The morning after.(Story)(Short Story)

Mermaid's not happy today. I reckon I've served him four chardonnays since twelve-thirty. Lucky for him he's a regular. The place is full of people trying to get their lunch, having to squeeze past him to get to the till, but he doesn't even notice. Looks like Rugby Player's playing hard to get.

He's fairly new on the scene, Rugby Player. Mermaid hasn't been around for a few weeks either, come to think of it. Not since the argument--would it be six weeks ago?

I couldn't help overhearing them. They'd raised their voices, didn't care who heard them. "Of course I will. You know I will," Rugby Player had shouted.

Mermaid's eyes searched his face. "Truly?"

They'd obviously made it up last night. Mermaid was all sparkle, in a long tight pink dress--sheath do they call that? My ex-wife had one just the same. Diamante earrings, and a little fancy lady's watch to match. And he'd got the make-up right--not the drag queen in-your-face-I'm-a-woman variety any more. More subtle. P'raps he's had the operation.

You couldn't get a sheet of paper between them last night. Rugby Player laughed as he called me over.

"We'll have pink champagne tonight," he said, holding Mermaid's hands. "This is a night to celebrate." When I brought it, they were kissing. It beats me, what goes on in the mind of a bloke, that makes him want to change into a woman.