Chapter 3
462 Words
CHAPTER THREE
The following weekend, fate threw Justin and Trudy together. It happened in Camden Town at a fundraiser for Syrian refugees.
Trudy was there because she religiously attended such events, cared deeply for those less fortunate than herself and wanted to make a difference.
Justin was there because it was close to his house and he was on the hunt for a new girlfriend.
He hadn’t been there long before his eye fell on her. It was inevitable they would. She was the best-looking girl in the room by far.
‘This is it,’ he told himself, mistakenly thinking that what he felt looking at her could only be described as love. He moved closer to this vision in a red dress.
“People are living on the pavements of Hackney,” he heard her say. “It’s disgusting what they have to endure in one of the wealthiest countries in the World.”
‘Look at that passion.’ Justin was spellbound. ‘The way her nostrils flare when she emphasises a point. The way she flicks that shiny ponytail.’
She was fascinating. She was stunning. He moved closer still. He got so close that Trudy broke off her monologue and turned to look at the interloper.
Their eyes met.
He grinned like a naughty schoolboy.
‘He’s full of confidence,’ Trudy thought. ‘Maybe a bit too full.’
Justin ignored the people crowded around her.
“Hi, I’m Justin,” he said.
“Trudy,” she replied and allowed her hand to be shaken.
He bought her a drink and casually steered her away from the group she was with. He asked her about herself. He made an excellent job of pretending to be interested. And even though she didn’t reveal much of a personal nature, she pontificated in great detail on what should be done to solve the plight of the homeless.
‘I love her sexy voice,’ he decided.
Justin had very little to add to the conversation that wouldn’t show immediately he didn’t have a clue what he was talking about, yet he desperately wanted to impress her. So when the collection tin came round, he donated handsomely, hoping she’d notice.
“Gosh, a hundred quid! That’ll really help.” Trudy smiled at him.
His little scheme was working.
“Well, you know, I think it’s important we do what we can,” he lied.
He added a shrug and a half-smile that was supposed to convey a deep sympathy for his fellow human beings.
“You know what I mean?” He said it as though injustice to his fellow man, unfairness to those less fortunate, hurt him deeply.
“I do,” she agreed, nodding.
Justin was sure that nod really said, “Where have you been all my life?”
They had a few more drinks, and he listened attentively. When expected to speak, he settled for telling Trudy how interesting she was, how knowledgeable she was, and towards the evening’s end, how sexy she was.
Before she left, Trudy gave him her number.
- Writer
