The reluctant pimp

Old China Hand

"Another drink?" Scott brought me back to the present tapping my shoulder pointing at my empty glass.

"Ah yes. Yes please. I looked down at the glass in front me. The ruminants of what looked like a tomato juice stained the beaker like glass. Can I have more Tabasco with it this time? Thanks."

"Double shot again?" Oh right it must've been a Bloody Mary.

"Sure. Double. Why not?" I looked back. A momentary panic as the object of my daydreaming wasn't where she was a moment ago. Then relief as I saw her talking to Yani, Scott's girl. Can we refer to her as his girlfriend yet? I have seen them together three or four times now.

"Jack!" It took me a while to realize I was staring. Yani was calling me with a smile. "Come and meet Vee." Right so that's her name. I beckon them over.

I take Vee's offered hand, raise it to my lips and kiss the back of my own hand. This normally garners a pleasant laugh if not more. On this occasion Vee's clearly not impressed. I receive a sigh and a tut for my mock efforts at gallantry. Clearly Vee's not as easily impressed as the usual girl in these parts.

Where am I? I wonder. I grab a nearby menu. The words Old China Hand heads a drinks list. I haven't been in here for years. Since when did this bar have an open terrace? Last I was here the place was a dark, gloomy and poorly patronized. Now loud commentary blared out from the large TV pinned high on the wall in the middle of the room. The place was packed as most punters were following yesterday's Premier League match.

It had stopped raining or rather it was then I noticed that the brightness of the sun shining on the wet pavement just in front of the raised table I was sitting at. I could smell the fresh rain as well as Vee's distinctive perfume.

"Can I get you a drink?" Another attempt at gallantry. This time a capitulation from Vee and the usual enthused acceptance from Yani. "What do you fancy?" I almost said 'who'. I didn't want to chance my normal corny wit on Vee.

"Hmmm. I don't know. What do you recommend?" I glance down at the list.

"How about a Long Island tea?" I point at the menu before noticing the extortionate price.

"Yes please." Yani jumps at the opportunity.

"Hmmm. Ok. Never had it before. But I'll give it a try." Vee says.

At this moment Scott returns with a waitress holding a tray with two large Bloody Marys.

"Ah. Ta. Could we have three Long Island Teas please? Fancy one Scott?"

"Yes sure. That's four then please," turning to waitress.   "Not had one of those for a while. No meetings tomorrow morning. Should be ok."

Tomorrow? Oh hell. I thought. Work tomorrow! Is it Sunday already?

This regular merging of Friday afternoon through to Sunday evening annulation of the senses has to stop.