Alan Sillitoe - Alligator Playground

After they had made love she said: ‘I’d like a phone number, in case there’s a need to get in touch with you.’

‘You have the office one already.’

‘The home number, if you don’t mind.’

‘I’m hardly ever there. It would be a million to one if I were to answer it. And I shouldn’t like Angela to.’

She wasn’t so stupid as to go on if anybody but he lifted the receiver.

‘I know,’ he said, ‘but I wouldn’t even want her to suspect – not one little bit.’

He thought of everything.

‘It would be unforgivable if I didn’t.’

‘You like to keep everybody happy?’

‘It’s the best way of keeping myself happy.’

He wondered why she laughed, unable to understand.

Perhaps she was being unreasonable, and couldn’t think why, not especially wanting to call him at home. Nor, feeling his equal, did she need to test him, or put herself through such futile emotional hoops.

He fastened his shirt almost to the neck, and she pointed out that the buttons were in the wrong place, perversely wishing she hadn’t told him.

‘Christ!’ He rapidly undid them, remembering how he had once got home and, while undressing, Angela noticed his pants back to front, though she was satisfied when he told her he had been playing squash and in a hurry to have a drink. He looked around at windows and doors, as if planning a quick escape, though there was no need. Probably instinct, and in any case it was three floors up. ‘What’s in there?’

‘My spare room.’

‘Full of junk, I suppose?’

‘It’s where I do my painting.’ Daddy had walked into Winsor & Newton’s, and bought a great box for her birthday.

‘Painting?’

She laughed. ‘Therapy I call it.’

‘Look, Diana, I’m off to Rome next week. Can you sham illness at the Beeb, and get time off? I’d love to have you with me.’

Nothing easier. She could see some wonderful paintings. ‘How long for?’

‘Three days, say.’

‘Could swing it. We’re between projects at the moment.’ Which was half a lie, but she didn’t want him to think she was doing any favours.

‘Marvellous. I’ll bell you.’

‘Oh, right.’

‘I’ll never stop loving you.’

‘I know, darling. Love you, too.’

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