“Now and again,” she replied, not looking him in the eye.
“How do you deal with it?”
“I’ve got ways. But usually there are other girls around.”
“To keep an eye out for you?”
“Right. Do you mind if I use the loo, honey? I’ve got to be out again soon.”
She walked off to the bathroom. Moments later the toilet flushed and she emerged, making straight for her coat and bag.
“Could I pay you for some more of your time?”
She paused.
“You want me to do it again?”
“No, no, I just want to talk. I... I’m alone in the city. I won’t see my family until the weekend and I... well, I just like to talk.”
“Okay,” she replied, sitting down on the bed.
Tony fished another fifty pounds from his wallet and handed it over.
“So, where are you from?”
“Lots of places. But I was born in Manchester, if that’s what you mean.”
“Still got family there?”
“None that are worth bothering with.”
“Right.”
“How about you, Paul? You from round here?”
“Born and bred.”
“That’s nice. Good to have a home.”
“You live near here?”
“Just stopping with a friend. As long as I’m getting work, I’ll stay put.”
“Are you making decent money?”
“Pretty good. I’m more open-minded than some.”
“Do you ever work with other girls?”
“Sometimes.”
“Do you do threesomes?”
“Sure.”
“There’s a girl I’m interested in hooking up with. Angel. Perhaps you know her?”
Melissa paused, then looked up.
