The phone rang again.
I looked at it. It was 6 o'clock in the evening. Every time the phone rang I had hesitated before answering. I wondered, every time, if it would be Paul who had called me 2 days ago.
I knew I couldn't go through life without answering the phone. I picked it up and waited.
"Well", I heard, "what's your answer?"
My heart sank, I was not to be left alone.
I gulped. "I don't know"
"Well you had better make your mind up pretty quickly. I have copies of the film loaded onto my system. I thought a copy to your parents in Brighton might be a start and another to your head teacher at the school. I wonder what they will think of their new part time teaching assistant."
I was stunned. How did he know where my parents lived or where I worked.
As if reading my thoughts, I heard him say, "I know so much about you. Where your parents in law live, your sister in Tonbridge. Do you want me to go on?"
"Why are you doing this?" I asked.
"Because you are a natural," I heard him say, "You fuck like you really want it and you will make my members very happy."
"I will go to the police," I said.
"Oh yes, will you show them the film, cos I will if they come knocking on my door. Do you look like you are being forced? Do you look like you are not enjoying it? They will just enjoy the film, take copies for their mates and tell you to stop wasting their time.
Go ahead, do it! See what they say. They will probably ask you to their Christmas party."
He laughed, then his voice took on a harder edge. "I am not messing about anymore. You have one hour. He gave me his number. "Call me by 7.15 or you will become the new internet porn star. Not one minute later."
I was left holding the dead phone.
I got the kids ready for bed. "What's up mummy?" Jason asked. "Nothing, " I said, "I am just a little tired."
I tucked them up and said goodnight. It was 7.10pm.
Thoughts tumbled through my mind. I couldn't face my parents, my family or my in laws if this become common knowledge. I had no idea what they would do. Would they question my suitability as the mother of their grandchildren. I couldn't bear the thought of it becoming public.
It was 7.13pm - I picked up the phone and dialled the number.
"That was close," he said, "just one minute more and I was going to press the button.
So you have decided to play ball eh?"
I didn't answer.
"Come on I need you to say it. I want you to tell me."
"Yes," I said, "I will do it, just promise me you won't show that film."
"What will you do?" he said "Tell me."
"Work for you." I spat down the phone.
"Doing what? I want to hear it."
"Be your whore," I spluttered.
"Right, now we know where we stand. What times do you work this week?"
"Every morning from 8.30am util 12.30pm. I need to collect the kids at 3.30 from school."
"Do you know the Cafe Nero
"Yes"
"I'll meet you there at 1pm tomorrow. Is that enough time for you to get there?"
"Yes,"
"Good, we won't take too long, you will have plenty of time to get your kids."
His voice sounded softer and less aggressive, almost caring. I relaxed a little and even thought to myself that he sounded as nice as he had been when we first met
***
I approached Cafe Nero rather nervously. My earlier feelings of the night before had gone and I knew I was about to take a big step that I had little control over.
I pushed the door open and saw him sitting on a sofa in the corner. He stood up and smiled as I approached. "Hi, how are you?"
"Fine, but a little apprehensive."
'Relax, I'll get you a coffee."
I ordered an Americano with cold milk which he brought to the table.
"I thought you might want something to eat as you have come straight from work."
He put an interesting looking panini on the table.
"Parma ham and cheese. Is that OK?"
'Thank you," I replied.
This was much more civilised than I had thought it would be.
"Right, let's get down to business.
Business, I thought to myself, selling myself for money, like a common whore.
"This is nowhere near as bad as you think. I know I was a bit intimidating on the phone but let's talk it through.
Did you watch the film?"
I blushed and nodded.
"What were your feelings?"