Waiters clothed in pristine uniforms, appeared like friendly ghosts, and floated from white tablecloth to white tablecloth; their lowered gaze a comfort to those who craved anonymity. Silent and pure amidst the stains of sullied thoughts, they changed the tablecloths each time a spontaneous urge overturned a bottle of cheap wine.

The young man twisted uncomfortably on his seat, and imagined all eyes upon him, judgmental and severe. Nothing could be further from the truth of course; this restaurant had seen it all and more besides. Gripped in fear for his immaculate youth, the boy looked at his watch and longed for his clandestine beau to rescue him from further sweat filled angst, and blatant libido.

Prodigious breasts and lips to match she entered not ashamed, her short skirt tight against her thighs, she tottered expertly on golden shoes that gave her maximum height. She threw a pink pashmina scarf across her bare left shoulder, and flounced all hips and handbag into the sumptuous dining room. Oblivious to her dazzling presence the twitchy youth, dressed in his fathers office suit, sat uneasy and tried to look grown up.

Eyes cast downward; he spotted familiar fake tan legs and subtly signalled to the glamorous woman, not wanting to draw attention. She waved back, blew a kiss and bellowed out his name, ‘Peter. There you are my little angel.’ She showed her perfect teeth to one and all and headed towards her toy boy date. The patient waiters stood aside, a parting of the waves, and she sailed past, full steam ahead, as he shuffled nervously trying not to panic. Her endless eyelashes arrived before she did; thick and black, they fluttered heavy with expectation. The scent of expensive perfume lavished upon her skin, caused other women to sniff the air with jealous want, and glare at their partners like hungry baby rats. She sat, a poised and perfect mannequin oblivious to their envy, and held a hand out for the carte du jour. He fidgeted lost in contemplation, whilst she licked her crimson lips, and scoured the menu for low fat food.

‘Now sweetie, I can’t stay long, things to do. You understand don’t you poppet?’