Double Take - Tit for Tat

Tit for Tat

by Vaughan Savidge

Diane looked through the imported Italian double-glazing - through the Austrian Chintz China Products bamboo blinds - and finally down onto the glittering baubles of twinkling lights. Far below her - HER town hugged the skirts of the Barren Rock. Her hand trembled as she reached to answer the shrill ring of her insistent Gucci phone. She knew who it would be.

"Hello" she trilled.

A smile played across her lips as she tried to force good humour into her voice.

"Oh hello Crystal dear. How unexpected. Before you go any further, let me just say I was slightly disappointed that you didn't mention me as your dear personal friend in your spread in the Sunday newspaper last week. It was especially hurtful as I'd mentioned you in the feature they did on me the week before."

"Of course dear ... it doesn't really matter. It'll be my turn again this week. What would they find to write about if we weren't here?"