Conversation · Working Class Woman

Definitely no small talk, this isn't the time or place.

It's like ripping off a bandage. The least painful way is to do it straight away, without stalling.

Something changes in her expression. "No, this is something much worse... Is he in a hospital? How bad is it?"

"I'm not really here for the tea."

"Is this about Victor, my husband? Is he in some kind of trouble again? I can come pick him up in the station if that's what..." She stops, her eyes trying to read answers from your face.

Keep it together. You don't want your body language to tell her the news.

"Hold on... You're Billie? I thought Billie was a man..."

"No, I'm Billie." She narrows her eyes. "Is this about my husband, Victor? I can come pick him up in the station if that's what..." She stops, her eyes trying to read answers from your face.

"Thanks, but I'm alright."

Not now. [Leave.]

"It's you. From the bookstand." For a moment she seems paralysed, just looking at you. Then she forces herself out of it.

She must know you're here because of her husband.

"It's you from the bookstand..." She just looks at you for a moment without knowing what to do.

"Hello, I'm Billie. Would you like something to drink? Tea, lemonade?" she asks nervously. "We're out of coffee, I was supposed to get some tomorrow..."