“No.”
“Is your flat scattered with wank mags and dirty tissues?”
“No!”
“Are you a practising homosexual?” She asked.
“Why even ask that?” I snapped.
“Because I have run out of things to ask why I can’t come in.”
“It’s not what you’re used to.” I said moving so she could get in.
Her mouth dropped open as she looked around. “Can I have the tour.”
“Here we have the library.” I said showing a stack of fast-food menus. “The extensive kitchen is easily approached from the west wing, as is the built-in wardrobe.”
“That’s a microwave and a rail.” Jessie said.
“When I get planning permission, it will look better.”
“That’s your bed, how many conquests has that seen?”
“None, I’m generally a bit ashamed to show anyone.”
“So, no, naked ladies.”
“Only one, I asked her to leave.”
“Why?”
She wanted engagement, marriage, kids. I can hardly look after myself.”
I bent down to look out the window, Jessie started rubbing her fingers in my hair.”
“What the fuck are you doing?” I said pulling away.
“Just checking, I don’t want my grandchildren suffering from premature baldness.”
“You are mental.” I said laughing.
“You’re right, this place is awful. I noticed a nice-looking restaurant across the road. Will it have any Michelin stars?” I took it that she was joking.
“If it does it would have nicked them.” I said with a grin, telling her not to hold on to the handrail or it will come off.
I stopped at room one, knocked on the door.
“Her names Martha but we call her Rose Lee.” I said. “She’s been a bit down recently, just need to check on her.”
“Why Rose Lee?” Jessie asked.
The door opened, Martha peeped out, looking unsure. She smiled when she saw me.
“How you feeling?” I asked.
“I’m ok now Tommy, was a bit tearful that’s all.” Her hands went to my face, holding my cheeks as her eyes teared up. “You know, it will happen soon now Tommy. You are piss poor now, but you are going to be richer than you could ever dream. I’ve seen it in the stars.”
I took her hands in mine. “You go get washed, clean your teeth, comb your hair, get dressed nice. I’ll tell Freddy you will be over.”
“I love you, Tommy.” Martha shouted as we left.
We stepped inside Bill’s Cafe, who sat us in the corner table, changing the tablecloth for a new checked one, telling it was because I’d brought a friend.
I explained to Jessie that a belly buster was a full English breakfast in a big bread bun. If you ate one, you didn’t need to eat till the next day. I was surprised when she ordered one and even more surprised when she finished it
I insisted I paid and agreed to walk to Preston Park, to exercise the meal.
“You slipped that lady some money, didn’t you?” Jessie asked.
“She had a bad week last week, blew all her money on scratch cards.” I said.
“You’re ashamed of your room but not the people, how beautiful is that.” Jessie said as was stopped to sit on a park bench. “You are piss poor but gave money so a lady, who’d gambled her money away, could eat.”
“I get paid next week and it’s going to be a fortune.” I said excitedly. “I’m looking for flat.”