Every day started the same – I’d be sitting at the back of the bus, expectantly waiting for her arrival. She’d climb on board, smiling to herself as she strolled up the aisle, and swing herself gracefully into a waiting seat. The bus would carry on, collecting kids from school, suited executives from work, and she’d hop off somewhere in the old port, a different stop each time, and stroll off. I’d find myself pressed up to the glass, watching her walk off with a soft wiggle of the hips, until she’d disappeared out of view.

But today was different. Today I was going to get off that bus, introduce myself and change our lives. I followed her down the bus and onto the street, keeping a reasonable distance. She stopped at the corner, waiting to cross. This was it. I plucked up the courage and walked up to her.

“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” I boldly announced.

“Thats lovely darlin,” she said, coyly smiling at me. “Now, what are you after? I’m not cheap, but I’m worth it.”