«What are you doing?» the businessman asked with a smile. «Why are you trying to knock down my fence?»
«Not to worry, Mr. Limpson,» grinning, Ruslan assured him. «It will be okay. We’re just fixing the car.» As he explained, Mr. Limpson became serious, and he narrowed his eyes, searching this Russian.
«Last time we had a very interesting talk, Mr. Grafinsky,» he said to Ruslan. «I’d like to continue, but I have business to attend to. Would you come with me right now? My man will drive you home after.»
«I promised my friend to fix his car.» Untying the rope, Ruslan shook his head.
«You moron!» exclaimed Vlad, speaking Russian. «To hell with that piece of junk. We can fix it later. You shouldn’t lose your chance.»
«Listen to your friend, Mr. Grafinsky.» Unexpectedly, Mr. Limpson cut in. «Listen to your friend!»
The young men stared at him. «Do you understand Russian?»
«No.» Mr. Limpson snorted. «But I bet you told your friend not to push his luck.»
A slightly ashamed smile flashed on the lips of Ruslan. He glanced at Vlad, nodded, and got into the limousine.
Chapter 10: The Day of Love
David VanStein and Vlad Lapin were playing ping-pong in the recreational center.
They could not go home due to the experiment that was running in the laboratory, but it did not require their constant attention, so they had a little time to stretch their limbs.
They were playing and talking.
«I heard your friend helped you fix your car,» David said to Vlad.
«Ruslan is a handyman,» Vlad replied, hitting the ball. «I’m very glad that he met Mr. Limpson.»
«Yes, I was very surprised when I heard Mr. Limpson paid for his study here. Do you know why?»
«Because, I bet, Ruslan will be a second Edison, and Mr. Limpson is smart enough to realize it.» He made an adroit strike, and smiled. «That Christmas party was a very good idea.»
David thought about Marina. He missed the ball, and giggled nervously.
«When Marina sang that song, I was shocked,» the professor said, hoping his voice sounded casual enough.
«Yeah, David,» Vlad shook his head. «You should be more careful. In Russia, professors often have student lovers…»
David stood still, and lost the ball again. Vlad drew near to him, and continued, dropping his voice, «But as I know, here in the U.S.A. you can have trouble.»
«We are not lovers,» mumbled David. He looked at Vlad, and saw he did not believe him. «My God! I swear, nothing has happened between us.»
«Relax, professor.» Vlad tried to support his adviser. «I’ll be the last who will throw a stone at you.»