Page 123 of My Boss

I look at him dumbfounded. Did he just admit that he lives like a fucking monk?

“But why?”

“Because these are my rules.”

“Rules?”

“Yes. Well-established rules make life easier. Any breaking of the rules ends in disaster.”

“This is absurd. You might as well put a chain around your neck and handcuff yourself to a radiator. Rules mean enslavement.”

“You have no idea what you are talking about. Do you want to talk about something else? I’m busy.”

God, how he annoys me sometimes!

“Yes. We got an invitation to New Year’s Eve. My friends will be there, including Tadeusz.”

“How many people?”

I bite my lip. After all, I won’t admit right away that it’s probably a hundred because after what he just told me, there’s no way he’d agree.

“From us, most likely eight.”

Jan ponders for a moment.

“Eight is OK. Where?”

And this is where there will be a big problem.

“At the club. But we will have a separate area.”

“Forget it.”

“Jan, I don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve in front of the TV, but have a good time with friends. There will be a buffet. Alcohol. DJ. I want to dance…”

“Don’t count on me.”

What a stubborn pain in the ass.

“So what, should I go alone?” I cross my arms.

Jan clenches his jaws. He doesn’t say anything. He looks at the disassembled watch. Well, I’m going to murder him, God willing.

“Jan, goddammit. Look at me and answer. Should I go alone?”

He slowly lifts his head. His eyes are dark, cool.

“Do as you see fit. I, for one, am not going.”

“And you want us to sit at home during all days off? No going out for beer, dinner, disco, cinema?”

“I had planned to go skiing, but for reasons we both know that is out of the question. We can go for walks.”

“For walks? That’s some entertainment. You are less than forty years old, not eighty!” I raise my voice.

“Thirty-eight, nine months and twenty-one days.”

“What?”

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