Looking in the rear view mirror, I take a moment to apply my lipstick and check my reflection once again. I always feel this jittery, nervous flutter when approaching his house. But then, I never quite know what to expect.
Walking up to the door, I can see a handwritten note wedged in the glass. "You are late. Use the back door. You know what I expect." Even more intimidated by the tone of his words, I slink around to the back door and let myself in as quietly as possible. Just for a moment, the option of leaving crosses my mind, but only for a moment.
As I enter I can hear the drone of the television. I follow the blue light through the darkness. There he sits. He has heard me and knows I am near.
He doesn't even blink, let alone turn his head in my direction. I catch my breath, intimidated by his dark composure and his silence. He might have greeted me in the light - cheerful and charming. We could have chatted on and on, as old friends are likely to do. We might have gone out for a drink and a bit of fun before returning to the familiar warmth of his bedroom. But, not tonight. There is a price to pay for my tardiness and his stillness is ominous.
As my eyes adjust, I can see that in the time I made him wait he gave up his normal attire for a soft, comfortable robe. The smoke from his lit pipe swirls like a halo around his head. It draws me in, pulling me into his world. A splash of brandy remains in the snifter on the table. Without a doubt we are in for the night and I am bound to make whatever amends he requires of me.