«You go ahead to the river, named Neva.» Marina took a sip, and let out a quiet sigh. «The gray, barely blue sky seems so low you think you can touch it! It’s a seaside city, and there is a strong wind almost all the time. And so rarely the sun isn’t hidden behind clouds! This is why any bright day appears just like a holiday.»
Her voice broke, and Marina lowered her head thinking with surprise, «Why did I drink so much? Did I celebrate my dismissal or what?» She looked at Joe. He was staring at her, and she felt vexed seeing his blue eyes scanning her with clear male interest.
But, overloaded with nostalgia, the girl felt a burning wish to share her memories, no matter who was listening to her.
«You go along a quay,» she continued speaking as if in transcendental meditation. «And suddenly – bang! The air blows you with a loud sound of gunshot. It means it’s noon. It is a tradition. Every day at 12 p.m., a cannon fires, and you can even hear this noise far away from downtown.»
Marina hit a ball, then finished her drink, observing how Joe played his turn.
«When we were teenagers…» Marina moaned with memories, and, looking at her, Joe sensed a new feeling arise deep in his soul. Her cheeks were blushed, the curly locks of her messed white-gold hair framed her crimson face like the petals of a flower, and unlimited fondness for this amazing girl overflowed from his heart.
«When we were teenagers, we very much loved to walk on the street all night long. My God, Joe! You can’t even imagine how beautiful Saint-Petersburg is at night. In the summer time there are ’white nights.» It’s a north city, and in the middle of the night it is light on the streets…» She fell silent feeling herself close to tears.
«How did you come here?» Joe Jones asked, seeing she would not continue.
«I won a Green Card.» She took her cue and made a shot. «Vlad Lapin helped me to find this position. In Russia it’s very difficult to find a good job. Usually if you’re a woman you have to sleep with your boss not to be fired.»
«Here you don’t have to,» he said very quietly, but Marina understood his hint, and her arms went down weak. Joe hugged her again.
«Sorry, I don’t feel good.» Marina suddenly cried. «Please, don’t be offended. Can I just go home?»
«May I walk you?» he murmured. A storm of feelings raged in his soul. There was pity and anger, desire and pain for her, sweet tender dreams and wild erotic fantasies. All those thoughts and sensations made him confused.
She nodded. Joe went to the counter, paid, and they left the bar.