Page 117 of My Boss

“Never mind. Last moment to change your mind. Are we going to the inn together or are we each eating separately today?”

His facial features harden. I can see that he is fighting with himself again. He wrinkles his forehead, moves his hand through his hair. He hesitates. He looks as if he is making the decision of a lifetime, until after a few minutes he finally capitulates.

“OK. But it must be quiet and peaceful.”

“We’ll find something.” I get into the car.

Well, it’s done. Only I’ll have to sneak somewhere secluded after eating to smoke, otherwise I’ll go crazy.

After visiting four inns, rejected by Jan because of the crowds, we finally manage to find a reasonably secluded place. When we go inside, the woman behind the counter immediately shows us a table for two in the corner.

“The lack of customers is probably because the food here is bad.” Jan pulls back my chair.

“Perhaps.” I sit down and immediately take the menu. I’m so hungry I don’t have the strength to whine. A quick glance and I make a spontaneous decision. “I’ll take the highlander’s potato pancake with goulash, it’s impossible to mess it up.”

“And here’s where you are mistaken.” Jan looks over the menu. “Meat can be stringy and vegetables undercooked.”

“Mhm. And I will order a mulled beer with sugar. What are you having?”

Jan reviews the menu. He reads each page carefully, like an astronaut studying the shuttle’s manual before launching himself into orbit.

He frowns, then clears his forehead, squints his eyes, and shakes his head, muttering something under his breath.

“Good afternoon. Are you ready to order?” I’m sure the waitress is asking both of us, but she only looks at Jan. She is clearly charmed by him.

Stare to your heart’s content. He’s mine, and at this point, he belongs first and foremost to the menu card, and neither of us has a chance.

“I’ll have the highlander’s potato pancake with goulash and mulled beer with sugar.” The woman glances at me indifferently, writes it down and then turns to Jan.

“And for you?”

Jan does not take his eyes off the menu.

“Is the pork loin coated in breadcrumbs alone or with flour?” he asks.

“I think with flour, but I can ask the cook.”

“No need for that.” He stares at the menu, thinking. “Are the tenderloins medium or well done?”

“Well, I would have to ask,”

“Never mind.” He turns the page. “Broth. Chicken or beef?”

“Definitely chicken.” The waitress smiles.

“With or without the addition of a bouillon cube?”

I burst into laughter. This is so much fun. If I weren’t so hungry, I think I’d be cheering for him.

“Er…” The woman moves from foot to foot. “Unfortunately, I would also have to ask.”

“No need.” Jan turns another page, and the waitress glances at me with eyes that say,I sincerely sympathize with you.

I bestow a broad smile upon her.

You see, girl, and your eyes were sparkling so much for him before.

“I’ll take crêpes in that case. Plain, without sides. Please serve the strawberry jam in a separate bowl.”

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