Page 7 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘Thanks. Pleased you like it.’

‘Yes, I do. Titles are very important. The first glimpse of what the reader sees on the bookshelf. Either it can pique their curiosity, entice them to open the door and see what’s inside, or, if it’s boring, they’ll skim right past it. TakeWar and Peace, Tolstoy’s legendary novel – those three little words cover the whole scope of human history.’

Yes, Anna thought as she listened to him talk,I’mgoing to sleep with you.

‘And then there are the great books with just a character as the title.Oliver Twist,Rebecca,Jane Eyre, etc. They plant questions in the reader’s mind. Who are they? What is their journey?’

‘I do hope you like my story,’ she said. ‘I can tell you’ll be a good teacher. Can I give you a hard copy? If you like, I could drop it round after work if you give me your address.’

Watch it, Damien. It’s getting a bit too cosy. Keep it professional, at least until you’ve read it.

‘Hard copy is fine, but don’t worry – I’ll pick it up at my next appointment. And maybe after I’ve read it, we can discuss it over coffee.’ He gave her a generous smile.

A timely buzz. ‘Dr Lacey is ready for you,’ said Anna,returning Damien’s smile as he disappeared up the stairs. ‘And so am I,’ Anna added to herself, clicking BUY on her Lingerie Boutique basket.

Chapter 3

Prompted by the seeds of promise that Damien Spur had sown, Anna sat back in the comfortable leather chair ready to let her thoughts fly.

In her mind’s eye, she is on television readingThe DogThat Lost Its Barkto a forum of children who sit enthralled on the television-studio floor.

She is wearing a pink-and-white-check prairie dress with puffed sleeves and a full skirt, her tiny waist cinched in a slim silver belt with matching ballerina pumps. She’s near to the end of her tale, an allegory of Dickensian heights about a very rich but mean man called Iver Fortune, who learnt to love the world through a sweet servant girl and his once fierce dog.

Face to camera, Anna reads the final passage.

A presenter walks on to the stage floor.

‘Thank you so much, Anna, for reading your beautiful story. And now I think you have some very exciting news for us.’

‘Yes. My tale has been bought by Disney and I shall be writing the screenplay.’

‘Anna, wake up! Where are you?’ The efficient Irish practice nurse vigorously shook her shoulder. ‘The patient has been buzzing for the last five minutes. She had to ring the practice to say there was no one to let her in. This is not the first time you’ve been up in your head playing with the fairies.’

‘Oh no! I’m so sorry, Aileen!’ Anna slapped her hand ferociously on the intercom.

‘Too late for that, my girl. I let her in. She was already late for Dr Faith and so she went straight up.’

Anna reddened. ‘Oh, I really don’t know what to say. Please don’t report me. Mrs Cougar has already lodged a complaint about me.’

‘I’m sorry, but the truth of the matter is you just aren’t doing your job. It’s not enough to have a posh voice and nice little dresses. Your fluffy behaviour isn’t suited to a top Harley Street practice.’

If only Anna could say what she really thought.

You’re a nasty piece of work. I bet you’re jealous of my pretty face and good legs. And there’s you with your beady eyes and pinched lips without a trace of make-up, thick tights and flat black lace-up shoes, which make you look old and frumpy.

But Anna couldn’t afford an argument, so she looked at the floor like a naughty child and let Aileen carry on scolding her.

Until Damien came down to say goodbye.

Anna flushed with embarrassment.

She needed to compose herself. Act with grace and dignity.

She smiled at Aileen and said sweetly, ‘I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.’

‘Better not,’ the nurse replied. ‘You’re here to do your job. The first thing the clients see is you. And if you’re sitting at your desk half asleep, or eating sweets, it doesn’t make a good impression.’

‘What’s this?’ Damien interrupted. ‘Are we having a spot of bother?’

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