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Daniel questioned Curt’s story, because it didn’t make sense. The tension in his voice and refusal to make eye contact, indicated that he was hiding something. Plus, the guy was an overall weirdo, with his meticulous record of Lana’s schedule. Talk about anal, Daniel thought.
At the same time, Daniel was eager to uncover Lana’s shenanigans, because her persnickety behavior in 2009 had left him ... befuddled. He had now been tailing her for a few weeks. Some days, Daniel watched her socialize with friends. On one occasion, he saw her meet a tall, blonde man for coffee near her apartment.
Lana wore a flowing dress and strolled casually towards a coffee shop while her friend sat outside. While approaching she said, “Hey, Brian, is everything okay?”
“Not really, my girlfriend of eight years broke up with me.”
Lana feigned surprise as she asked, “I thought you were getting married?”
“We were, but I lost my job, and then my girlfriend.”
“Funny how that happens,” Lana remarked dryly.
“I’m going home to Sweden. I’ve applied to hundreds of companies, but am consistently rejected.”
“The job situation is pretty dismal,” Lana said empathetically.
“I’m suffering from depression, because last year I had it all. I was employed, with a nice apartment and a doting girlfriend. I also had a lot of attention from other women.”
“You’re a great guy. You’ll find another girlfriend.”
“European women are too strong for me.”
Lana didn’t say anything. She was tired of this complaint.
“Brian, for people with high expectations, failing to achieve something feels like heartbreak.”
Brian nodded and said, “Yes, I think I’ve had a huge hole in my heart ever since I lost my job.”
“That’s normal,” Lana continued. “You’re suffering more from disillusionment than heartbreak. Time and a new passion will heal your wounds.”
Daniel was bored by this conversation. It was clear there was nothing romantic between the two. Although Brian probably liked Lana, it was obvious that the feeling wasn’t mutual. As far as Daniel was concerned, she’d never go for an unemployed guy.