Message Received
Coffee Break Tale
April10 Sally, Sorry that I’ve not been in touch for a while. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve joined an online dating agency. I’ll let you know how it goes. Charlotte April10 Charlotte, What are you thinking? Don’t you realise the risks? What do the kids think? We’re worried about you. Sally April13 a) I’m thinking of being happy again. b) That’s what’s so exciting. c) I haven’t told them. d) Tell Pete not to worry. I’m not. Charlotte April15 What kind of people are on this site? They’re bound to be sleazy. Don’t lend any of them any money. Sally April19 Mixed bag, but it’s a quality newspaper site so most of them can read. Occasionally I’ve been bored, but I’ve eaten at some good restaurants. The worst I can say is that it’s fattening. What money would that be? Charlotte April20 Not to be intrusive but you wouldn’t… you know, would you? I don’t need to spell it out, do I? Sally April20 I will if I want to. I’m not underage. But so far I haven’t… at all, with any of them. Mind you there’ve been a few delicious kisses. Charlotte April25 So nobody presentable yet? Sally April29 Well there is Graham. Charlotte. May3 Well??????? Sally May4 He was profiled as living in Shropshire, but he’s decamped to Portugal where the living is easy. I know it’s impractical but there’s something about him, he makes me laugh. We email about our life experiences, etc. He seems an honest sort of bloke. Told me he has limited means. But I’ve connected with several wealthy men who didn’t cut it for me. Not what I’m about. Charlotte May7 Why not? You could do with a wealthy man. But you can’t form a relationship with a man so far away. You’re happy where you live. All your friends are here. Sally May17 What’s going on? Haven’t heard from you. Are you all right? Has he dumped you? Don’t be upset. He’s obviously a louse and you’re well out if it. Love, Sally May20 Guess what! Graham came over to visit his children and we met up. He’s a lovely bloke and we got on which is why I’m emailing you from Portugal. I’ll be coming back next week to let my house. See you. Charlotte May21 Charlotte please!!!! You hardly know him. He’s probably a fortune hunter and maybe a sex maniac. Be careful. We’ll see you when you’re back. Pete wants to talk to you. Sally May23 Lovely. Come over for lunch. Charlotte May24 So I can’t talk you out of it? You’re really going ahead with this mad idea then? Are you moving in with him? What sort of a place has he got? I must say we’re all a bit shocked at the yoga group. I mean – it’s just not like you. Sally May26 I know, Sally. That’s what’s so exciting. I’m sorry about the yoga group. They could try centring and meditation and minding their own business. No offence.
The Algarve is so beautiful. Graham took me everywhere and introduced me to all his friends. I spotted a small business opportunity and I’ve set it up. You know me and bookshops. I’ve worked in them all my life. I’ve rented a flat in the old town over a vacant garage and I’m going to re-cycle paperbacks to holiday makers.
The rent from my house will cover the rent for the Algarve apartment and then some. Charlotte May27 You’re not going to live with Graham, then? You and he didn’t…? Sally May28 No, I’m not. But as for… it’s none of your business, Sal. And if I can’t throw my bonnet over the windmill at seventy, then when can I? See you soon.
Charlotte