Pinstripes (42 page)

“Thank
you.” When it arrived, she drank quickly because she was nervous.

“
Are you going to tell me your story?” James asked.

“
What story?” Virginia replied.

“
Your life story, of course,” he said, looking into her eyes. Virginia told him everything. She told him about her disappointed parents, her numerous failures, her job at SFH, the Private Clients job and Isabelle. It was a long story.

“
Goodness. You’ve had a tough time, haven’t you?” James said softly, and stroked her cheek. Virginia felt electricity course through her veins. “Shall we order? I’m starving,” he said, and removed his hand. Virginia nodded and took another gulp of champagne. They ordered but Virginia didn’t notice the food. She couldn’t believe she was here with him. He was so nice, kind and tender, and she was falling hopelessly in love. Over coffee, James lit a cigarette.

“
I haven’t seen you smoke before,” Virginia said.

“
Oh, I only do it occasionally. Normally just after sex,” James teased. Virginia went red. “Sorry, I wasn’t suggesting anything,” he added hastily, sensing her discomfort.

Part of Virginia wished he was. She didn
’t know she had a libido, but something in her was out of control. “Don’t apologise,” she said, and smiled.

“
God, are you flirting with me?” he asked.

“
No. Maybe. Yes.” Virginia giggled.

“
Christ, and I thought you were immune to my charms,” James said, leant over the table and kissed her. Virginia nearly fell off her chair. She couldn’t believe her luck. He really
did
like her.

James called the waiter and asked for the bill. He paid it, and took Virginia
’s hand. “I’m driving you home,” he announced.

Virginia didn
’t know whose home he meant: his or hers. “Haven’t you had too much to drink?” she asked.

“
No, but you have. Which is why I’m driving you to your place and, like a gentleman, I will see you to your door and go home myself.”

Virginia felt disappointment flood her.
“Oh,” she said.

James led her out of the restaurant and to his car. He opened the door for her and she got in. When he started the engine, he looked at her.
“Can I see you again?” he asked.

“
Really?” Virginia said, cursing again.

“
Yes, really. Can I?” He leant over and kissed her lightly.

“
Yes, I think so.” Then she remembered who he was. “Oh, God. We can’t tell Clara,” she said.

“
Why on earth not? I think she’ll be pleased that her brother and her friend are dating.”

“
No, I don’t think so. Please, James, not yet. I don’t want her to know.”

“
Whatever you say. But I like you, Virginia, and that isn’t going to go away.”

“
Really?” Virginia asked, feeling breathless and as if she was floating into space.

“
Yes, really.” James laughed and drove her home. As he dropped her off he handed her a card with his telephone numbers on it and she clutched it to her chest.

As she watched him drive off, Virginia wondered if she was dreaming. She pinched her arm, yelped in pain, and thought that if she had been it would have been the most heavenly dream ever.

***

Ella sat in her sitting room with Jackie. They were about to watch a video and they were eating popcorn and drinking lager.

“Clara’s up to something,” Ella said.

“
What makes you say that?” Jackie asked.

“
She says she’s given up cocaine, she’s acting like a saint and she says she’s seeing a counsellor,” Ella explained.

“
And isn’t she?” Jackie asked.

“
She keeps asking us to trust her, but I just can’t. Apart from anything else, she sees this counsellor in the evenings for three hours at a stretch. Now, I know that Clara has enough money to buy anyone at any time, but I don’t think that that happens.”

“
You’re probably right. What are you going to do?”

“
I feel like running. Letting her get on with it.”

“
She’s playing you both for fools,” Jackie said.

“So
what should we do?”

“
I don’t know, honey, but there will be a time when she needs you and I know you’ll do the right thing then.”

“
Maybe, but I don’t know if I have the strength. It’s tiring being with them, you know.”

“
Yeah, but you’ll do it. Don’t forget it’s nearly over.”

“
And then what the hell am I going to do?”

“
I don’t know that either.”

“
Jackie, you’re useless.” Ella hit her with a cushion then went to put the video on.

***

Clara walked around Piccadilly Circus waiting for seven thirty when she had arranged to meet Johnny. She cursed Virginia for not leaving her flat earlier, but when she rang her number she was pleased that no one answered. All she needed was to take Johnny home and find Virginia there. She went to the restaurant, smiled at the doorman, walked in and up to the woman who was looking after the reservations.

“
Rupfin, I think. Table for two?”

“
Here you go. The gentleman is here already.”

Clara found Johnny at the bar drinking what looked like whisky.
“Hi,” she said.

“
Hello yourself. You look nice tonight.” Johnny stood up and kissed her on both cheeks. As the maître d” led them to their table, he looked at Clara, who saw surprise in his eyes. He probably couldn’t believe that a girl like her was with such a loser.

“So
, what would you like to drink?” Johnny asked.

“
Champagne, of course.”

“
How silly of me.” He beckoned to the waiter by waving his arms around, which horrified Clara. It was almost as bad as if he’d snapped his fingers. “A bottle of your finest champagne,” he requested. When the waiter poured it, he looked at Clara with so much sympathy she almost giggled.

“
Here’s to us.” Clara raised her glass and Johnny clinked it.

They drank their champagne while they looked over the menu. Johnny kept suggesting what Clara should eat, which annoyed her, but she listened to him patiently. He chose the wine too. Clara just smiled in agreement. When they had ordered, Johnny started talking about himself and Clara lit a cigarette.

“Do you have to smoke? I find it common in a woman to smoke,” Johnny said.

“
I do apologise, but I’m addicted,” Clara answered, and seethed inside.

“
Well, if we’re going to have a future I think you should give up,” Johnny said seriously.

“
I’ll book an appointment with a hypnotist. In the meantime, I’ll have to keep smoking. I’m sure you can put up with it just for the moment.” She smiled seductively.

“
I suppose,” Johnny said sulkily, then carried on talking about himself. He managed to stop for just long enough to eat, but he was still talking when the waiter took away their empty main course plates. He was also drinking a lot.

“
You see, Clara, in order to be as successful as I am, you need to be clever. I don’t let anyone get in my way.” Johnny paused for effect.

This was Clara
’s opportunity to get him to talk about Ella. “What do you mean?” she asked sweetly.

“
Well, when I started working at SFH, I was given this awful woman as a boss. Now, I don’t work for women. I don’t believe that women should be in the financial world. It’s a man’s world. You work in PR, which is a girl’s thing, but finance, well, you’re better off keeping away. Anyway, this woman was not only a woman but she was northern and common. You could tell. I think she only got the job because she was black. Unfortunately banks are becoming so politically correct nowadays that things like that happen. Anyway, she thought she was better than I was and, of course, she wasn’t. We had a couple of rows, she tried to humiliate me, so I did the same to her.” Johnny smirked.

“
Go on.” Clara urged, seething inside.

“
Well, I got my father’s secretary to dig into her background. I just knew there was something dodgy about her. I was right. She’d faked her university degree certificate. She never even went to university. God, she was a lying bitch.” As Johnny told the story Clara had to try hard to resist slapping him. As she smiled at him she felt contempt build up inside.

“
Wow, you really are a hero,” Clara said, as Johnny finished his talk. Ella had been right. He was a cock-sucker.

They ordered coffee and brandy, and Johnny lit a cigar.

“I thought you didn’t like smoking,” Clara said.

“
I don’t like
women
smoking,” Johnny replied.

Clara was astounded. Johnny didn
’t seem to like women full stop. After he paid the bill, she knew what she had to do. “Are you going to come back to my place?” she asked.

“
I think so,” he replied, full of confidence. Johnny hailed a taxi and when they got in Clara put her hand on his crotch, praying that she would think of a way to finish him soon.

When they got to her flat she opened the door and walked in. Virginia had tidied up and she was glad about that. She had a feeling Johnny didn
’t like mess. She knew the sex would be brief – she could spot premature ejaculators a mile off. She kissed him and pulled herself out of her top at the same time, her best trick. Johnny fumbled with her bra, which took him a while. Then Clara pulled at his shirt and chinos. Before long they were naked.

“
Where’s the bedroom?” Johnny said breathlessly. Clara led him through. He pushed her on to the bed and climbed on top of her. It was over in seconds.

“
Was that good for you?” Johnny asked, as he climbed off her.

Clara didn
’t know what to say. It took her longer to blink. “Fantastic,” she replied.

Johnny stroked her hair, kissed her and then did something she had not expected.
“I’d better go,” he said.

“
You’re leaving?”

“
I like to sleep in my own bed. That’s just the way I am.” He walked into the lounge. Clara couldn’t believe her luck. She stood in the sitting room, naked, and watched him pull on his clothes.

“
It doesn’t bode well for getting married,” Clara joked.

“
Clara, I don’t think we’re nearly at the stage to talk about marriage.”

“
I was only joking,” she said, trying not to laugh.

“
Girls never joke about marriage,” Johnny replied, pompously. “I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said, and kissed her goodbye. Then he left and Clara was free.

Chapter Forty

Clara woke the next morning and had a line of cocaine. She needed to get her head round the plan. She also needed more coke. Her supply was practically out. She washed and dressed, then called Virginia and Ella. She told them she had a counsellor’s appointment that afternoon and asked Virginia to let Ella in. She said she would be back as soon as she could. She assured them she was fine, then hung up. She needed to tell them something soon; she needed to finalise the plan. She felt frustrated that even after sleeping with Johnny she was no closer to doing that.

She called Oliver, who said she could go over when she wanted. She said she would see him later. She knew she would sort things out. She had to. She had some more cocaine and then she left.

She took a cab to Camden Town and rang the bell. When the door opened it wasn’t Oliver who stood there but a stunning girl.

“
Hello,” Clara said.

“
Hi,” the girl replied, and showed her in.

“
Where’s Oliver?” Clara asked, following her into Oliver’s living room.

“
He’ll be down in a minute.” Just then Oliver walked in. “Clara darling, I see you’ve met Gavin.”

Clara looked at Oliver in amazement.
“Gavin,” she repeated.

“
Yes darling, Gavin. He’s a man,” Oliver laughed.

“
What?” The person Clara was looking at wasn’t a man, he didn’t even sound like a man.

“
Oh sweetie, don’t look so confused. I’m just dressed as a woman,” Gavin explained lighting a cigarette.

“
Are you a drag queen?” Clara asked. They both laughed.

“
No, he’s not Clara. Gavin is a male prostitute. For men only. He has clients who like him to dress like a woman,” Oliver explained.

“
But fuck like a man,” Gavin added.

“
But you’re gorgeous,” Clara said.

“Thank
you darling. God Ollie, she’s such a sweetie.”

“
Cocaine, anyone?” Oliver asked, and pulled out a mirror. He handed Clara a rolled-up note. “Proper ladies first,” he said.

Clara watched as Gavin took his line, then handed the mirror to Oliver. She was still intrigued by him and a plan was forming.

“So, Clara, what brings you here? Not just my company, I take it.”

“
You know why I’m here. Can I have five this time?” she asked.

“
Of course. I need to go and sort it out. I’ll leave you two to get better acquainted,” Oliver blew them a kiss and walked out of the room.

“
What do you do?” Gavin asked.

“
Nothing much at the moment. Do you enjoy being a prostitute?” Clara was over her initial shock, she was intrigued.

“
It’s a job and I so need the money. You must know that white powder doesn’t come cheap,” he smiled.

“
But do you like dressing up?” Clara persisted.

“
Not really. High heels are bloody uncomfortable and I have to shave everything,” he giggled, “well nearly everything. And I’m not really comfortable wearing makeup, although I like the way I look.”

“
You look very convincing,” Clara said.

“Thank
you darling girl. It’s hilarious that you really thought I was a woman.”

“
It’s hard to believe you’re not,” Clara added.

“
I’m a little bit girly even when I’m not dressed like this. The only thing I really can’t do is butch. But I need the money so if a client wanted butch I’d do my best,”

Clara
’s mind was working overtime. Excitement welled inside her. She had no idea how but she thought that Gavin was the answer to her prayers.

“
How about if I came up with a way for you to earn a bit more money?” Clara suggested.

“
Do tell,” Gavin said.

“
Well, it’s like this. I need to take revenge on a man. It’s a long story and I’m not going to tell you now, but I know I could use you. And I’d pay,” Clara still didn’t have the details.

Oliver came back.
“What are you girls talking about?” he asked.

“
Clara was saying I could help her take revenge on a man,” Gavin replied.

“
What fun. Let’s have some more cocaine. What’s it all about, Clara?” Oliver looked excited.

Clara took a line and started telling them all about Johnny.

“But how could Gavin help? Is this guy gay?” Oliver asked.

“
I don’t think so. He’s dating me,” Clara said.

“
Yes, but, darling, I think you could turn most men straight,” Gavin said.

“
Well, he was very quick in bed. He’s sexist and horrible. But he’d think Gavin was a woman, wouldn’t he?”

“
You did,” Oliver answered.

“
A very attractive woman,” Clara mused. The three sat deep in thought.

“
I have an idea.” Clara’s eyes widened. She had another line of cocaine, then continued, “We set them up together. He thinks Gavin is a woman and he goes back to her place. We set up a video in Gavin’s place and record the whole thing.”

“
I’m not being funny, but wouldn’t he notice that Gavin’s a guy when he drops his skirt?” Oliver said.

“
Yes, but that’s why we need to think of something before that.” Clara sighed.

“
I know,” Gavin said. “We drug him.”

“
Brilliant.” Oliver clapped his hands.

“
I’m not sure ...” Clara hesitated.

“
It’s perfect. We set up a video camera – hidden, of course. I assume money is no object for you, darling. Anyway, then you arrange to meet him and stand him up. Gavin works his charm – which, believe me, is very, very charming. He gets him back to his place, slips some sleeping stuff in his drink. I can provide that. When he’s asleep, Gavin will remove his clothes and turn the video on. Although they won’t be doing, anything, we can ensure the video shows that Gavin has a dick and he’ll be in bed with this man. No sex involved.” Oliver was excited.

“
But what happens when he wakes up? He’ll call the police.” Clara was worried.

“
No, he won’t. Gavin will be fully clothed again and he’ll tell him he passed out. He won’t know anything until we send the video to his colleagues.”

“
My God, you’re a genius,” Clara said. The cocaine had made her head a bit fuzzy, but this made sense.

“
How much?” Gavin asked.

“
How much what?” Clara asked, still thinking.

“
How much will you pay me?”

Clara thought for a minute. She had no idea what the rate for this sort of thing was.
“Five thousand pounds?” she offered.

“
My God,” Oliver said. “You must really hate him.”

“
I do,” Clara replied.

They continued planning. Gavin was almost falling over himself to be involved. He wasn
’t sure how he’d do it, but for that money he’d make anything work.

“
I’ll need you to meet the others,” Clara said.

“
What others?” Gavin looked nervous.

‘m
y two friends. We’re in this together. But don’t worry, they’ll be thrilled.” Clara really thought they would.

“
You must keep me updated,” Oliver interjected.

“
Gavin, give me your number. I’ll call you, and perhaps you can come round tomorrow.” Clara was getting excited.

“
Here.” Gavin found some paper and wrote down his number. “I’m working tomorrow, but I could come round first. I need to be free by seven.”

“
Perfect.” Clara tucked the piece of paper into her bra along with the five grams of cocaine. She paid Oliver, kissed them both and left.

***

As the door closed behind her Clara realised she needed the loo. She didn’t want to go back so she made her way into the nearest pub. On her way out of the ladies’, she walked straight into someone. Her bag dropped and its contents fell out. As she reached down to pick everything up, so did the person she had bumped into. A policeman. She almost died again as he picked up a wrap of cocaine that was sitting at his feet. She hadn’t known she had any in her bag. As the policeman informed her she was under arrest she panicked as she remembered the other five wraps in her bra.