Fine Lines - SA Read Online Free PDF

window at a world that was once more comfortably distanced.
    It seemed like the best drive of my life.
    When I arrived Anna had already opened the gal ery. "I was just starting to get worried," she said as I walked in. I instantly felt that it had al been worth it. "I wondered where you were.
    Are you al right? You look shaky." Her concern was balm for the morning's wounds. I lowered myself into a chair and closed my eyes. "I had a little accident on the way in," I said, and told her what had happened. It sounded much better in the tel ing than it had seemed at the time, and my description of the idiot woman in the Range Rover actual y had Anna laughing. I warmed to the story so much that I almost forgot what else I had to tel her.
    "Oh, by the way," I said, before she could walk away. "I'm having a cocktail party next Saturday. I hope you and Marty wil be able to come." The party had been Zeppo's idea. I had thought it was a good one, until I learned he meant I should hold it myself.
    "But I've never had a party," I had objected, appal ed at the thought.
    He had smiled. "Wel , now's your chance." The invasion began on Saturday afternoon with the arrival of the caterers. Cartons of cutlery, crockery and glasses littered the floor. My home was soon bustling with strangers. I fretted about breakages, stains, and theft, and tried to keep an eye on everything that was going on. By the time the first guests came my nerves were in shreds. I hated the thought of countless people trampling through my home, making it as public as any bar. But as more people began to appear, and the onus of conversation was taken from me, I began to calm down a little. When Anna and Marty arrived the entire downstairs was already quite ful . Even more surprisingly, everyone seemed to be having a good time. As far as I could see, almost every person I had invited had come.
    Except one.
    My impatience turned to anxiety. If Zeppo failed to show up, then the entire exercise was a complete waste of time. My smile became increasingly strained. I could not even bear to talk with Anna and Marty for long. It was an effort not to constantly glance at my watch, and I had almost decided to telephone him when the doorbel rang.
    I went to answer it, wil ing it to be him. It was.
    "Zeppo! Glad you could make it!" I hoped he would notice the barb in my voice. He only grinned.
    "Wouldn't have missed it for the world. This is Angie." The girl was obviously some sort of model, blonde and flamboyantly beautiful. I said hel o and stood back to let them in. She took off her coat and held it out for me. Underneath she wore a very short, very tight red dress that clung to her undeniably spectacular body. She was another of Zeppo's suggestions. I had not been enthusiastic. Now, seeing her, I felt even less so.
    "Let me get you both a drink," I said. Zeppo caught my look.
    "I'l come with you. Won't be long, Angie." We left her in the lounge and went to the drinks table. "Where have you been?" I demanded, keeping my voice low. "I thought you weren't coming." He seemed unconcerned. "Blame Angie. I didn't think we were going to make it at al . She wouldn't leave the house until I'd fucked her." I almost dropped the bottle I was holding. Zeppo laughed. "Don't worry.
    We both showered afterwards." I tried not to let my distaste show. "I hope neither of you are too tired to make a further effort."
    "Oh, no. We're both raring to go."
    I looked over to where the girl was standing. Her pose was self-conscious and displaying. "Are you sure she's suitable?" I asked, doubtful y.
    "Angie? Christ, I should say so. Her nickname's Martini. You know, anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Anybody."
    "You don't think she might be … wel , a little too obvious, do you?" He popped a canape into his mouth. "I'm sorry, Donald, but I couldn't find a Girl Guide at such short notice. Come on, relax. I bet there's not a man in the place who's not panting at the sight of her. Present company excepted, of course."