Page 44 of You + Me – Against the World

“I’d never thought about it. I’m hiring you.”

“But, Mr. Abrams, I—”

“I imagine this won’t be the last time I serve as your alibi. I advise you to say yes.”

“What will I have to do?” I ask, a little worried.

“I don’t know yet. Help me, I guess. After all, you don’t achieve anything alone in life. And you’ve finally understood that. Give Arcadi my regards.”

“Can I go?”

“Wait. Hitch, come here! He’s the one who will decide.”

Hitch?

“If he lies down at your feet, you’ve got yourself a job.”

A sort of plump sausage on very short legs enters the room at an incredibly slow pace, his long ears dragging along the floor. He sniffs my shoelaces, then the bottom of my pants, looks at me with his mournful, drooping eyes, lets out a sort of grunt, and collapses onto his side, as if he has just made the greatest effort of his existence. His glossy head, mottled brown and white, rests heavily on my shoe. He falls asleep almost instantly.

This dog blends perfectly into the surroundings: the same colors as the furniture, the same standoffish expression as his master, the same low, hoarse voice, the same weariness with life, and the same way of imposing himself.

“This is Hitchcock. He’s a Basset Hound. He doesn’t like humans much, but I love him more than my own son. For ten years, he has been my faithful assistant, and I think he’s earned a little rest now. Go on, leave, but don’t wake him up. See you tomorrow, Alma.”

16

Night has fallen when I finally stop in front of Vadim’s place, breathless and confused. I’d texted him that I would be late, but he hadn’t let me know that he wouldn’t be alone. Felix is standing across from him, on the sidewalk by the building. Loud and agitated, Felix is making sweeping gestures with his arms, while Vadim leans against the wall next to his front door, seemingly unfazed. I approach slowly, hoping Vadim will see me before I have to draw attention to myself. But it’s Mr. Hyperactive himself who catches my eye first and brings his little dance to a sudden halt.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Her Highness. You certainly took your time!”

“Hey, bestie, were you waiting for me?”

I’m not sure he appreciates me playing along with his dumb nickname routine.

“No, I don’t like princesses who play hard to get.”

“I think you need to lower your expectations, Felix. Learn not to bat out of your league.” I turn toward Vadim, who is chuckling quietly. “Sorry I’m late. We can go whenever you want.”

“I thought we were going clubbing, but he says we’re going to a restaurant. That works for me too,” Felix continues.

“Felix, repeat after me,” Vadim sighs. “‘I’m going to stop being annoying and go home like a good boy.’”

“Okay, man. I’ll wait for you at the Rooftop, in case your date goes badly and you need some cheering up.”

“I think I’ll be fine, Fe. Don’t worry about me.”

“Do you want us to wait for you at the restaurant? You know, in case you get turned away from the club because of… that?” With a sweeping wave of my hand, I gesture toward his outfit.

Evidently offended by my comeback, Felix lets out a bitter laugh.

“Well, now that you two have gotten acquainted, let’s get going,” Vadim says, amused by our verbal sparring.

“Take her to McDonald’s, man. She doesn’t deserve anything better.”

“Oh yeah, well at least you wouldn’t have any problems getting in there,” I fire back.

“Hey, Vadim, don’t they teach manners to rich kids like her?”

“Hey, Felix, don’t they teach you to speak to people directly instead of talking about them as if they weren’t there?”