My first day at work as a barmaid was exhausting. I started in the evening and had to stay until closing time, late at night. A colleague drove me home. He’d been working in the bar for two months. It was his first job. He was called Pavel; a really nice boy, a little younger than me. He hoped I’d sleep well and asked if I wanted him to pick me up the next day. Although I appreciated the offer, I explained that my boyfriend wouldn’t like seeing me get into another man’s car. He already disapproved of my job; it seemed wiser to avoid behaviour that might displease him. The young man agreed and left after kissing my cheek.
His car shone, as if it were his pride and joy. His first major purchase, presumably. It wasn’t a wreck bought second-hand but a fine, brand-new hatchback. This was a cha
