Mikołaj did shopping and returned to the car. He felt strange knowing that someone was waiting for him while shopping.
"Thank you for giving me a lift. I didn't want to take your time. You definitely have better things to do."
"Nonsense. I've already said that I like to spend time with you. And that I don't have many friends here."
"For sure every girl at work..." he paused. What did he want to say exactly?
The Szwedas only smiled.
"I'm sorry," Skrzynecki murmured.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I don't feel offended. You have nice friends, but I am not tempted to spend time with them. I really prefer the company of men."
"Well, I don't doubt."
"Why this sarcasm?" He laughed. "It's true that I'm gay, but I really don't go to bed with everyone. I have many non-gay friends and I often spent time with them. After all, you do not sleep with every woman you meet. More or less carefully, but you make selections based on current needs."
"Hey, don't analyze my sex life."
"But you know that I am right. Sometimes you go to bed with someone for the pleasure of the moment, sometimes because you feel lonely, and sometimes because you not only desire but also like that person."
Mikołaj wanted to ask which group he belonged to, but it seemed strangely embarrassing.
And to which group did Stefan belong to him?
"I like you," the Szwedas said, taking the bend. "I told you that already. You have a really attractive personality and I feel good in your company. You are physically attracted to me and we are compatible. It's not that bad, is it?"
Stefan was open and honest. You didn't have to pretend with him. Weird.
"I don't know," admitted Mikołaj. "Then, in Tenerife, you were an adventure that was never to be repeated. It was repeated and I'm with it... Strange."
The Szwedas laughed again.
"Right? Do you know that you said our agreed password?"
"What?"
"Just now. You said 'then, in Tenerife'."
"But this ..." Skrzynecki suddenly felt panic.
"Are you backing away?"
"I didn't even agree to these terms! It was only your invention!"
"But you didn't feel so bad with me, did you?"
"I'm tired. I have a fever. You would leave me alone."
"Well, I'll let you go, but on one condition."
"No conditions."
"Please. Pretty please."
"Do I talk to a child?"
"Let's go somewhere together. To a bar, for example. For a beer or vodka."
"Do you want to get me drunk and take me to bed again?"
"If only possible."
Mikołaj laughed.
"I don't promise sex, but we can go out for a beer. But first let's deal with the matter of the new offer. Otherwise I will not get along with it."
"Then I'll try to deal with it quickly."
***
Drugs worked. Similarly, a great night's sleep. Although Mikołaj still sniffed, it seemed that he had got rid of the cold before he had spread it for good. He slept so well that he got up late in the morning. He was already late for work.
He hurriedly dialed the number on Łukasz's desk.
"Sales development department, Łukasz Komorowski, How can I help you?."
"Łukasz, it's me. I'm sorry, I'm a little late."
"Relax, we're in control."
"That's good. I'll be in forty minutes. No, in half an hour."
"Relax," his subordinate repeated. "You only take buck one hour of overtime."
Łukasz had a very composed voice. Under his influence, Mikołaj felt that the tension related to his unusual lateness was leaving him.
"You're right. Thanks. See you soon."
Skrzynecki knew that he was very lucky to work with these people. Not only were they good employees, but above all great colleagues. You just wanted to work with such a team.
Just in case, he took another dose of medicine and calmly went to work.
"Good morning everyone," he said cheerfully, opening the door. "I'm sorry for being late…"
The rhythm of his speech was disturbed by the sight of a dark-haired girl sitting behind Elwira's desk. He had never seen her before. He looked questioningly from her to Łukasz and Ewa.
"Good morning" girl got up. She was short, small and had huge, almond eyes. "My name is Kinga Rokosz and from today I will work part-time as your assistant."
"As mine ... I'm sorry but I don't know what's going on here. Is this a joke?"
"I assure you not. I am fluent in French, English and Russian. I was supposed to start working in the advertising department, but due to shortages in this department I received a temporary transfer. During my studies I worked in EMCorporation, where I also did an internship. For personal reasons I decided to move here. So I already have experience in sales and preparation of contracts and complaints. I learn quickly, so it shouldn't take me long before I learn the procedures."
"Oh."
"This is no mistake," Łukasz said. "Ewka has already checked everything."
"In that case," said Mikołaj, approaching a small, serious girl "welcome to our team. Mikołaj Skrzynecki, temporary department manager. Call me Mikołaj."
"Okay, Mikołaj"
"So what's the situation today?" He looked at his desks and subordinates.
"I'm up to date," said Ewka.
"I have a few outstanding cases, but nothing to scold for heaven. Our new friend has taken over several annexes."
"Seriously?"
"I have more experience in complaints, so I'd love to try there, but I was told that only you know them."
Mikołaj wondered what is the point of teaching someone to do this job if that person appears only for a moment.
"How long will you be with us?"
"Until the head of department returns. Initially talked about the year."
"A year, right? All right. Do you prefer to start with simple cases or a real bomb?"
"Bomb please."
"Ok. I need you to find these documents for me."
"For when?"
"On yesterday."
This will be the last chance. Mikołaj had to close his complaint today, but it was not said until what time. Ewka and he spent a lot of time massively trying to find the missing statement, but maybe Kinga's fresh look will be more effective.
Kinga was like a machine. No, like a great computer. Looking at her, Skrzynecki wondered where so much of the enthusiasm for work comes from in this little, serious girl? How was she able to do so much on the first day? First of all, she learned so quickly that it was downright scary.
Still struggling with a cold, Mikołaj breathed a sigh of relief when finally at the end of the day he managed to deal with matters as so simple - and all thanks to an additional pair of hands.
"You did great," he said to Kinga. "I'm starting to regret that you'll only be part-time with us. If you keep working this way, maybe you can get a full-time job for you."
"Thank you, but I work full time. Only in this department I'm half time."
"And the other half?"
"I am Mr. Szwedas's assistant."