Page 91 of My Boss

“I’ll take my chances.”

There you go, did I just experiencedéjà vu?

“Since you want to get a ticket… ” I walk past him and head to the stairwell.

“I will include it in the costs of the business trip.”

I stop, turn around.

“It’s Christmas, Jan. No one goes on business trips during Christmas.”

“Christmas lasts for two days. Then a business trip is justified.”

“In that case, have a good trip.” I open the door, and then he holds it open.

“How much time do you need to pack?”

“And you are asking because…?” I go inside and head up the stairs toward the apartment.

“Because I thought we’d spend Christmas together,” he replies, and I feel like I have been struck by a bolt of lightning.

“Are you kidding me?” I stop and face him.

“I already told you, I’m not particularly good at telling jokes,” he says quite seriously. “Just like in failing to recognize wit, irony or facial expressions. I’d prefer you to say directly what you think.”

“What I think?”

“Yes.”

I squint, and the blood is bubbling in my veins.

“I think I have no idea what you are doing here and why you are babbling nonsense. This morning you made it clear to me that I have no place in your daily schedule. Go back to your place, exercise, eat breakfast, take a shower, clean up and don’t mess with my head.”

I turn around, fearing that my voice will tremble if I say another word. I climb every other step, reach my apartment, turn the key in the lock and open the door.

“You misunderstood our earlier conversation.” Jan stands right behind me.

“You are right. The words ‘you, me, a cabin in the mountains and a bed’ actually sound ambiguous and can be misunderstood.”

I go inside, he follows me. He immediately pulls off his shoes and coat.

“That’s not the conversation I was referring to.”

“Never mind. Put your clothes back on and return to your place.” I throw my McDonald’s bag on the hallway cabinet. “I’m tired. I want to take a shower and then go to bed.” I take off my boots, jacket…

“Why did you leave my apartment? Why didn’t you take my shirt? Why didn’t you answer the phone?” he asks as if he really doesn’t know.

I take a deep breath. I feel the coffee is losing its effect. The caffeine buzzing through my veins is replaced by the turbulence of my emotions.

“I left the apartment because you didn’t want me there. I didn’t take your shirt because it’s yours. I didn’t answer the phone because the battery died. Any more questions?”

“Where did you get the idea that I didn’t want you in my apartment?”

Jeez, I’m about to have a stroke.

“Jan, I asked you what your plans were, and you didn’t even breathe a word about me. You fiddled with your watch as if nothing else mattered to you. You didn’t even bother to look at me. You acted as if you wanted to get rid of me after you fucked me.”

He takes a deep breath.

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