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“What you need is a night out with me, boy. That will sort your life out.”
I have a feeling that a night out with Baxter is the last thing I need, although the weekend is approaching and I’m getting cabin fever to the max. The need to get away from the constant pot-smoking has been increasing lately. I’m getting sick of this non-stop buffer from reality, although a night out drinking will simply be exchanging one buffer for another.
“I don’t know. Things are going steadily at the moment. A night out with you is bound to end in some sort of disaster. I don’t want to screw things up.”
“Scared you’ll get drunk and pounce on that little lovely you have at home, eh? Hold on there’s someone at the door, think it’s my wine delivery.”
I listen as Baxter opens the front door and blasts out, “Good, good, about bloody time, bring it in. Cal, I have to go. Phone me tomorrow, and we’ll hit the West End. You’re buying your own drinks, though, you’ve made enough money out of me this month.”
I reply that I’ll decide tomorrow and see how it goes.
––––––––
One thing Baxter is right about, though, is that my income is steadily increasing and I actually have money saved in the bank, which is a first for me. Living in London tends to suck your money, and in reality the more you earn the more you spend, but as I’ve rarely been leaving the house I haven’t been spending a great deal. Sofia has started paying half the rent and bills, and doesn’t seem to be making any plans to move out, which suits me. I haven’t heard from Kara for a while and as long as she has no intention of moving back I have no problems living with Sofia for the foreseeable future.
I order another coffee and relax in the warm, autumn, late afternoon sunshine. I have no idea why I decided to head up to Covent Garden today. Again, it may just be that my internal voice is telling me to get out of the house, experience some reality, get some fresh air, and maybe it will do Sofia some good to come home to find I’m not there, to reassure her, and myself, that I do have some semblance of a life outside of that flat. Plus it will give her some time on her own. I’m sure she could use it.
Ladies who lunch...there are a few of them here today, admiring or seething over each other’s latest season handbags, but I try not to stare at anyone too much as I don’t want to be perceived as the weirdo guy sitting on his own staring at women, although pretty much everyone here is minding their own business. There are a few people sitting drinking the over-priced cappuccinos or Americanos while reading newspapers and books or just staring at nothing in particular.
The advantage of living in a big city – you can sit alone in a café or pub for hours and be left alone to do absolutely nothing. No one will bother you, especially in places such as Covent Garden, and you will rarely see anyone you know. At the most, some mime or juggler will do a turn and expect you to donate. But as long as you have the money to pay for the privilege of sitting and sipping, you can watch the theatrics and the beautiful people in this tiny part of the world for as long as you like.
A spot of rain hits my face followed by one then two more drops as a large dark cloud appears above me. I contemplate moving inside or heading to a pub when a text arrives.
“A new experience for you. Will give you a Tarot card reading tonight, if you are up for it. Will be home around sixish. Sof, x”
Another text comes in as I am reading the first.
“Need somewhere flat to do the reading so will use bed in my room.”
The rain falls faster and I look up from reading the text and notice that everyone else has moved inside. I finish my coffee, leave a tip in the rain-filled saucer and head towards Covent Garden tube station.