"Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. The Final Circle of Paradise (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"How can you say that, Vousi!"
"Then, what do you need them for? Are you really going to
read them?"
"Reread them."
"I just don't understand," she said peevishly. "I liked
you from the first. Mother says you're a writer, and I went and
bragged to everyone, like a fool, and then you turn out to be
the next thing to an Intel."
"How could you, Vousi!" I said with reproach. By now I had
realized that it was impermissible to be taken for an Intel.
"These bookos were simply needed in my literary business,
that's all."
"Bookos!" she laughed. "Bookos! Look at what I can do."
She threw back her head and blew two thick streams of smoke out
of her nostrils. "I got it on the second try. Pretty good,
right?"
"Remarkable aptitude," I remarked.
"Instead of laughing at me, you should try it yourself.
... A lady taught me at the salon today. Slobbered all over me,
the fat cow... Will you try it?"
"How come she did that?"
"Who?"
"The cow."
"Not normal. Or maybe a sad sack.... What's your name? I
forgot."
"Ivan."
"An amusing name! You'll have to remind me again. Are you
a Tungus?"
"I don't think so."
"So-o... and I went and told everyone that you are a
Tungus. Too bad.... Say, why not have a drink?"
"Let's."
"Today I should have a strong drink to forget that
slobbering cow."
She ran out into the living room and came back with a
tray. We had some brandy and looked at each other, not having
anything to say. I felt ill at ease. I couldn't say why, but I
liked her. I sensed something, something I couldn't put my
finger on; something which distinguished her from the
long-legged, smooth-skinned pin-up beauties, good only for the
bed. I had the impression that she sensed something in me, too.
"Beautiful day, today," she said, looking away.
"A bit hot," I observed.
She sipped some brandy; I did too. The silence stretched.
"What do you like to do the most?" she asked.
"It depends. And you?"
"Same with me. In general, I like to have fun and not have
to think about anything."
"So do I," I said. "At least I do right now."
She seemed to perk up a little. I understood suddenly what