Ruby by Heather Burnside (carter reed txt) 📗

a drink together and a laugh, as well as a snort of cocaine before they went out to work.

When it came to looking after the flat, Trina did most of the tasks, but it was her own choice. Being used to doing housework for her mother, Trina had become house-proud and she accepted that Shelley perhaps just wasn’t made that way. But what Shelley lacked in housekeeping skills she more than made up for in other ways. Trina was mesmerised by her and loved being in her company.

While she was in the bedroom Trina decided to check through her money. It was something she often did, enjoying the feel of it in her hands and the knowledge that it was all hers to spend as she pleased. As she counted through it she was surprised, because she’d thought she had £10 more. She checked again to make sure. No, there was definitely £10 less than she had thought.

Then Shelley appeared at the bedroom door and Trina brushed off her concerns about the money. Perhaps she had spent more than she realised. Shelley was fresh out of the shower, wearing only her underwear, with her hair still wet. Droplets of water had trickled onto her black see-through bra, making it even more see-through in places where the moist material clung to her naked flesh. Shelley often walked round the flat wearing only her underwear; it was another of the things Trina liked about living with her.

‘What do you fancy for tea?’ asked Shelley.

Trina grinned salaciously, but kept her true thoughts to herself. ‘We could have some pizzas out of the freezer if you like.’

‘Yeah,’ said Shelley. ‘That’ll be good. Then we can have a quick snort before we go to work.’

Trina smiled and made her way to the kitchen to pre-heat the oven while Shelley finished getting ready. The sight of Shelley in her flimsy underwear had side-tracked her, driving all thoughts of the missing money out of her mind for now.

35

June 1998

Trina and Shelley were having a night off. Having treated themselves to a meal in a nice Italian restaurant followed by a few drinks, they were now back at the flat and were both feeling merry.

‘Fancy some Charlie?’ asked Shelley.

Trina nodded and for a few minutes they indulged in some cocaine. She was on a high as she and Shelley again exchanged stories about clients, and laughed raucously.

‘There’s one of ’em that’s a right weirdo,’ said Trina. ‘He spends ages just feeling my legs before he gets down to it. I have to keep reminding him that he’s only paid for a fuck.’

Shelley laughed. ‘Some of ’em are like that. It all depends what turns ’em on. He’s obviously a leg man and you have got really nice legs.’

‘Aw, thanks,’ said Trina, smiling. Because of the drugs and drink she was feeling bolder than usual as she added, ‘You’ve got nice everything.’

She gazed intensely at Shelley who was sitting to the side of her on the sofa, with just a small gap between them. Shelley didn’t seem uncomfortable at the intensity of Trina’s gaze. Instead she smiled back and said, ‘So have you.’

‘Yeah, sure,’ said Trina. ‘That’s why you get all the clients.’

‘Heh,’ said Shelley. ‘You get your fair share and don’t forget I have my regulars. Once you’ve been at it a bit longer you’ll build up your regulars too. You’ve probably already got some.’

Trina shrugged. ‘A few,’ she said, noncommittally.

‘Seriously,’ said Shelley. ‘You’re a good-looking girl, Trina. Don’t put yourself down.’

‘Aw, thanks,’ said Trina again.

Shelley’s eyes never left her and for a few moments Trina gazed back, neither of them saying anything. Trina was still feeling the effects of the coke. She felt high, full of energy and confident, and Shelley’s compliments were adding to her feelings of euphoria. She had an urge to speak and break down the wall that seemed to stand between them.

‘You’re gorgeous,’ she said, shuffling nearer to Shelley, and gazing longingly into her eyes. ‘I’ve thought it ever since the first time I saw you.’

‘Thanks,’ said Shelley, her state of intoxication smothering any discomfort she would normally have felt at such an ardent declaration. Instead she gently patted Trina on the shoulder to acknowledge the compliment.

This was all the encouragement Trina needed and, as Shelley continued to stare back at her, Trina leant forward until her lips were touching Shelley’s. They began to kiss, Trina feeling Shelley’s lips move in time with her own, and she placed her hand on the back of Shelley’s head, gently running her fingers lovingly through her hair. Then Shelley stopped and abruptly pulled away as though she had just come to her senses.

‘What the fuck are you playing at?’ she yelled.

She jumped up from the sofa and Trina noticed that her face was a mask of fury. ‘But I thought it was what you wanted,’ she said, already feeling her face flush with shame.

‘Was it fuck! I ain’t no lesbo,’ Shelley shouted.

This was a side to Shelley that Trina had never seen. In her mind she had built her up into something almost godlike. But now her anger contorted her attractive features until she didn’t even look like the same girl. Trina was confused and embarrassed. ‘But you kissed me back,’ she implored.

‘No I fuckin’ didn’t! I didn’t even realise what was happening. I thought we were just mates. And then you go and do summat like that!’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Trina. ‘I honestly thought you felt the same. I’m sorry,’ she repeated. ‘I promise it won’t happen again.’

‘It better fuckin’ hadn’t do,’ said Shelley. ‘Because if it does, you’ll be out on your fuckin’ arse and your feet won’t touch the ground.’

Trina got up off the sofa and dashed to her room, muttering her apologies repeatedly as tears of humiliation stung her eyes. When she reached her room, she flung herself on her bed and gave way to her sorrow.

Shelley’s threats hadn’t bothered her. Under any other circumstances she