Scheherazade

            “So, how’s single life treating you then?” asked Scheherazade.

            I met her in Chambers this evening and we agreed to have a drink. Scheherazade is a couple of years older than me, aiming for 30, but looking good nonetheless. She’s a society girl who’s just below the critical wealth line: not quite enough money to live without working. Nonetheless, she doesn’t have to work too hard, and often takes days off to watch the polo or attend the weddings of minor foreign royalties on yachts in the Mediterranean.

            In response to her question, all I could think of was Evelyn and Maya. “It’s okay.” I said.

            “Any exciting dates lined up?”

            “Nothing really.” In truth, I knew her question to be one of those asked in the hope of a return play. “You?”

            “There is this one guy… he’s good looking and sweet, but ever so young.”

            “How young?”

            “Twenty-five.”

            “That’s barely younger than me!”

            She blinked and looked at me, as though noticing my shape and form for the first time. “That’s true. I hadn’t really thought of that before.” She paused and her expression changed. “But it’s too young. He won’t be ready to marry for years!”

            Internally I spat out my pint and laughed. Externally I asked, “Is that really a problem? Don’t you just want to enjoy being young and let time tell who the right person is?”

            “Oh! Do you think that would work? Wouldn’t it be ever so lovely?” She seemed pleased by my idea, as though it were ever so novel.

            “Haven’t we all got the freedom and time to make the choices that are right for us? Marriage isn’t so important is it?”

            “No! You’re so absolutely right Tommy!” Her blue eyes sparkled and she flicked back her hair. “Yes. Love is the only thing worth all this isn’t it?” She was getting quite into it now. “In fact, I think I’ll call him right this minute. I’ve left him nearly two and a half days since his last message to me; the timing is perfect! Must obey the rules of dating mustn’t we?” She smiled broadly and dialled a number on her phone.

            Shortly she ended the call and squealed with delight. “I’m going to meet him right now. Oh, Tom, you’re ever so lovely! I do hope everything works out for you. You’re just bound to meet such a sweet girl soon!”

            I was left alone to finish my pint and ponder the rules.