Fast Fiction: Meeting Mr Slatter
Can Mr Slatter be reeled in with ease? Richard Mallinson's tale reveals the true nature of a rich man.
That's him, over there,' said Amy. 'He's the one I told you about - the famous asset stripper.'
'Well,' said Ruby, looking, 'he can strip my assets any day.'
'You're shameless, aren't you?' said Amy, admiringly. 'But I bet you'd run a mile if he came on to you.'
'Run a mile - from a rich man? You're joking. I'd be more likely to run a mile towards him.'
'Well, you won't have to because he's coming over. . . Hullo, Mr Slatter, how are we this evening?'
'Ah, hullo, Amy. I thought it was you . . . We had a very nice chat here the other night, didn't we? And then your boyfriend arrived and -'
'My partner,' Amy corrected.
'Well, your partner, then . . . Now, who might this lovely lady be when she's at home?'
'Oh,' said Amy, smiling, 'she's hardly ever at home . . . This is my friend Ruby, Mr Slatter. . . She's had her eye on you for the past ten minutes.'
'Hm, is that true, er, Ruby?'
'Well, I did happen to glance in your direction once or twice.'
Amy giggled at this. Mr Slatter laughed too loudly.
'Now,' he said, 'may I buy you lovely ladies a drink? Amy ... dry white wine?'
'Oh, no thanks,' Amy said, winking at Ruby. 'I must be going now.'
Mr Slatter looked startled. 'What a pity,' he said, watching her go. 'She's lovely, isn't she? Quite delicious . . . Anyway, pleased to have met you, er, Ruby. I'll have to be on my way, now. Another time, perhaps. Cheerio.'
