The Ballroom on Magnolia Street by Sharon Owens Page A

words.’
    ‘It might last. She’s a nasty piece of work. He’ll be like putty in her hands.’
    ‘No. He’ll be fed up with her in no time. Anyway, how do you know he asked her out? They were only talking for a few minutes.’
    ‘Because I saw the look on her face, that’s why. She’ll be gloating over this for fifty years. I’ll have to emigrate.’
    ‘Oh, let it go, Louise! For heaven’s sake! Look, I’ll tell you something for nothing: he’s just a boring, butch, body-building bouncer. He doesn’t know his own strength – he’d crush you in the bed! Let Kate Winters have the big lug, and consider yourself lucky. I can’t believe you, of all people, would be this pathetic.’
    ‘Mary!’
    ‘All the gold watches and fancy jewellery in the world wouldn’t get me near that big oaf, Louise. You must have a screw loose, even thinking about it. He’s as thick as two short planks!’
    ‘Is that what you really think? Or are you just trying to make me feel better?’
    ‘It’s what I really think.’ There was a long pause as Louise considered Mary’s words. Maybe she should wait until Alex had inherited his uncle’s fortune, and then nab him. Miss out on the hungry years.
    ‘Aye, you’re right. C’mon, the night is still young. Let’s get out there and see if there’s any new talent in Hogan’s tonight!’ She sounded as if she meant it.
    ‘That’s the girl. First, we’re going to the food bar for a sausage supper, and a cup of tea. I missed my dinner, earlier.’
    ‘Okay. Sausages and tea it is.’
    ‘And don’t you dare be giving Alex the glad eye. I’m warning you: if a fight breaks out between you and Kate, you’re on your own.’
    ‘No, I’m finished with all that. Kate Winters can have him. I wonder if he’ll take his weights with him on the honeymoon?’
    ‘Aye, he will surely, and when the lovemaking is over, he’ll go and stand in the corner all night, with his arms folded.’
    ‘Ha, ha! Here, I’m taking this strapless bra off. It’s killing me. I’m cut to the bone with it.’
    ‘Shove it in your bag, Louise, and come on – there’s a jumbo sausage in there with my name on it.’
    ‘You’re a wild woman, Mary. I like your style.’
    They went out, the sounds of their cackling laughter echoing round the tiled walls of the ladies’ loo. Kate was left alone in her cubicle, suddenly feeling that she had won the booby prize at the Christmas raffle. She had emerged victorious from the battle of the bosoms, and now she felt trapped. What if Shirley was right about Alex? Was he really a lying scrounger with no rich uncle at all? As if she wasn’t suffering enough already, another horrible little feeling started up in her chest. Like a little bird flapping its wings, just behind her heart. She began to breathe too quickly. Should she go and talk to Kevin, and ask him to take her outside for some air? And maybe hold his hand? She would like that. But would he take hand-holding as a sign they were going out together? There was only one thing to do: escape. Escape! She went to the public telephone in the foyer and dialled for a taxi to come at once. There was one right outside Hogan’s, the man in the depot told her. He’d reserve it for her. She thanked him and clattered the receiver back into its cradle and took a deep breath.
    Shirley and Kevin were having a great time on the dance floor. Kevin was turning out to be a very decent dancer, and Shirley had loosened up a bit and was actually enjoying herself with him. It was very dark where they were dancing, so the crowd couldn’t really see them. And Kevin was the one they were all looking at, anyway. Not many men could wear a pink suit and get away with it. Alex Stone and Sunny Jim were having a heated debate about the suit. Jim thought Kevin must be a karate expert to be so brave. He could probably disable another man with a swift dig to the windpipe. That was Jim’s conclusion. Alex said Kevin was just a total airhead