Английский XXI века. Дж. Смит. Слишком хорошо, чтобы быть правдой

‘Yes, of course,’ agreed Damon quickly, his eyes shifting hurriedly away, as if rather overwhelmed at her frankness. Then he seemed to recover himself. ‘Another drink?’ he asked. Jenny saw that his face now wore a lopsided grin. Only he probably thought it was suitably rakish in the circumstances. The fragile male ego fortified by alcohol!

Jenny nodded (Дженни кивнула), not trusting herself to speak (не доверяя своему голосу: «не доверяя себе говорить»). A familiar despair washed over her (знакомое отчаяние накатило на нее). She’d hoped he would be different (она надеялась, что он окажется другим). This time (в этот раз), just this once (хотя бы однажды), she had willed it with all her heart (она хотела этого всем своим сердцем). Now, painful memories clouded her eyes (теперь, болезненные воспоминания затуманили ее глаза).

Jenny nodded, not trusting herself to speak. A familiar despair washed over her. She’d hoped he would be different. This time, just this once, she had willed it with all her heart. Now, painful memories clouded her eyes.

It had happened five years ago (это случилось пять лет назад). It had been her younger sister Alison’s 21st birthday party (была вечеринка по случаю 21-го дня рождения ее младшей сестры Элисон). But the real star had been Jenny (но настоящей звездой была Дженни). She’d looked radiant (она выглядела ослепительно; radiant – светящийся, излучающий свет; лучистый). Everyone could see she was in love with Phil (все могли видеть, что она влюблена в Фила). Most had been invited to their wedding a week away (большинство были приглашены на их свадьбу через неделю).

It had happened five years ago. It had been her younger sister Alison’s 21st birthday party. But the real star had been Jenny. She’d looked radiant. Everyone could see she was in love with Phil. Most had been invited to their wedding a week away.

They were inseparable (они были неразлучны) – until a minor lovers’ tiff halfway through the party (до небольшой ссоры влюбленных в середине вечеринки; halfway – лежащий на полпути). But everyone nodded wisely (но все мудро кивали); these things happened (такие вещи случаются), they would be back together soon (скоро они снова будут вместе).

They were inseparable – until a minor lovers’ tiff halfway through the party. But everyone nodded wisely; these things happened, they would be back together soon.

And so they were (так и случилось), but something was wrong (но что-то было не так). Phil’s handsome face was gloomy (красивое лицо Фила было мрачным; gloom – мрак; сумрак; мрачность) and Jenny was holding back the tears (а Дженни едва сдерживала слезы; to hold – держать; back – назад; to hold back – сдерживать, удерживать; утаивать). Late at night (поздно ночью) when the guests were leaving (когда гости разъезжались) Jenny rushed to Alison (Дженни поспешила к Элисон; to rush – бросаться, торопиться).