indeed. Why do they need to buy out the place? There are seven of them, but it seems that the one Renee was talking to was the head of this company. Maybe others will work here? This is, of course, good, but in general, the current squad is also encouraging. There were no more customers in the near future, so Andrew went outside, and Rick and Renee stayed in the break room to reflect on what had happened. Approaching the smoking area, Andrew took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, opened it and pulled out one. Then he lit it and lit a cigarette. It was already getting dark outside, the sky was flaunting its pink-scarlet hue, alternating with blue. The stars were not yet visible, but the moon was already in full possession of its usual place. The air was as warm as it gets in the morning in sunny weather. The bird songs that sounded every day subsided, only sometimes the sounds of moths and grasshoppers that lurked in the green grass could be heard. He is sitting alone on a bench framed by trees. Everything around seems to be frozen, as if time is suspended in this corner. A light breeze whispers in the foliage, creating a gentle melody. But there is no one who can share this moment with him. Andrew’s gaze is fixed into the distance, as if he is looking for answers to endless questions that torment his soul. Thousands of stories, fleeting memories and unspoken dreams flash in his eyes. But on this bench he finds solitude, tranquility, the opportunity to stop and think. Here, Minyard’s thoughts unfold, words form, and emotions take shape. Andrew flicked his cigarette butt to the ground and thought about it. The cigarette butt, which had fallen on the asphalt, rolled away somewhere to the side: the wind seemed to sweep debris off the road. Andrew watched him go with a bored look and at the last moment noticed movement away from the restaurant. The man calmly but confidently walked towards the mini-bar. Another client? If anything, he would have had to go inside, but Andrew stayed, discreetly glancing in his direction. Maybe he’ll pass by? No. He reached the bench and stopped. He smiled amiably at Minyard, after which the blond man paid special attention to him. “What, there are no clients at all?” The guy asked, putting his hands in his pockets. “It’s fine without them,” Andrew replied, although he didn’t really know who he was answering. The guy was wearing an elongated black shirt and knee-length shorts. His hair was slightly tousled, and his green eyes were cheerfully examining Andrew from head to toe. His attention was drawn more to the armbands that carefully concealed Andrew’s past. The guy did not ask him about the black fabric, but only continued the beginning of the conversation: “Andrew, right?” he asked, more in the affirmative than in a question. “You are easy to recognize even from a long distance… How long have you been working here?” What Andrew didn’t want to do anymore was snap back. If he annoys Andrew, he will instantly get a knife in his chest. “Quite a lot,” Andrew replied after a moment. Andrew handed the guy a cigarette, to which he just shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t smoke.” Andrew spent most of the time sitting on the bench, either discussing something with that guy or getting to know each other better. Later, he left and Andrew waited for the guys. After seeing Renee almost home, Minyard and Rick went their separate ways. And when he reached the door, Andrew wearily walked down the hall and turned into the bedroom, where he fell asleep almost immediately as soon as he touched the pillow with the back of his head.

Chapter 9

Getting out of bed early in the morning was the biggest problem for Minyard. Due to overwork, Andrew couldn't even move his arm, let alone turn on his side. Yesterday was a great day, nevertheless, the director was somewhat pleased with the results of the guys. Andrew, Rene and Rick had only one idea in their plans: to ask the director about the sale of the Penguin. No one really knew if this was true or a lie, but both Rene and Rick were partly against the new owner. The director already gave the children faith and hope for life. He helped me get out of the puddle of grief and fear, and even more so to move on, confidently walking up the stairs. Yes, he has cruel methods, but nevertheless he did what was expected of him. Made their lives easier and more stable. He became almost like their own, no matter who: father, uncle, friend. Yes, by anyone, but by family. But now, when those people came with the confidence that everything would be the same as theirs, the stairs slowly began to break and fall. Every minute, thinking about yesterday, the guys fell lower and lower. It was unbearably hard, I wanted to just leave. It doesn't matter where, the main thing is that no one will ever find it again. After so many years, the director himself decides to abandon his employees, and even more so from his own work, owned by the main company in the city? This can't be happening. Andrew forced himself out of bed and headed to the kitchen, where he spent most of his free time. About twenty minutes before the start of the working day, Renee called and, it seems, told a whole poem, invented overnight. In her speech, Andrew sometimes caught either the director's tone or his words flashing between the lines. It was already very similar to the headmistress: a woman's thin voice, through which rudeness and bitterness cut through with obvious intentions. But this speech was so important, because Renee immediately sat down on the website in her laptop after coming home and searched for information about the sale almost all night. Her efforts were not in vain, Rene found an ad posted to the group by the director since the fourteenth. Under this announcement there was a link to the director's official page and a bunch of comments. The reviews were by no means bad, those who had previously come to the restaurant wrote. Some prayed that no one would buy it there, someone cursed everyone they could, and someone didn't give a damn in every possible way. Refusing to believe it, Andrew quickly clicked off, but Renee, in order to confirm this to Minyard, sent a screenshot of the ad and a couple of comments. Also, without forgetting about the link, she copied it and sent it, after which she logged off the network. Andrew did not look at the pictures, but just got dressed and went to the restaurant. On the way, he met Theo, and together they walked calmly to work. Theodore didn't have any important plans today, so he works from morning to evening like everyone else. No one said anything the whole way, they walked in silence. As soon as the door to the restaurant opened, and later Theo leaned out, the staff, seeing him, ran up with either surprise or joy. Renee stayed where she was, smiling in the direction of the guys, but Rick was nowhere to be found. He's probably just staying late. After going to the recreation area, Andrew collapsed on the sofa and sighed heavily. It was extremely hot today, it seems that water will not help at all. You can safely go and lock yourself in the refrigerator. After sitting for a while, Andrew glanced at his watch, which showed eight fifty-seven, and later moved into the kitchen, preparing in advance. In such weather, the last thing Mignard wanted was the arrival of customers, because the gas is running, and even steam is coming. The kitchen is stuffy, even an open window will not help, because there is no wind at all. On the one hand, you can bring a fan, but you need to ask the director for permission, go to the recreation area, drag it, and then put it under the right angle so that it does not blow towards the stove. Andrew did not dare to go for the fan, so he just went out into a large hall room. It was cooler there than outside or in the kitchen - the air conditioners worked perfectly. Renee was standing in her usual place and writing something in a notebook. She didn't pay the slightest attention to Minyard, but only nodded imperceptibly. There was another empty seat next to her. Theo was in charge of the room, taking turns talking to the staff. The working hours have been going on for two minutes, but no one has moved to prepare. The cameras were definitely working, a red dot was flashing, which meant that the director was in place. The guys need to talk to the manager. Andrew decided not to worry about the elder because he clearly wasn't going to think about their conversation all day. Renee, having finished with her duties, fixed her gaze on Andrew and smiled gently, turning her head to the side. He came up to her, looking around the empty place, but did not say anything. It seems that they were mentally exchanging remarks, catching a look of incomprehension or surprise. Andrew was the first of them to get tired of playing this silent game, he spun around and headed for the kitchen. Renee followed him with her eyes so habitually. The next ten minutes passed slowly, there were few customers. This is, on the one hand, good, because neither Renee nor Andrew will have to bother, but on the other... The profit is small, you will have to be bored all day. In the afternoon, Andrew dialed Rick's number, but he was unavailable. It seemed a little strange to Andrew, because Rick never turns off his phone. Terrifying thoughts flew into one ear and flew out of the other. It was impossible to think about anything bad. One could only hope for the best. What if Rick just overslept? And the phone, for example, was discharged to zero and is now lying somewhere on the bedside table. But... Rick doesn't sleep until this time. His usual arrival in reality begins at four in the morning and ends around six in the morning. The red-haired man chatted about this topic more than once, all the time saying the same word: "insomnia." Closer to twelve, the restaurant was flooded with a huge crowd of people. Everyone squeezed in, pushing each other every now and then. Some tables were occupied, some had not yet been washed, so the groups who came stood closer to the wall or counter, waiting for an empty seat. Renee flew from one side of the counter to the other, sometimes writing down orders in a notebook or on her hand, then pouring out desired drinks to customers. Andrew also did not stay away: he flew the same way as Rene, only in the kitchen by the stove. After an hour and a half, people started freaking out. Mainly due to the lack of places and the lack of academic performance or clumsiness of the waiters. Theodore was missing somewhere, but Andrew didn't care. Almost. What's the point of coming to work in the morning and brushing off at lunch? It seems that Rene's opinion of Theo was abruptly replaced by denial, because Walker herself woke up in a not very good mood. If he worked amazingly then, then today, in such an unfortunate position, he is not. But a couple of hours ago, he gave all the workers his smile, changing everyone's mood. Probably, other employees have slightly changed their minds. While thinking, Renee spilled a glass, accidentally hitting him with her elbow. It was too much for her to do both at the same time. The door slammed. The crowd standing at the exit changed its perspective. Someone was walking in front of him, moving people who were in the way in the aisle. They grumbled, hurling obscenities at the man. The hallway somehow squeezed out of the crowd and took a prominent position. Renee gave him a look full of surprise, it seems, and anger at the same time. "Rick!" Walker said briefly, but loudly enough. He ran up, out of breath, and briefly hugged the girl, after which he stood on his side. Renee did not ask unnecessary questions, because now is not a good time. Rick pulled off a notebook lying on the girl's side and began to call crowds of people to his side in turn, lining them up in a row. The appearance of the red-haired man was extremely wonderful, Walker was grateful to him for coming to work at all, although she worked the rest of the time in thought. Where could he have been? Rick squatted down for a moment, opening the bag he had brought with him. He took out a second one, slightly larger than his own notebook, and handed it to Renee. He was a little scared, but the girl didn't pay attention to it. Her interest was riveted to the very name of the notebook: "The coveted employee of the Miracle Restaurant." In an instant, Renee broke into a wide smile. She wanted to hug and thank Rick for the gift, but couldn't because of the crowd of people. Renee gave the guy a curt nod of respect and got down to business. Andrew was seriously pissed off, because he couldn't keep up with a bunch of orders. After completing three orders, he sent them by tape, however, what he encountered was clearly the most surprising thing of the day. Notepad. After slightly lowering his eyes, Minyard took it anyway and opened the first page. I didn't want to think about anything right now, much less about a wallet. The customers were waiting. Most of them have probably already lost their minds. The people who received their expected order left so as not to disturb others. In twenty minutes, the restaurant became noticeably more spacious, customers acted wisely, taking their food with them and leaving the establishment. No one wanted to quarrel with anyone.. if only the most "smart", who considered himself a pop star in the Penguin. By the evening, the guys managed with a bang. Each of the employees, a clear stump, is tired. There were no customers after five o'clock in the evening, so Renee went to check on Andrew. Rick went outside for a walk, so Walker didn't object. She opened the door to the kitchen and did not freeze for long: Minyard was asleep. The girl did not wake him up, just went to the table and pulled off her notebook. For some reason, without expecting it, Andrew woke up, trembling slightly at the sight of Renee. She stepped back a little and feigned guilt, because she had disturbed the peace of the Minyard. The next moment, footsteps were heard – Rick returned. Flying into the room at high speeds, the red-haired man jumped slightly, feigning delight. He had the happiest smile you could see on his face. Renee immediately withdrew her condemnation, calculating that Rick could have woken Andrew up anyway. What Rick's joy was, the guys could only guess, because the guy could be happy even with trifles. Smiling visibly, Rick went into the break room. He did not close the door completely, but only closed it so that the music would not blow around the room. Andrew and Renee looked at each other in their own way, still not understanding what possessed Rick. But the most significant issue was related only to Theodore. It seems that at this time, Minyard and Walker had the same brain for two: questions and assumptions mixed into one whole, confusing thoughts. No one could concentrate on one thing. Renee sighed heavily and headed for the counter, still waiting for customers, and Andrew just stared at the floor. Time passed: no one came. For a while, Walker had some kind of problem. She darted into the kitchen, calling Andrew over, and then ran to Rick's break room. He sat motionless, but still raised an eyebrow at the sight of the girl. His face was ordinary, he looked blankly at the painting hanging by the door and thought about his own. His thoughts stopped the moment Andrew appeared in the doorway. He slowly squeezed through Rene and sat down next to Rick. Walker stared at both of them without saying a word. Why is everyone so thoughtful today? What worried Rick the most when he changed his mood? Renee dragged a chair from the far corner and placed it in front of the sofa. She seems to have decided to dot the "I". "Rick," the girl said questioningly, sitting down on a chair. After waiting for a nod up, she said: "What kind of mood swings?" "You'll fall if I tell you this," Rick said in surprise, looking from Walker to Minyard. Renee tapped her nails steadily on the upholstery of the chair, still waiting for an answer. "Okay! But I give you my word that you will fall. In short, the director canceled the holiday." And as Rick said... Everyone was shocked. Completely. Why did the director cancel the holiday? Because of his departure, right? The answer to this question can only be found if you talk to a senior. And he's kind of too busy for idle conversations. Renee got up from her chair and pushed the guys aside so that there was room for her in the middle. Crossing her arms over her chest and frowning, she turned her head in Rick's direction, to which he just shrugged. The holiday was supposed to take place today, but it was moved to another day, that is, to tomorrow. According to the guys, the director did not want to waste time and money, arranging a holiday with a discount. "You can tell by your face that you're lying," a voice came from the door. And in truth: leaning against the door frame, Theodore stood peacefully, but at the same time deliberately. "Why are you messing with their brains?" "Why the hell am I lying?" Rick replied incredulously. At the sight of Shaliz, he seemed to lose his nerves, "and what oak tree did you fall from, hmm? Apparently, I don't want to work, so I'll stand and get on my nerves." And then there was silence. Of course, Rick would have preferred to say everything he thinks about him at that moment, but Walker, as if nothing had happened, forcibly shut him up. Neither she nor Minyard could stand another showdown. Renee looked back at Andrew, who in turn was looking at Rick. He sensitively caught the girl's gaze and somehow glared maliciously at the newcomer. Having known Rick for almost seven years, he would undoubtedly have trusted his words; but because of trust issues, he wanted to find out only the pure truth, not the assumed one. Renee, hoping for at least something, took out her phone from her pocket and went into the search engine: entering the director's number, she began to scribble a message to him, and after doing so, put the mobile phone aside. While waiting for an answer, no one said a word – everyone was waiting. Finally, the phone pinged, giving an alert about a new message. Walker picked it up and, swallowing, began to read the message. The look with which she looked at him and read every word was literally terrifying. Renee looked at the guys. "The director himself does not know if he did well. He writes that the decision has not been made, but he is on the side of rejection," she sighed, stretching her knees to her chest, "more.. he noted that we won't be able to go to work tomorrow, like, consider it a day off. He writes that he is already aware of our excitement and does not deny what has been said.." "So those people who came then were telling the truth? Yes, will they buy out the restaurant?" Rick said, breaking the silence. "Probably.." "Why such conclusions?" Theodore replied, either convincingly or reassuringly. Rick glared at him and said: "And you keep quiet, liar. Thus, you will lose your trust in us, keep in mind." The guys decided not to argue or discuss the details, but only waited for the end of the day and almost all left the Penguin together. Rick went to see Rene off, Theo disappeared behind the alleys, and Andrew trudged home tired. On the way, he met the guy again, who took at least fifteen minutes to talk to. After saying goodbye, the guy went in the other direction, and Andrew went his way, only shaking hands with him.

Chapter 10

Morning came so quickly that it seemed as if Andrew had not gone to bed at all. Spending one day as a day off is an interesting thing, but boring. To put it bluntly, Minyard could not plan anything a few hours before bedtime, and in principle did not bother with it. If you're lucky, you can watch TV in peace. Although it is unlikely to work, because there is a clear reason: Rick. He will either come without warning, or he will write a bunch of messages that will not receive a response. He does this in order to somehow cheer Andrew up, although he knows that these methods do not help. Another reason is more or less clear: Rene. She will also write or call, but in moderation. If, for example, she writes something to Andrew and does not receive an answer in return, then, unlike Rick, she will not write further. It's enough for her to read two messages to understand how much Minyard doesn't care. There is no third reason, and if there is, then kick ass. Isn't that right? Theodore won't bother Andrew about anything. He's a schoolboy, doing his homework, catching up. Although, to be honest, Andrew somehow doubtfully believed that Shalise was currently sitting at the task. Andrew slowly got out of bed, blinking to see if he was awake or still asleep. His path was directed to the kitchen to sit at the table, looking at the wall and waiting for coffee to be made. In general, he rarely drank coffee, mostly in order to relieve fatigue for a while. Minyard mostly managed to go into his thoughts when he was alone holding a freshly lit cigarette between his fingers, standing on a roof or on the street, watching the sun slowly and smoothly hide between multi-storey buildings, giving way to the moon. Only then can he calmly go into his own reasoning and guesses, understand what he could not in the past. If he needed help, it was probably only as a child. Now it is unlikely that anyone or anything will be able to correct the mistake that was made then. The phone beeped. Andrew hoped to the end that it was just a message, but the melody did not stop playing. In the middle, the usual "Ginger" was displayed on the top of the mobile screen, but even at the sight of such a word, the guy shuddered involuntarily. More conversations that don't make any sense. Andrew couldn't just stare at the dimmed, then revived screen, so he picked up the phone, finally sighing hopefully. He cautiously leaned his cell phone against his ear, lightly tapping the fingers of his other hand on the coffee glass. Rick, having asked with conviction if Andrew could speak now, began to chatter. He sometimes expressed what he had learned during the evening. The words of one topic got mixed up with another, everything was confusing: Rick kept jumping from one to the other, it seems, not intending to finish them separately. He probably did it for his own good, or rather, to pass the time. Minyard, rubbing his temples, listened to Rick's story in silence. The day has just begun! And already my head hurts. Suddenly, something like "fucking Theodore" flashed through his friend's monologue. Andrew pulled himself up with a stretch, having gone astray. Yes, he is aware that Rick does not tolerate the presence of Shaliz at all, and therefore expresses himself in this way, but Andrew missed the main course of his thoughts and the beginning of the story, so he gathered himself with full attention. Minyard did not interrupt and ask him to tell everything in order again. Indeed, Rick shares everything with him, and Andrew really does not know the beginning of such a story. He probably didn't listen to the initial information until the end, concentrating on more important words. Rick kept talking. In the background, voices and incomprehensible sounds could be heard, somewhat similar to glasses and plates being placed on something glass. "Do you have guests?" Andrew interrupted his friend curiously. Rick mumbled tiresomely into the phone, and then asked again, apparently did not understand the question. "It's noisy." "Oh, you mean that.." Rick said, "Rene and Wally are cooking in the kitchen. Kind of like cookies." Rick's words confused Minyard. Is this his girlfriend? Choosing the words to express his thought more correctly, Andrew said: "Wally? Who is it?" "My cousin. She arrived last night, said was staying for a day. Introduce you?" "Nope." Renee called Rick and he sighed and asked Andrew to wait. Five minutes later, maybe a little less, Rick showed up, apologizing for the delay. Without answering, Mignard continued to listen to his friend's story, finishing the rest of his coffee.

—

Lying on the couch, completely relaxed, Minyard watched TV. Rick was sitting on the armrest, concentrating on the plot. Girls sat on chairs on either side of the sofa: Rene and Wally. They, like Rick, were holding a half-empty paper cup of caramel popcorn and a soda bottle, except, of course, Wally. She would drink it if she wasn't allergic to it.: So, just pimples and red spots. The plot of the film pulled the guys out of reality, dragging them deep into semantic hallucinations. Every minute was so bright, but at the same time dark as ashes. All the moments merged into one whole, forcing them to concentrate on the events as closely as possible again. Strangely enough, the beginning of the film seemed the same for everyone – boring, but closer to the middle the plot began to develop, occupying the upper stage. The ads suspending the film gave the guys the opportunity to discuss one or another piece of the plot and share their opinions. Rick and Rene were the only ones talking in part, trying to keep the conversation going. Andrew didn't want to be a part of it, and Wally was just shy. Anyway, Wally joined the company and became friends with Rene. Together, they quietly watched the movie and went into the kitchen, where Walker put water on to boil. The guys sat down in front of the girls, arms crossed over their chests. It didn't take long to wait: the water boiled faster than anyone expected. Renee went through the glasses with a teapot, pouring them, and later, asking who preferred what, divided the drinks into two types: coffee and tea. At the table, everyone discussed the beginning and the ending, giving everyone the opportunity to express their opinion. By the way, if we talk about Wally, then, it seems, she seemed to the guys to be a good and decent girl. In one of the ads, Renee asked Wally a direct question about her age. According to her appearance, it could be defined as: young, so underage. Small, about fourteen years old, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. It's about appearance. She was an ordinary country girl with brown eyes that looked childishly trusting. His hair was dark, but in some places it turned red. The ears were noticeable in that, looking straight in the face, one could assume an extremely funny thing – locator ears. They were wearing earrings, for some reason of different shapes, but almost the same color. There was no makeup on her face, and her clothes were completely different from the ones people wear in this city. She didn't look like someone from the city at all. She didn't look like Rick either. Pure two drops of water, but different in shape, color, soul and almost by blood relationship. By their appearance, one would not have to ask the question: "are they brother and sister?", people would not even pay attention to this, considering them as friends. At least Wally got the looks and character from her mom-just as beautiful, slender and slightly confident. She's smart, and worthy of a normal life. So how old is she? Seventeen. The guys sat at the table in silence for the rest of the time, each thinking about his own. In fifteen minutes, Wally would have to leave, because today she wanted to make it to the village to visit her grandmother. It is important that she gets ready on time, does everything right on the nose and manages to get on the train in order to get home. Rick didn't seem to know about her arrival, so he didn't bother. Actually, Wally is looking for a new place closer to her future job, and she just stopped by to tell her cousin. Well, Rick did not tell his friends about his relatives and only hinted about it in some conversations. The main task remained to see Wally off and think about possible options that would help to understand why the director abruptly resold the restaurant, canceled the holiday and arranged a weekend.

—

"Come again," Rick said, hugging his sister. They hadn't seen each other for many years, and Wally had the opportunity to come to another city and see Rick. And it's like for one day, the main thing is that they spent that time together. Wally waved her free hand and smiled. She looked at everyone in turn, and later said goodbye as she opened the door. Rick helped her carry her bag to the taxi and hug her again. He saw off the car moving away from him without any emotion, standing almost in the middle of the road.