Крестный отец

           JohnnyFontanesighed."OK,you’rejustaguineapeasant."

           "AndIain’tgonnachange,"Ninosaidwithhischarminglydrunkensmile.

           Johnnyunderstoodhimperfectly.HeknewNinowasnotasdrunkashepretended.HeknewthatNinowasonlypretendingsothathecouldsaythingswhichhefeltweretoorudetosaytohisnewHollywoodpadronewhensober.HeputhisarmaroundNino’sneckandsaidaffectionately,"Youwiseguybum,youknowyougotanironcladcontractforayearandyoucansayanddoanythingyouwantandIcan’tfireyou."

           "Youcan’tfireme?"Ninosaidwithdrunkencunning.

           "No,"Johnnysaid.

           "Thenfuckyou,"Ninosaid.

           ForamomentJohnnywassurprisedintoanger.HesawthecarelessgrinonNino’sface.Butinthepastfewyearshemusthavegottensmarter,orhisowndescentfromstardomhadmadehimmoresensitive.InthatmomentheunderstoodNino,whyhisboyhoodsingingpartnerhadneverbecomesuccessful,whyhewastryingtodestroyanychanceofsuccessnow.ThatNinowasreactingawayfromallthepricesofsuccess,thatinsomewayhefeltinsultedbyeverythingthatwasbeingdoneforhim.

           JohnnytookNinobythearmandledhimoutofthehouse.Ninocouldbarelywalknow.Johnnywastalkingtohimsoothingly."OK,kid,youjustsingforme,Iwantsmakedoughonyou.Iwon’ttrytorunyourlife.Youdowhateveryouwantsdo.OK,paisan?AllyougottadoissingformeandearnmemoneynowthatIcan’tsinganymore.Yougotthat,oldbuddy?"

           Ninostraightenedup.