– Does he work?
– You know, he has been a librarian for all his life, just for fun. And he is happy. He loves his job; however his income is not so big. He is a professor of American modern history and he lectures in some local colleges from time to time. Sometimes for free.
– Wow! It’s exciting.
– Yes, but his dream is to relocate to Germany, the sooner the better. He has a lot of relatives in Munich, as his father is German. So, in a few months, with million dollars in his pocket, Ronny will be able to do everything he has planned and desired. And I’m happy for him because he is a very good guy.
Dan thought for a while and then asked me.
– Vika, did you like Diane’s party? A lot of unknown people were there yesterday. Was it boring?
– No, Dan. For me it wasn’t boring at all. I loved Diane’s party. Thank you and my special thanks to Diane.
– Okay then. – Dan was pleased.
– And do you have any thoughts about Diane’s mood during the party, dear? What was wrong with her? She looked so upset and depressing when we were leaving her house.
– Yesterday night Diane received a few unexpected texts and weird phone calls; it made her extremely disappointed.
Dan thought over.
– Oh, I can see.
And I remembered how nervously Diane deleted the unknown cell phone number.
8. Diane and Her Scions
My cell phone suddenly rang. I looked at the watch, it was midday.
– Danny, It’s time to go to Diane for lunch. Stacy is calling to remind us about the invitation.
– Say hi from me to Stacy, and lets’ go.
Dan was in a hurry. He gave me a plastic bag with his old swimming shorts and started to call someone.
– Listen Dan, do you have any other swimming shorts?
– Why? Don’t you like my pink ones? I’m busy now Vika, sorry. Shhhh. – My husband was irritated by my question.
– My swimming shorts are my favorite for more than ten years already. Should I throw them out just because you dislike them? – Dan continued our conversation in a few minutes after making an order for three big pizzas by phone.
– No, dear. You can keep them forever, if you like. The thing is that they are too short and too tight for you. Not your size, honey. Moreover, they wore through already, and one can see your balls because of the shabby fabric and wearing holes. – I answered quietly.
Dan burst out laughing, but he was very angry with me.
– What? Are you seriously concerned about that, sweetie? – He stared at me.
– Yes, I am. You are going to swim in Diane’s swimming pool today, and I do not want my husband to embarrass anyone there, especially Diane’s young granddaughters.
– Ha-ha-ha! You are funny, Vika. Do you think the girls haven’t seen man’s balls yet? My swimming shorts are nobody’s business. And nobody ever told me that they disliked what I was wearing. You, Vika, are the only person who constantly tries to criticize me. Please relax, dear. This is not Russia. You are in America, in a free country, honey! – He almost screamed out.
I really couldn’t understand the connection between free country, man’s balls and Dan’s swimming shorts, it sounded strange to me, but I answered:
– Okay, dear. I can hear. Please, do not try to yell at me in this free country, ok?
– Oh, I’m so sorry, sweetie. I didn’t want to offend you. Sorry. – Dan made faces and fell down on his knees in front of me. – I love you so much, my dear. I am so sorry. Please, forgive me!
“What an actor my husband is!” – I sadly thought and gave him a troubled look.
Dan’s face suddenly became pale. He stood up, and without saying a word left the house. He started his car and drove to the nearest “Target” to buy a new pair of modern swimming shorts.
In twenty minutes he came back home as if nothing happened. To my surprise, he was calm and content, brought a bouquet of fresh chrysanthemums and a box of See’s Chocolates for me with a notice inside, “I love you always, my sweet flower!”
Diane, Nick and Stacy were already waiting for us.
We were in a hurry to go to Diane’s lunch.
– You look so cool, Vika. I love your dress and shoes. Where did you buy them? – Stacy asked me and looked at her mother-in-law. – She has a very good taste, mom.
Diane nodded Stacy and put her sun-glasses on. Her eyes were swelled up.
I noticed that Diane was a little bit nervous and looked like she was in deep sorrow.
But she smiled at me.
During the lunch my husband’s friends were talkative and asked me and Slava a lot of questions about Russia and America.
When the men went to swim, Diane and Stacy at once paid attention at Dan’s new swimming shorts.
– Vika, was it your initiative?
– Yes, it was.
– Great! – The both women started to giggle like little girls.
– Dan, your new swimming shorts fit you so much, – Stacy shouted out.
– Thank you! – Dan cried out.
He climbed out from the pool and first he threw out his chest with pride; then he showed everyone his new shorts like the models do in shows.
– Free show for today. Especially for you, ladies! – Dan had real fun.
Stacy and Diane giggled again and we continued our girl’s conversation.
Suddenly the home phone rang, and Diane answered it. In a moment she gave the phone to Stacy and asked her daughter-in-law to speak with the caller.
– Please love, talk to them for me. How dare they call me back? Yesterday I definitely let her know that I have no intention at all to speak neither to her, nor him. Never!
Stacy answered the phone politely, and for several minutes she was listening to someone with all attention, not saying a word in reply. Then she gave the phone back to Diane.
– This is Edward’s Doctor. Please Diane, listen to him.
Diane refused to speak or listen to anyone. She started crying, apologized for her being so nervous and impolite and left the lunch table.
Stacy was confused. She didn’t expect such reaction from Diane. She took the phone back from Diane’s hands and didn’t know what to do.
Fortunately, Nick came up. He was wrapped in the big soft blue towel.
– Could you turn this fucking telephone off, darling? How many times should I ask you – Nick was very agitated.
– Diane doesn’t let me, Nick. It’s her house. – Stacy replied to her hubby.
– She