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‘No, my dear – it’s all right. I know Viktor of old, and wearelooking for some fresh recruits as it happens – trainees and so on. Come and see me next week and we’ll talk, all right?’
Auer moved on and Viktor and Leila chatted to the other guests. Leila spotted Minki from time to time among the crowd, laughing and drinking, her pretty face pink with excitement and alcohol. Glancing at her watch, she realised it was well past nine o’clock, the time they had agreed to leave. She worked her way over to her friend.
‘Are you all right, Minki?’
‘Of course, darling. I’m having a wonderful time. And you seem to have found a friend.’ Minki nodded towards Viktor. ‘He’s a top book publisher you know; you should grab him.’
‘I know, and he’s very nice, but I really think we ought to go now. We agreed on nine, and it’s already half past. You did promise.’
‘Oh, don’t be such a bore, Leila. You go if you want to, but I’ve just met someone and he’s not given me his address yet.’ She kissed Leila’s cheek airily, and drifted away across the room.
Leila turned to Viktor. ‘It’s been lovely to meet you, but I really ought to be going.’
‘Can I see you home?’
‘I don’t want to drag you away.’
‘You’re not, I assure you.’
‘Well, that would be very kind…if you’re sure.’
‘What about your friend?’
Leila watched Minki draping her arms round the neck of a pale-faced man. ‘I really ought to drag her away, but she’s pretty determined to stay. Better not to argue with her. She’ll be all right.’
Walking through the moonlit streets, Viktor offered Leila his arm. As she hooked her arm through his, it felt natural and comfortable.
‘Did you enjoy the party, Leila?’
‘Yes – and thank you for introducing me to so many people. But I was troubled by what your friend Erhard had to say.’
‘He takes these things to heart. He had a terrible experience, obviously. But the paper’s back on its feet. He still has a lot of support from the Social Democratic Party – and he’s determined to carry on.’ He smiled down at her and patted her hand. ‘Try not to let it worry you too much.’
As they walked along the riverbank, Leila found herself wondering whether Viktor was married perhaps, with children? Was he the sort of man who left his wife at home and seduced pretty girls at parties? She hoped not, but realised she needed to find out a little more about him.
When they arrived at her parents’ apartment, Leila unhooked her arm from Viktor’s. ‘Well…this is me. Thank you for walking me home. I hope you don’t have too far to go?’
‘Oh no…as it happens I only live a couple of blocks away.’
She held out her hand. ‘Well…goodnight then.’
He took her hand. ‘Leila,’ he began nervously, ‘would you think me very forward if I asked to see you again?’
‘No, not at all,’ she replied. ‘But won’t your wife mind?’
‘My wife?’ He looked slightly shocked. ‘Oh…I should have explained earlier. I used to be married, but my dear wife, Saskia, died five years ago.’
‘Oh…I’m so sorry.’ Leila blushed. ‘That was crass of me.’
‘Not at all! Why would you not think I was married? For your information – I’m forty-one, my wife died when she was only thirty-two, and I miss her very much. We had no children, which in some ways is a blessing, but in other ways less so. They would have given me somebody to love…’ He looked wistful suddenly. ‘No, I asked you out because I like you. I feel comfortable with you and, if I’m honest, you’re the first person I’ve wanted to spend time with since Saskia died.’
Although surprised, Leila was delighted. ‘I’d be pleased to see you again, Viktor. Really.’
‘How about Saturday? We could have dinner if you like.’
‘Perfect.’
‘I’ll pick you up here, shall I? At seven?’
