See a familiar face

I breathe a sigh of relief when Fedorov gets out of sight. There are some men coming through. I don’t pay them much mind, because this is a busy place and I’m used to seeing lots of people.

“Tatya!” I hear a voice call out. I recognize that smile immediately.

“Artyom!” I say when our eyes meet. He steps aside by me.

“So you signed up.” He says. “I’m happy to see you. You look really good. I see you even have a brush and a mirror.”

“Thank you.” I tell him. “They were gifts from Commissar Fedorov.”

“Why would he give you that?” He asks me.

“Because he wants to fuck me.” I tell him.

“I hope he at least takes you out for dinner first!” He jokes.

“You’re funny.” I say. “It’s not going to happen. He’s not my type.”

“What is your type?” He asks me.

“I like a handsome young man.” I answer .

“Somebody like me?” He asks.

“Who ever said you were handsome? Your mother?” I tease. He’s speechless.

“I’m just messing with you.” I tell him with a pat on his arm. He laughs.

“So you do think I’m handsome.” He says. “You like me.”

“Maybe I do.” I say.

“Maybe, huh?” He comments. He smiles because he knows that he’s got me.

“I’d better get back to what I was doing.” He tells me.

“That’s probably a good idea.” I say. “I wouldn’t want Commissar Fedorov to catch me talking to you. It wouldn’t be good for either of us.”

“It was nice talking to you, Tatya.” He says. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I look forward to it.” I tell him with a smile. He turns to leave and I turn towards the communications room.