The wife was also part of the image. The foreign partners of Konstantin's firm did not negotiate with unmarried people and did not sign such serious contracts with them. A person who did not make promises to other people was considered an unreliable partner. Lola often had to accompany Konstantin to business dinners and dinner parties, so her only responsibility was to keep herself in perfect shape. Konstantin and Lola lived in different parts of the house and sometimes could not see each other for weeks. They were united by a common roof over their heads and complete satisfaction with their existing relationships. Their family nest was always empty, quiet and clean. The housekeeper came once a week, in the absence of the owners. The residents of the house did not cook – they returned well-fed from the city or ordered ready-made food. The refrigerator was almost always empty, and the stove in the kitchen became part of the interior, which, like many others, no one used.
One evening, while celebrating the signing of another contract with colleagues, Konstantin met his classmate Vladimir. Kostyan and Vovan met each other as if there had not been all these years separating them. They didn't notice how they had changed. Only half an hour later, Volodya asked how Kostya, dressed up in a suit, ended up in this place.
"I'm at the parade today," Vova said in a conversation, "celebrating the anniversary with my wife. In the morning, imagine, I forgot. But I'm smart, I got away with it. Said, that she'd have a surprise tonight. I have a friend who works here, and I've made an agreement.
– And my colleagues and I are celebrating the signing of the contract.
– I'll go. Mine's probably already worried. Call me sometime. Call me at home. The number is the same. Remember?
– I remember. I'll call you in a week.
Konstantin wasn't going to bring up the past. He promised to call everyone he met, but he did not call or leave his number. However, he glanced briefly at Vovka's wife. It was a fateful moment. In an instant, he lost confidence, detachment, and indifference. Lively, cheerful, sincerely smiling at Volodya, not an ideal, but naturally beautiful woman attracted Konstantin's gaze. She was mysterious and at the same time seemed familiar to him. He had met many women, but not one had caused such emotional excitement. Today, he had already missed the chance to get close to her. His colleagues insisted on the presence of the boss. Then, contrary to his rule, he already knew that he would call Vladimir.