Vicki collected her dole money and headed straight for the pub. She was shaking already, desperate for a drink. Once her money had dried out, she’d have to latch on to someone and hope they would buy the drinks in exchange for something else. The pub was quiet, but it was only noon. She placed herself at the bar, strategically angled so she could spot a likely target if needed.
‘The usual, Vicki?’
‘Yes, love.’ She hugged the pint glass close to her, like it was her only friend, and the minute the sweet cider dripped onto her tongue she felt like she was in heaven.
Nearly four hours had passed before anyone of interest entered the pub, but then she saw him. Vicki hadn’t been impressed the first time they’d met. She’d heard through the grapevine that he was originally from London and just out of prison. That he was a wife beater. He didn’t look that strong, and Vicky reckoned she could take him down if need be. She laughed to herself and took a swig of her drink.
The man walked up to the bar and ordered a pint of Stella. She was hoping that he would be alone so she could worm her way into his affections; her drink, and her money, wouldn’t last much longer. He glanced her way and cocked his head to the left, as if he was trying to place her.
‘Hello, darlin’, can I get you a drink?’
A smile formed on Vicki’s face. ‘I’ll have a cider, love, if you’re buying?’
‘Can I get a cider for the lady.’
When the pint was poured, the man handed Vicki her cider and sat down on the stool beside her. He didn’t seem to recognize her, or if he did, he didn’t seem to care about their first encounter.
‘I remember you in here before. Though I didn’t catch your name.’
So, he did remember her.
‘I’m Vicki. Nice to meet you. And what do I call you?’
‘Anything you want, babe. But my name is Mick.’ He reached out; pulling her hand close, he kissed it.
Vicki felt herself blush. ‘Aren’t you the gentleman?’ She began to relax.
As they continued to chat she forgot all about their first meeting and, while Mick continued to order the drinks, Vicki continued to consume them.