13

– What is it? Alina sang softly with a bright smile. – Are you shy of me?

– I'm not, - he smiled slightly and added: - But someone...

- Who is this? she still hadn't stopped stroking. - Don't tell me. I think I understand – " and laughed merrily.

– So, that's it, stop it, - I tried to seem serious, which, however, did not really work out.

– Well, all right, all right, - finally removed the leg and continued to bask in the sun. - Listen, why didn't you take your girlfriend on vacation with you?

– Because I don't have my own girlfriend, - the heat gradually receded, and I rolled over on my back.

"Really?" Alina looked me over. – You're supposed to be so pretty."

– Well, you know, you're pretty too, but for some reason you're alone.

She suddenly paused significantly, blinked more often. It seemed that his eyes would soon get wet. My thoughtless phrase clearly hurt her feelings.

– Can I ask you not to remind me about this? Don't spoil a good start to the day...

– Sorry. I just...

- Didn't you think?

– Something like that.

– Next time, please think, - Alina rolled over on her side with her back to me, as if she held a grudge.

- Absolutely. Not another word about the past.

She took a deep breath, paused. "Do you think we'd make a good couple, Dam?"

What? How can this even be? I began to have bad thoughts about its adequacy. I've seen all sorts of different people, but to start a conversation about relationships so directly is something abnormal in my understanding.

– Don't you think it's a little early to think about that?"

Alina turned to me with displeasure.

– You can think about anything. This is just reasoning. I don't know how you take my words. We're just talking, you know? Is it difficult for you to answer?

– No, it's not difficult.

- Well, and…

– I think that a couple would have turned out well.

- That's good. I also think so, by the way. When will we go back? – she added as if nothing had happened.

– Do you want to go home already?

– No, I just asked.

– Let's get some more sun and go.

- OK.

Before we went home, we were silent almost all the time. Strange Alina after all. Or is it such an age… What a pity that it is impossible to find out what she is thinking about, what is in her head at all. Although, probably, if I could know this, then after a while such knowledge would simply become irrelevant, because, in my opinion, she has seven Fridays a week.

When we got home, we went to our rooms. I had time to order a nice bouquet for the evening and think about how to present it. There are not so many options, and I decided to choose the most reliable and convenient – to arrange with the seller in one of the stores to hold the bouquet at home. When the time comes, I will go into the store as if to buy something, I will ask Alina to wait outside under the pretext that it will not be for long. And then, of course, I will come out unexpectedly with a bouquet. Not such a bad idea. At least, nothing better came to mind.

When choosing a bouquet, I took into account not only the beauty, but also the number of flowers. Three is somehow not enough, and the meaning of "I love you" is too frankly. Of course, it's not a fact that Alina understands this as well as I do, but it's impossible to lose sight of such an important detail. As a result, I stopped at five delicate white roses – "I wish you happiness". The color, however, also corresponds – purity and innocence. I ordered it, so it should be delivered soon. It will be necessary to somehow catch the moment to do everything quickly and without suspicion.

After a while, I went into the kitchen and found Alina preparing food. She was cooking stewed potatoes with meat. To be honest, it pleased me. No matter how beautiful a girl is, everyone needs to be able to cook. In addition to this dish, Alina promised to make a summer salad. Out of decency, I asked if I needed help, and was glad of the negative answer – the hassle in the kitchen is not my thing at all.

The flowers were delivered quickly. I was very lucky that I managed to meet the courier unnoticed. He told Alina that he had gone to the store. In theory, I didn't lie, I just kept silent about the bouquet.

In the store, they looked at me with surprise. The seller, a woman of about forty, agreed to help me, and completely free of charge, although he offered money, but she refused and even praised me for being one of those who have not yet forgotten how women enjoy flowers. With best wishes and sincere gratitude, I left the store and returned home.

When I entered the kitchen, Alina was waiting for me with ready-made food. The only thing that aroused her suspicions was my empty hands.

- Listen, why didn't you buy anything? Are you sure you went to the store?

I sat down on a chair, made a serious look and sighed.

– Yes, I just didn't find what I wanted to buy.

– And what is it?" - she was interested.

– But I won't tell you. I hope that it will happen later, that's when you'll find out – "he pretended a slight smile and changed the subject:" Have you eaten yet?"

- Not yet. Alina got up from her chair, took out the plates and began to put food on. – So this "something" of yours will be a surprise, am I right?

- Of course. I hope you like it.

– Now they will go and think about it constantly. You should have said nothing at all.

She put a plate in front of me, put the necessary cutlery and did the same for herself. Then she sat down.

– But I should have explained to you why I went. Otherwise, you would have suspected me of something.

"Well, you're right about that. Okay, it's time to eat.

When I tasted the food, I noticed that Alina cooks very well, which I immediately informed her about. She broke into a smile and thanked him.

After the meal, we went to relax in the gazebo and watch the trout. It is also necessary to feed the fish, which I did not immediately remember. Fortunately, there was food that was left by a person living here who was doing household chores before my arrival, but I was only waiting for the evening and already imagined how I would give Alina flowers, how the first kiss would happen on the embankment. Everything should happen exactly this way, not otherwise.