Open Writing

'Don't tell me,1 he said, 'let me guess what you're thinking.'

'You'll never guess,' she said. 'Anyway, I wouldn't admit it.'

'Why, is it something to be ashamed of?'

'It might be ... Then, again, it might not.'

'I really can't make you out.'

'Oh, but why would you want to make me out?'

'Because, because ... well, you fascinate me.'

'Go on ... this is sheer flattery but I like it.'

'Well, you're really stunning . . . And I wish I could persuade you to have dinner with me tonight... I'm fairly rich, you know.'

'Now why on earth are you telling me this?'

'Hm, because money helps, doesn't it?'

'Yes, it probably does but there's always a price to pay ... I was
married to a rich man for five years ... It was hell.'

'But you must have got something out of it - ?' The settlement?'

Oh, I didn't do too badly, I must confess.'

'So the tabloids would describe you as a rich divorcee?'

'Perhaps .. . and how do you think they'd describe you?'

'Hm .. . something like, conman who preys on rich divorcees.'

'Ha, ha, that's very funny,' she said, though she knew it wasn't.