Page 116 of My Boss

Yes, I know he doesn’t tolerate it. He has mentioned this before.

“I had good intentions,” I apologize humbly. “You also lied to me about the business trip when you had a hidden agenda to spend a passionate weekend with me in Szczyrk.”

“It was something else. I had to lie. I had no choice.”

“Is that so?” I raise my eyebrows. “So your lie is better than mine? I could forgive you, and you couldn’t forgive me?”

He closes his eyes.

“Good point,” he says in a softer tone. “Just don’t deceive me again.”

Well, he sounds mollified.

“Okay. Then why don’t I buy you dinner at the inn as an apology? We’ll drink mulled wine together.”

“I don’t go to inns.”

“To restaurants?”

“Neither.”

“To a milk bar?”

“No.”

“Pub?”

“No.”

“So you’re still angry.” I’m starting to get irritated.

“No, Maria. I don’t like to eat in public places. We’re going to get groceries at the store and make dinner at home.”

I stop. “Wait, am I to understand that you never eat out? You don’t go out for beer or parties anywhere?”

“Only if I am forced to do so as part of my job.”

I recall an outdoor company event in early summer. Jan showed up only briefly for the CEO’s speech, then vanished like a ghost.

I stare at him as he walks away toward the car. My brain is confused. I’m starting to see that our time together isn’t working out. I don’t want to go back to his place and just sit in silence, I feel like eating something good in a place full of other people.

“You know what, why don’t you go to your place, and I’ll walk to the inn. I’m starving, and by the time we make dinner, I’ll start chewing on my insides.”

“This is physically impossible.”

“What is?”

“Chewing on your own insides.” He opens the car door.

“I don’t know how I ever functioned without your pertinent insights. You are so wise.”

“Thank you. I think you are smart, too.”

“I was being ironic, Jan.” I get my purse from the seat.

“Regarding the fact that you’re starting to chew on your own guts or that I’m smart?”

I smile involuntarily.

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