I was late as I hurried into George's Barber Shop just before six. The front shop was empty, so I called out as I sat in the chair.
"Have you still got time to give me a shave George?"
I always go to George for a shave. He's a master. Some days, when I have a big meeting I even call in on my way to work. I prefer him to shave me in the evening though. The ritual of hot towels, traditional brush lather and a cut throat razor is incredibly relaxing. I'm not talking about a beard, but my scalp. I've kept my head shaved for 10 years now after taking the Yul Brynner part in an amateur production of 'The King and I'. The woman playing Anna was so turned on by my shiny scalp, she practically jumped me on stage when she saw it. Afterwards I found it had the same effect on many women, so I kept the look.
As I called again, the shop door opened and in walked a black girl - about 30, tight short curls, wearing a flowing Caribbean skirt and a tight t-shirt holding, only just, an amazing pair of big soft breasts. You don't normally see a woman in George's on their own; they usually have children in tow, bringing them in for his magic touch with afro hair.
"Be with you in a mo, honey.'" she said, with a gorgeous Caribbean lilt, as she went through to the back shop. In theory, that's where George does his shaving, but really it's where the old boys hang out and gossip away from their wives and smoke a bit of pot from time to time. She came out again and went to the shop door.
"Do you mind if I lock the shop door? I don't want any more customers tonight".
She locked the door and switched the sign to Closed.
"Come through the back" she said, "if those old boys see the light on, they'll still be banging on the door."
I'd only been in the back shop a couple of times. I'm literally George's only white customer and it can be a bit intimidating in there. As I went through, she switched off the light in the front shop and closed the connecting door.
"I'm Lettice," she said. "Uncle said you would be in. He's not very well so hasn't opened up today, but he knew you were making a special journey so asked me to see to you."
I smiled at the unintended double entendre. She coloured slightly, but carried on. I didn't know black girls could blush like that.