Rosa leaped out of her deeply sprung bed and ran into the bathroom because she was meeting an old friend in Cafe Zero.What to wear< she wondered as the weather was “in between” seasons.She settled n khaki trousers which she had bought for 12/6 in the market and a long black and white tunic and some black trainers in case the old friend turned amorous.
Sitting at the table, she applied “diego salla paqlma “foundation to her face without looking into the mirror plus a littl pink rose lipstick..She put a long necklace on and several big faux jewel rings.Snatching a bite from a loaf she hastened to the bus stop just in time to miss the bus.As she sat waiting she told herself,well,it’s fresh air.
As Rosa walked to the bank she suddenly remembered she had not brought her cards.She went into Cafe Zero.
There was James sitting reading the Oldie.She crossed the room and asked him for a shilling to pay for her coffee.
You sit down,dear girl, he murmured.Let me get it
It’s a good thing it’s only coffee ,she thought.Nowadays men do not expect to pay the whole bill nor do many women want them to do.She gazed around the crowded cafe where smiling people speaking many different languages chatted amiably.
James came back. I left my cards in the cat’s basket,she told him gratefully.
Does Emily like to play with them? he joked.
No,I just thought thieves would not look there,she carefully informed him.It’s hard to know where to hide them.I suppose I could cancel all except one.But then I might decide to buy a new computer or TV or even a camera.
Are you into cameras, he whispered roguishly.
Not in a big way,she smiled.I know nothing of the technology so I just use intuition and gut feelings.How about you?Are you a techno whiz? she asked admiringly
Yes.I know more than anyone on earth,he said narcissistically
That is either a joke or you are boasting when you cannot know whether others know more.Mind you,your photos are very good.
Would you like to come to my apartment and see my pictures, he whispered shyly?
No,I hate looking at other people’s photos, she said decidedly and cruelly.
I could take some of you, he offered kindly.
Rosa thought of her underwear which was mauve with little cats all over it.I wonder if he means erotic photos, she said to herself.This set was quite old and would not charm the birds off the trees., nor the stripes off the bees.
Thank you but it’s against my religion,she answered cleverly.
What,having your portrait done ?
Yes, it’s against the First Commandment.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me, she rattled off
Well ,no one else seems to think that way.Are you Jewish? he enquired with empathy.
Mind your own business, she admonished him.We hardly know each other.
Well,if you won’t tell me that we’ll never get to know each other.And already I love you a lot, he informed her neatly
So you love a woman you don’t know, she joked.
Well,I can tell from your face what you are like, he admitted.You have a kind and vivacious expression which appeals to my poetic heart.
How about my poetic art? she questioned him.
I have not read any of your poems, he told her with breathtaking frankness.
I’ll read you one.,she told him ruthlessly.
A man who never pays a compliment
Will never pay the bills or half the rent
So keep away from men who prey
If need be ,go and live in Rome or Ghent
A man who’s always late at a venue
Is sending a clear signal out to you.
He cares so little for your time
He knows not that it is a crime~
So if you love him you will turn royal blue.
How do you like that she asked James calmly.But when she looked up from her iphone he had disappeared.Maybe he’s gone to the loo, she thought but the man behind the counter came over and said, your friend ran out and he’s not paid for the coffee and cream cakes.
I didn’t have any cream cakes, she cried.
Well, he did, the man said angrily.
Legally I don’t have to pay but I will. Luckily she had found a £100 pound note in her handbag which just about paid the bill.
Thanks so much the man said gratefully
As she walked home via the church yard she thought ruefully
I only wanted a companion
But now he won’t even be a friend.I’ll go home and wash the cat’s blankets and iron her hair ribbons.These little tasks and a cup of tea are a good way to recover from life’ shocks.Some people like to meditate whilst others enjoy a few murderous thoughts
Each to their own
How my heart sings 