Pop Goes the Weasel

90

Tony was amazed at the transformation. He knew Melissa had asked for some fresh clothes and make-up, but even so he hadn’t expected her to look so different. Up until now, he had only seen her in battle dress, the sex worker’s uniform of boots, short skirt and low-cut top. Dressed in jeans and a jumper, with her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, she looked happy and relaxed.

She greeted him tentatively, as if not quite sure what to expect, now that they had been apart for a little while. Truth be told he hadn’t been quite sure how to play it either, but now he was here it seemed the most natural thing in the world to take her in his arms. Fearing detection, they had hurried upstairs, but this time passion wasn’t on their minds, they simply lay side by side on the bed, holding hands and staring at the ceiling.

‘I’m sorry if I’ve caused you trouble,’ Melissa said quietly.

She had obviously guessed that he was married, despite the fact that his ring was on his bedside table back at home.

‘I didn’t mean to.’

‘It’s not your fault. So don’t feel guilty… That’s my job.’

He managed a half-smile and she responded.

‘I don’t want to make you unhappy, Tony. Not after you’ve been so good to me.’

‘You don’t.’

‘Good. Because I’ve been thinking about what you said to me. And you’re right. I do want to make a change.’

Tony said nothing, unsure where this was going.

‘If you can get me on to the right programmes, to get off the drugs, then I’ll do them. I don’t want to go back on the streets. Ever.’

‘Of course. We’ll do everything we can to help.’

‘You’re a good man, Tony.’

Tony laughed.

‘I’m very far from that.’

‘People get hurt, Tony. That’s the way life is. Doesn’t make you bad. So don’t go beating yourself up. You and I… we’ll have what we’ll have and then you can go back to your wife, no problem. I won’t hold on to you, I promise.’

Tony nodded, but not with any sense of satisfaction or relief. Was that what he wanted? A return to normality?

‘Unless you want me to of course,’ she continued with a smile. ‘But it’s up to you. I’ve got nothing, you’ve got everything. If I were you I’d do the smart thing and go back to your wife.’

They lapsed into silence, staring once more at the odd cracks in the ceiling. A new future was being offered to him. It was completely insane of course and yet strangely made sense. But would he have the courage to seize it?