Red Room

       Lisette Ashton

      ‘It’s going to happen tonight,’ Helen said. Her voice was stiff with determination. She had made the decision and she was going to stick with it. ‘I’m doing the red room. I’m doing the red room tonight.’

      Tony raised a single eyebrow. It gave his face the questioning expression that always reminded her of Roger Moore. Even the tone of his voice had the sardonic twist that she associated with the star of her favourite old Bond films.

      ‘I thought you were doing the red room last month?’ Tony asked.

      ‘That was my intention –’

      ‘And you’d said you were going to do it the month before –’

      ‘– it’s not always easy to stick to a plan at Club K –’

      ‘– and the month before that, if my memory serves –’

      ‘I’m doing the red room tonight,’ Helen broke in. She spoke with enough finality to end the conversation. ‘It doesn’t matter what I’ve said previously. And it doesn’t matter whether or not I’ve stuck by what I’ve said. I’m definitely doing it tonight.’

      The abruptness in her tone was measured. She didn’t want to cause an argument as they entered Club K. Few things were more likely to spoil the pleasure of a night’s swinging than a bout of pointless matrimonial bickering prior to entering the premises of their favourite club for adventurous couples. Prior experience had taught her that much and she wanted Tony to know that the subject was no longer open for debate. She had made up her mind that she would be visiting the red room this evening and she had no intention of discussing the matter further, especially if he was going to cast doubt on her plans.

      ‘You look absolutely radiant tonight,’ he told her, after signing the guestbook at the door. His smile was conciliatory. His tone was softened by the suggestion of an apology. ‘If you get up to the red room this evening I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time, and I shall want to hear all about it afterwards.’

      Graciously, Helen kissed her husband’s cheek. Had she still been in a mood to bicker, she might have pointed out that he was wrong to use the word ‘if’. There was no doubt in her mind that she would be visiting the red room this evening. She fully intended to go there and tell him all about the experience on the way home. Instead of arguing for the sake of arguing, Helen ushered Tony to go to meet the friends he had promised to contact, and she urged him to enjoy his evening. It seemed only fair to wish him that much because she was adamant that she would enjoy her night in the club.