you introduced to everyone and get your flights booked. You and I are going to Tokyo tomorrow. ” He carries on walking over to his desk, turns and winks playfully at me.
Shocked he could be so blatant here with people about, I check everyone’s whereabouts like a true detective, nope, I say to myself, nobody saw it. Steffi exhales sharply, her back to me, or maybe I’m wrong. Daniel returns me to the world by speaking again. “There's a small exclusive and secret denim auction going on and I have a 'key', is that OK with you?" Newton hands us both a tea, Daniel doesn’t wait a second before drinking it, his periodic table mug holds dark steaming tea the same colour as mine, but the tea bag still hovers just below the surface in my cup, I like it very dark.
"Yes,” I answer almost without breath, a few days away with him...., focus!! “I just have to speak to Jinni and ask her to look after the horses and cats for me. How long will we be away?" I ask looking at my phone, trying to sound relaxed.
G on the centre line, track left to C. Bugger, my usual trick isn't working, difficult puzzles in my head, calming the noise. And dressage, its difficult isn't it? Well, if you don't know, I can tell you it is.
I have horses and cats, and an overdeveloped sense of responsibility, so I can never relax. "Back Saturday morning very early, that OK?" Phew! Yes, that'll do nicely. My phone begs my immediate attention, as it vibrates unstoppable in my pocket, I endeavour to ignore, but it’s very demanding. I drain my cup, leaving the bag in the bottom.
Attempting not to sound too relieved, it's too early to let this man know all about me, "yes, early is fine." My class doesn’t start until 1, I should have time. Can’t let the team down, I’m in the final with both horses, riding for my South East Essex Club, it’s a big deal. Bloody hell. Again, a soft silent drilling in my side resumes, as everyone has other distractions I chance a quick look at the evil stalker device, I call a phone.
Deep breath, be strong, ignore.
Nope, can’t, I’m weak.
PF: “Hey babes, did you like it?” Of course, you have impeccable taste.
TC: “Wearing it now honey, it’s not suitable for riding” true story.
PF: “Depends what type of riding you mean doesn’t it?” Fell right into that one didn’t I? I’m usually much sharper that this, maybe I’ve got flu coming?
TC: “The lace is a little itchy, but happy at least it’s black” yes, very happy indeed.
PF: “Hope it works” me too, I won't attempt a sitting-trot wearing it though!
TC: “I owe you” true story.
PF: “My payment will be a blow by blow, emphasis on the blow, say you understand otherwise it’s my money I’ve wasted!” She thinks she’s funny.
TC: “Funny, really funny” I’ll take notes.
PF: “Are you being facetious?” Did you look up that spelling?
TC: “That's a long word for this early in the morning, plus, I can’t think what you mean” the opposite of the truth.
PF: “Serves me right for asking” it really does.
TC: “…and the moonbeams kiss the sea…” she knows I love that poem, it’s what my brain does when it’s noisy, quotes Shelley.
PF: “He's there isn't he? OK, 'what is all this kissing worth if thou kiss not me” something like that, yes. And I won't be kissing her again if that's what she's hinting at.
TC: “Over and out poet laureate” love you.
Without Shelley, my mind wanders, I try to concentrate on the job at hand, slightly uncomfortable in my new two piece black lacy set. Spiderman pants they certainly are not, but perhaps that’s a good thing, am I growing up? Hope not.
I love Japan, so I’m quite excited, Japan holds lots of the keys to modern denim, their artisans working with centuries old techniques using real natural indigo dye where oxygen develops the pigment into that all-familiar blue we all love. They achieve the most creative effects with laundry and dry hand processes, real ancient indigo dying processes, a brighter, more green-caste blue. Today indigo dye is created artificially using chemicals. The 'show' we'll be attending with offer denims that take a long time to make, hand stitched by a small isolated group of machinists with an underground following not unlike RANDom itself. To see and touch some of these denims is a dream.
"Will your 'key' invitation let