Muse for the artist

On the way home, I dropped by another jewelry store and bought a bracelet for my friend. I was home by six. Rita called me.

– Hi, friend, have you forgotten that I am expecting you at eight? Let’s wave karaoke, sing something.

– Hi, sorry, I was busy a little. I ran to the shops. And then I met Max there with some kind of new girlfriend who looks like a fitball. – I described the girl I saw with Max.

– Fuu! And how could he trade you for that?

– I do not know. It doesn’t matter.

Can you imagine, I rushed from there that I almost knocked down the guard, who took me for a terrorist or a thief. But I explained to him, he was an understanding man. He said that I was beautiful and so that I would not take a steam bath, but found myself another.

– The case speaks. And then you sour here on Max.

– No longer.

– What, the artist announced?

– Not really. You see, the guard’s name is Mikhail and I got overwhelmed that I should call this artist, like it’s a sign. Stupid, right?

«Not at all. Fight fire with fire. Moreover, he himself was waiting for your call, he gave you a business card. So how is it? Are you dating now?

– Not really. He wants to draw me. Took me to Fantasia today.

– Where? Repeat! Am I right?

– Not. I was in the «Fantasy» restaurant.

– You talk about it as if it were something ordinary. How is it there?

– Everything is too expensive there. Coffee and dessert cost a lot of money.

– Wow. You said you were broke now.

– He didn’t let me pay. I paid for everything myself.

– Wow! This is a gift of fate!

– He offered me a contract for our joint activities in writing his paintings. A strange contract. And in general, he himself is strange.

– He’s a foreigner, and they are all obsessed with his contracts. Will you send me an e-mail to read it?

Better wait for me, I’ll come now and we’ll discuss everything. Fuck karaoke. I’ll buy a bottle of wine along the way, it’s my birthday after all. and there is no one to celebrate except you. So what’s next?

– He offers to live with him for a month and pay all expenses. And a hundred thousand dollar fee. For my wasted time.

– All, wait for me, I’ll be there soon. And you, friend, will tell me everything!!!

– I’m waiting. Let’s order some food. I bought a present too.

– Come on, don’t worry. I’m already flying.

A friend arrived in half an hour by taxi.

– Hello, give me your contract!

– Hello. Happy Birthday again! – I hugged Rita and handed her a red box.

– Wow! You shouldn’t have gone broke like that, Jan. But thanks anyway! You always know what I want! Give your contract. And while I’m reading, you pour our favorite and cut the cake that I brought.

– Here. Read it. I’ll do everything for now.

– Well.

At the end of the reading, my friend was absolutely delighted!

– Listen, can he draw me for that kind of money? I kapets, as it is necessary!

– I’ll ask if you want. I do not care.

– What are you saying? You understand that the interest on the deposit from such amounts is greater than our salary taken together!!! And do you prefer to go out on Max. If I were you, I would agree, and then I would arrange a chance meeting for Max and show myself a new one. You passed your license a year ago. A great opportunity to buy a car and arrange repairs from your parents as you wanted. She herself said that it is high time for them to update the furniture and the interior as a whole.

– I do not know, all this is too similar to a fairy tale.. What if he is a maniac? Kill me and that’s it, you don’t have to pay anything.

Come on, all his passport details are here. Look, I know who can back us up. My uncle is in my organs, remember? He will hit him in the base.

– Well, but only from people with such money, everything in the organs is bought and seized.

– Do not boil, Yanka! If you don’t want it, don’t! I’ll go. I need money. And I’m not afraid of maniacs. They seem to be afraid of me! At least one suggested normal sex or at least a good restaurant.! Impotents are alone and homeless!

– Friend, well, you give! Maybe you’re looking in the wrong place?

– It’s easy for you to say! You only have a couple of months with a little boyfriend, and I have almost six! I have already registered on all dating sites! And zero sense! Men, like women, began to want only loot and PR. One recently wrote to me. Like, let’s swing to Italy. You just buy the vouchers, and as soon as we return from the trip, I will pay for everything. Sure! He will pay! How is it? Alphonse, damn it. And all dating sites are crammed with such reptiles. Either a bastard or a freak. Such that it is scary to watch, not like meeting.

So choose, Janusik, either you agree now or I take the artist myself.

«I told him I’ll think about it for a few days. And we need to resolve the issue of vacation, if I agree.

– Good. We’ll wait three days, think about it. We will decide there.

We chatted for a couple of hours and Ritka flew away after another boyfriend called in the hope that she would be lucky at least on her birthday. All these two hours, Rita persistently tortured You should persuade me to sign an agreement or give Mikhail’s phone number. I didn’t give the number. She said that it would be indecent of me. But she promised to ask Misha if he could draw Rita. Something in me prevented me from simply taking and giving Rita my new acquaintance. Probably just with him I forgot about Max at least for a short time.

I was about to go to bed and saw a message on my phone.

– I wish sweet dreams to my muse. I’m waiting for your decision, Yana. I hope for a positive answer.

– Thank. Good night to you too. The solution will be as agreed. I’ll tell.

An emoticon came back with a smile. But I didn’t answer.

I could not sleep for another three hours. Too intense events spun in my head. Max, Mikhail… It’s all over with Max, now for sure. But without him in this apartment, in this bed, it is still cold and uncomfortable. There was a reminder of him everywhere in the apartment.. I was thinking about how Max might have cheated on me. How he strokes this fat body and he likes it.. Lord, why her? Why is it better? Max always asked me to get better, but I love to take care of myself and I don’t want to be like that..

It is obvious that our paths with Max parted completely and irrevocably. But the smell of his perfume still seemed to reign in the apartment. The whole sofa was impregnated with it. No, I can’t do this anymore. It is necessary to change the situation. Rita is right, I’m a complete fool. Enough to go out on Max. Most likely I will still sign the contract. Otherwise, I’ll just go crazy in this apartment. And even worse – I’ll go humiliate myself and ask him to return to me. Or start following him…

After a hard day, my thoughts were confused and I realized that I should at least try to sleep. She turned on the TV, there was some kind of black and white film. After some time, I still fell asleep.

Part 2

The next day started off quite interesting.

First, I saw a message on the phone from Mikhail. «Good morning and good day to my muse.»

– I thought for a long time what to answer, but then I wrote.

«And have a nice day, Mikhail. I ask you to call me by name if you hope to continue our communication.»

The answer came in five minutes. «I beg your pardon, Yana, I didn’t mean to offend you. I like you very much.»

I smiled a little, but it was nice.

«It’s okay. I just prefer the name.»

I got a smiley face again with a smile. And a message. «Yana, can I call you?»

– Yes, I answered Mikhail. And then I heard the call.

– Hello, Yana? What are you doing?

– I’m going for a walk.

Keep company?

– No thanks. I like to walk alone in the morning. Helps to collect thoughts.

– You approach the process thoroughly, right?

– Yes I am trying.

– Can’t you set aside an hour to go somewhere with me? In the cinema, for example, or in the theater? Or just have a coffee?

– Sorry, I really can’t today. I have to be at work in a couple of hours.

– Good. Tell me when can we meet?

– On Tuesday after six I am free. In Mikhail, I want to say about your proposal.. If they give me a vacation, I agree. Only on one condition.

– I am very glad, but what is the condition?

– You won’t touch me with your finger without my consent, and more: there should be a window in my room and the room should not be higher than the first floor and be closed from the inside.

– Are you afraid of me?

– It’s just my terms. My parents just also have a room on the ground floor with windows to the courtyard. Habit.

«These are reasonable security requirements, Yana. I understand. And to calm you down, I’ll tell you that you can invite guests, for example, a friend. But only once a week. I do not like strangers in the house when I work.

– Yes, because it’s calmer. Can I come with her. She just read the contract yesterday and she convinced me to agree. I just don’t really like this kind of extreme. A close relative of Rita works in the police and if that…

– Yes… You really approach everything thoroughly. But this is correct. And let your friend come with you for a couple of days. This will make you more comfortable.

It is unlikely that it will be comfortable for me to live in the same house with a stranger.

– Why then did you agree?

– We’ve got rats in the entrance. The house committee called a special service, but they asked to wait two weeks. They have a queue of such applications there. And these creatures ignore mousetraps and even poison and constantly catch my eye.

– Understand. Do not worry. Come with a friend, I’ll show you the house. You can go to the sauna or pool. I always have warm water there.

– Do you have a sauna and a swimming pool in your house?

– Yes, you need to somehow relieve stress after work. I write a lot to order, even abroad. Old connections help.

– Clear. Oh well. Then on Tuesday at half past six in the cafe «Our yard». This is about my job.

– Good. I hope you don’t change your mind until Tuesday.

– I’ll try. Goodbye, Mikhail.

– See you, Yana.

I was partly true about rats. Once I saw a mouse in our entrance. True, that was a long time ago.

On Tuesday I went to work in my burgundy pantsuit, which was complemented by a white blouse. She gathered her hair in a high ponytail and complemented her image of a business woman with a scent with spicy notes. All the same, in the evening I had an important meeting. All day I sat on pins and needles. I almost spoiled the report and kept looking at the clock. They also gave me a vacation. True, at their own expense.

Colleagues at first whispered, and then Masha still asked where I was in such a hurry. I just said that I have an important meeting. And that one of these days I will take a vacation at my own expense and leave the city. I didn’t say anything about Mikhail to anyone. In principle, I do not like to lie. And I always tell the truth, but I didn’t want to tell anyone but Rita this truth. I needed it. This move for a while, a change of scenery. This is an adventure and extreme. Now I really needed it. And so, my ordeal ended and I exhaled deeply, leaving work. I felt that this decision would somehow change my life. Change finally and irrevocably. I was very scared, but my legs carried me towards the cafe.

Mikhail was waiting for me at the entrance, as usual. And in his hands was another bouquet of five roses, only these were not pure white, but with a pink tint.

– Do you always look that good?

– Not really.

– I do not trust you. You are beautiful, Yana. And this cafe is not for you.

– I like it. Everything is simple and clear here.

– Good. But a guest will join us. This is my notary. In case you want to sign a contract.

– In case I change my mind, will you just let me go?

– Yes. have you finished reading yet? You will still receive a third of the promised amount.

– I read the contract. Just clarifying. But I don’t understand why?

– Just. Consider it just an accident. Or imagine winning the lottery. Have you solved your vacation issue?

– Yes. Things are good.

– Well. Read the agreement again and sign if you agree. Evgeny Nikolae HIV will be here soon, he will assure everything as it should be.

In about ten minutes a tall, thin man joined us. We discussed the details of the contract and I am a lawyer convinced me that the contract is very beneficial for me and I have nothing to worry about.

I signed. In addition, Rita still punched Misha through the database. More precisely, it was her uncle who did it. Wright Mikhail Yurievich. Pure as water in holy springs. A friend finally convinced me to accept the artist’s proposals and asked me to introduce him.

I wrote an application retroactively at work and tomorrow I am free and can move.

The lawyer left, having done everything necessary.

We agreed that I would move the next day after lunch. A friend will come to me at six and we will go together. She has a day off the day after tomorrow. Mikhail agreed without any problems. He said that Rita could stay for two or even three days. In general, this meeting took place in a light, calm atmosphere. Mikhail talked a little about life abroad. The lawyer also managed to visit some places. They told me interesting stories and I even laughed a little. Mikhail asked me about work, parents, hobbies, even told me a little about his childhood. Then he brought me home and we said goodbye politely. My artist behaved more than culturally and while I did not even know what to think.

Entering the apartment, the first thing I did was dialed to Rita and said that she could live with me for two or three days. A friend of this fact was incredibly happy. She was in a hurry to persuade Mikhail to become the next model and even hinted at paintings with a slight erotic overtones. It even amused me, although, to be honest, it was a little annoying. I only pretend that I don’t care. But I like Michael. I like his attention. The next morning after signing the contract, a bouquet of eleven roses was delivered with a note. «I’m really looking forward to this evening and you. Thank you for agreeing. Mikhail»

At the appointed time, Mikhail drove up to pick us up. Seeing a black, just a huge white SUV, Rita broke down and swore loudly right at the entrance. Today Mikhail arrived with a driver who quickly loaded my modest suitcase into the trunk. Rita and I sat in the back seat, and Misha sat in front of the driver.

– You have such an amazing car! – Rita pompously admired. – It’s just amazing! Is the leather natural?

– Yes, – Misha answered modestly. – I took this car for safety and comfort.

«Can you really be in danger?» The girlfriend did not calm down.

«The road is full of danger, my lady.

– I’m Margarita. But just call me Rita. Or maybe Margot.

– Okay, Margarita. Don’t you drive yourself?

– I don’t, but Yanka can do it. She even got her license last year.

– That’s great, Yana. – Mikhail winked at me in the mirror. – And what is your car.

– I don’t have a car yet.

«Her ex-boyfriend had,» Rita interjected. – An ordinary Russian clunker.

– On this clunker, Rita, we took you out of the club many times.

I have already begun to get angry with my friend for telling me about my past, which I least want to remember. I quietly pinched Rita, but she stubbornly ignored my urge to shut up and continued the conversation with Misha.

– You know, Maxim, well, this is Yana’s ex, he was about nothing. He only made himself a prince. But you really look like a real king. This I tell you for sure. This is Yanochka, we are shy. But she’s just gold.

– Here I agree with you, Margarita. Yana is just a great girl.

– Thank you, Misha.

I noticed how Mikhail stubbornly called his friend by her full name. As if trying to show the distance between them. But Ritka stubbornly wanted to shorten this distance.

– Well, please, Mikhail, let’s switch to you. Just call me Rita. We’re almost friends already! And in general, I dream that Janusya will get married sooner. Put on a chic white dress and live like a queen.

– Rita! Expensive! Maybe enough? If I get married, it won’t be soon, believe me. Plus, I never dreamed of becoming a queen. Just because I don’t like dresses and heels.

– Well, the queen is free to wear what she wants. -Michael tried to smooth out the tension that hung between me and Rita.– It seems to me that Margarita just wants to see her best friend happy.

– Of course, Mikhail! I’m sure you’re offended by me? – Rita exponentially pouted lips brightly painted with red lipstick.

– No, Rit, it’s okay. – I squeezed out of myself and turned to the window.

I will never become like Rita, I thought to myself. She is self-confident, loves bright makeup, knows how to attract the attention of men. And I… a gray mouse that runs into the unknown just to escape from itself. I was silent, and Rita kept asking Mikhail about his house, car and something else.

Misha noticed my mood change and tried to fix it.

– We’re almost there. What would you girls like to do in the evening? There is a sauna, swimming pool, billiards, bowling.

– LTD! How delightful it is! I think we should celebrate Yana’s Vacation. She’s all early going there in a couple of months. And of course our acquaintance!

– Yana, what do you say? – Mikhail looked at me worriedly.

«I just wouldn’t mind having dinner.

– Well, you are as always, friend. Modesty itself. Mikhail, do not be offended, but I want to arrange a holiday for my friend, if you don’t mind, otherwise she’s sour lately, like spoiled sour cream.

– Rita, don’t. Maybe Mikhail has more important things to do.

– Don’t worry, Yana. Things can wait a bit. I also really want to celebrate your arrival. Well, girls, we are there.

…

We entered the house. By the way, the house was surrounded by a high stone fence. You just can’t get there.

– It looks like a fortress, said Rita, entering the courtyard. – just a real palace!

– Yana, do you like it? – Mikhail’s brown eyes looked straight into the soul, trying to see the answer before I voiced it.

– Very beautiful. And the air is also very beautiful here.

– That is why the house is in the forest. The city is too dusty and noisy.

«You don’t like noise?» Rita asked obsessively. – Then you and Yana will definitely make friends. Give her peace and quiet too. You can’t even drag her to the club for an hour. Well, Mikhail, you are definitely a prince from a fairy tale, and I would also like to be a princess. As soon as you finish working on Yana’s paintings, I will be happy to be your muse.

Misha paid no more attention to my friend than to waiters in a restaurant or cafe. He only promised that he accepted her application and would try to realize her desire in the nearest free time. But not earlier than early next year.

Rita was happy anyway. Her smile now shone as brightly as the white gold on the bracelet I had given him. We drank champagne and ate various snacks. Mikhail talked about different trips and travels. The evening passed unnoticed. The room in Mikhail’s house was on the first floor by my order. I haven’t even taken things apart yet. I just took out a swimsuit, a bathrobe and a pool towel. Mikhail did not take his brown piercing eyes off me. At times it seemed to me that I was blushing terribly. I tried to wrap myself up in a robe more when I left the pool, so as not to provoke Mikhail to show more vivid feelings. But Rita had a full blast. Taking with her a revealing pink bikini, the girlfriend flaunted her hips while walking by the pool. It even started to annoy me a little, but Mikhail still looked at me all evening, practically without taking his eyes off.

Ritka stayed with me in the room for the night. The bed was huge. And besides, there was a folding chair nearby. But Rita lay down next to me while we chatted, and then we just disconnected from reality and fell asleep.

…

In the morning Mikhail knocked on our bedroom.

– Girls, I brought you coffee and breakfast.

I hurried to open it, putting on my robe. And Rita quickly pulled on my T-shirt, in which I arrived yesterday, remaining under the covers.

– Oh thanks. Very nice. Will you have breakfast with us?

– No, girls, I have things to do now for a couple of hours. Yana, can we start working in the afternoon?

– Yes of course.

– Well. Then the house is at your disposal. And I’m on business. There is security in the yard. Rita, can I give you a ride to town or will you stay with Yana until lunchtime?

– Oh, thanks, if you don’t mind I’ll stay, otherwise she will be bored here alone. Really, Janok?

– Of course, we’ll call a taxi later.

«Ah… can’t I stay here one more evening?

– Sorry, Margarita, but I want to start working with Yana today. I understand that this may not be very polite towards you, but I promise you can see Yana next weekend. My guard will be on business at one o’clock. He can lead you where you need to go.

«Okay,» Rita answered with obvious irritation. But you two owe me the same great program next weekend as last night.

– Rita, calm down, I think it’s impolite. We are with you.

– Oh, sorry, but Misha himself said: two or three days. and now he is sending me home. And you, Yanochka, could persuade him to leave me for another day.

– I beg your pardon, Margarita, – Mikhail was also obviously irritated by my friend’s obsession. You’re right, Margarita, I promised two or three days. Perhaps it is already impolite of me to ask you to leave my house earlier. Stay. I just can’t work when there are strangers in the house. But nothing, I’ll start work a day later.

– Come on, I will not strain the owner of the house. I understand everything, you are a creative person. So do it. And I’m leaving for lunch. – Rita pouted again and made a sad look. Usually on men this look worked flawlessly. But Misha turned out to be an exception and only answered indifferently:

– Okay, rest girls. If you have any questions, please contact the security. There is a coffee machine in the kitchen and all products are in the refrigerator. In the hall on the second floor there is a home theater and a game console.

– Young man, you are so kind, – Ritka yelled – only take care of Yana and don’t frighten her. It’s hard for her, poor thing, in this life.

– Rita, no lamentations. Everything’s fine with me.

Mikhail looked seriously at me, then at Rita.

«She’s completely safe here. I will take dust from it.

– Not worth it. I can go to the shower. – I tried to defuse the situation.

– I have to go. I’ll see you at lunchtime. Don’t be bored here.

«Have a good day,» I said to Mikhail, and he, smiling with satisfaction, left the room.

– This is not a man!!! This is a diamond!!! – Rita said with delight. Look! You are in a fairy tale! People pay crazy money for such a thing, and this is all for you for twenty-five days! Wow!

– I like the house too.

– «I also like the house» – my friend mimicked me. What’s your tone? I’m sure he liked you! He hardly looks at me, but does not take his eyes off you! Unscrew it and marry yourself!

– You are crazy? I don’t need his money.

– Then why did you go here? AND? Do you think he’ll just paint you? Don’t be so naive! Yes, he will sleep with you and pay! Well, maybe draw too, of course. But sleep definitely!!!

– But the contract states that any intimate relationship is only on my initiative.

– Well, go ahead? Show initiative!

– No, Rita! I went here only for one simple reason! – I can no longer be at home alone. I see Max everywhere there! I can’t eat, sleep there! I just can’t, you know? Going to your parents is not an option. I tried it when Max left a note. I thought I’d quit, return to my hometown. But there is rotten stuff. I need this job. Here the salary is not too high, but enough for life. And in their hometown, half of the population is either unemployed or with a minimum salary. And here I can at least help my parents financially. I send them ten thousand a month. Mom needs medicine. And dad often mopes.

– Damn, I’m sorry… You’re out of hopelessness, and I’m here, you fool, I’m glad.

– Come on, everything is fine. Let’s break through. I’ll be a little muse for the artist. And then how it goes. I don’t want to guess. Vaughn made a wedding with Max, and he…