The kompromat to order

5.

Bright lights and the warm aroma of coffee greeted us as we walked into the cafe. The friendly barista smiled sweetly, greeted us and asked what we would like to order. After we ordered and picked up our coffee, we went outside because the coffee shop was about to close.

Robert suggested we take a walk in the park, and I agreed. Despite the late hour, it was quite crowded. Especially there were many couples in love, enjoying the warm evening walking hand in hand or sitting in each other's arms on a bench. All this romance around me did not bother me. On the contrary, it made it a little easier for me to communicate with him. Of course, we didn't stay so close, but we walked next to each other, enjoyed coffee and a warm autumn evening.

To my surprise, we found many topics to talk about, and one conversation led to another. But as I passed a noisy group sitting on a bench drinking some drinks, I suddenly heard:

- Oh... Emma, hi.

I turned around and saw my classmate Max. How did it happen that in such a big city we could meet at the most inopportune moment? Maybe we should have chosen a place away from the dorm, but it was too late.

I have always tried to keep my work away from my personal life. After all, everything can have consequences. And the last thing I wanted was for one of my clients to know where and how to find me.

- Hi... - I said in a confused tone, watching Max come closer to us.

- I'm sorry if I interrupted, - Max said haughtily, not taking his eyes off Robert.

- It's okay, we were just taking a walk, - I answered confusedly.

His foul odor and cloudy eyes indicated that Max was drunk. We occasionally saw each other at the university, because he was a big time truant. But the girls were always teasing me that he liked me and I should pay attention to him. But I didn't like him, so I was content to keep him in the circle of my classmates, no more.

- Robert, - he interrupted the conversation and stretched out his hand to greet Max.

The latter smiled disdainfully, and leaving his hands in his pockets, asked me:

- Is this your boyfriend?

- Max, what's the matter? - his insolence made me angry.

- Nothing, I was just curious. So you're dating?

- Yes, - Rob answered seriously.

I noticed that there was no trace of his kindness left. Now he didn't offer a friendly handshake, but showed with his whole body that he didn't like this tone of conversation. I was quite surprised by his response. I turned to him to refute his answer, but Max didn't give me a chance to speak:

- So this is who you traded me for! - Max said angrily and, like a rooster, took a step toward Rob, chest outstretched. Rob did not react and remained standing in his place, furiously staring at his opponent.

- What are you talking about? - I hissed irritably, because there had never been anything between him and me. But maybe at that moment, Max just needed an excuse to start a fight.

At that moment, Max's group noticed that the situation was getting more complicated, and a few guys came over to us, calming Max down and taking him aside. He and Rob kept their eyes locked for a long time. Only when the group moved away from us did I grab Rob's arm and pull him away from the place, trying to keep him from fighting.

It was as if I was dragging him along, but he kept walking calmly. His slowness was preventing me from getting away from Max as soon as possible, so I spoke up in frustration:

- Can't you walk a little faster?

- Are we in a hurry? - he asked, smiling mysteriously.

- I would like to get away from them.