25.5.2009


5




5

    The next time Cod-biter brought fish to Didi Stina, she called Violet and Solla friend. When they arrived, Didi Stina had told Cod-biter what was up. First, she strictly forbid him to lust for Violet; that would spoil things. Solla, on the other hand, was a single, upbeat girl whom he would certainly like.

    At first Cod-biter was a little shaky. When alone with Didi Stina, he was sure of himself, but with these other two women around, he was insecure, and his self-confidence was at a low ebb.

    After one smile from Violet, though, he immediately felt better. He was determined to respect his friend's counsel to steer clear of any ideas about Violet. It also helped that Violet could only stay a short time. She left, and Cod-biter stood up and watched her as she went.

    "She's pretty, Violet is," said Solla friend, smiling at Cod-biter.

    "I think she's very pretty," said Cod-biter as he sat down.

    It was obvious that the atmosphere in the living room cleared up after Violet left.

    "Didi Stina has told me a lot about you."

    He smiled a little shyly and slid his eyes toward Didi Stina. She went over to where her friend sat next to the table and ran her fingers through his shaggy hair: "He's so cute, this guy." She pressed up against him and smiled at Solla friend.

    "He doesn't look cute to me. He looks like a real fisherman."

    Cod-biter laughed and liked her comment: "Didi Stina, how about some coffee."

    He stood up and went into the entryway where he kept his flask of Icelandic schnapps (brennivin).

    "He's a little different, the dear," said Didi Stina as she brought the coffee, sugar cubes and a water glass, and set them down on the table in front of him.

    "We have to drink with the man; we're not letting him drink by himself," said Solla friend.

    "I like that. You're fun. And your name is Solla."

    Solla friend smiled at him and stood up to get a glass. Cod-biter watched her and slid his eyes toward Didi Stina who looked like a little girl next to her.

    "Where do you work?"

    "In Hagkaup in the clothing department."

    "How do you like it?"

    "I've actually just started there. I was in the meat section."

    "It must be the store's good luck to have such a pretty girl in the clothing department."

    "There's no lack of size," she said smiling. "A person should be seen."

    He looked her over, put some sugar in the coffee and added some brennivin.

    "A person also has to carry herself better to sell clothes. Then there was always this damned smell on you in the meat section."

    "It is possible to take a bath," said Cod-biter, laughing.

    "You know, it doesn't matter if you take baths; it's as if this smell of raw meat sticks to you. Otherwise, I thought it was generally more pleasant in the meat section; people told jokes, you know. But it's completely different in the clothing department."

    "You could be a model with your figure."

    "You think so?"

    "Yeah, I'd say so. Don't you think, Didi Stina?"

    "Yes, you're right."

    A little later Didi Stina said she had to leave for an appointment at the dentist: "You can just be here."

    When Didi Stina came back two hours later, they were gone.