Free A Perfect Likeness by Roger Gumbrell Page A

stairs. She knew Trish was distressed at the thought of attending the AA meeting, not because she didn’t want to sort her problem out, it was more a case of who she might see there who would recognise her.
    ‘Be down in a minute. Are you sure it’s tonight?’
    ‘Yes it is, you watched me put it in your diary. Come on, show a bit of courage and think of the future, your future. What about the last six months or so, did you worry about being seen in a drunken stupor by neighbours or friends?’
    ‘Okay, okay, you’ve made your point. How do I look?’ she said, quickly changing tack and forcing a smile as she descended the stairs in model posture. ‘Pretty good for a drunk.’
    ‘Just perfect, Miss Draycliffe-on-Sea. Now let’s dash so we can get the best seats; I know this hall and if you get the wrong position you can miss things.’
    ‘I’d rather wait at the entrance and go in last. That way I can see if I know anyone.’ Trish was shaking, she had been jumpy all day and now her nerves were being stretched to their limit yet again.
    ‘Tell you what, when we come out we’ll treat ourselves to one small drink. Your reward for being a good girl. Mind you, after the meeting you may decide you don’t want to touch the stuff again. I’m sure that’s what you should be thinking.’
    ‘Sounds a good idea to me, the first bit anyway. Not so sure about the rest.’

    *

    They left the meeting arm in arm, Trish feeling much better now it was over and that she had not bumped into anyone she knew.
    ‘Let’s go and get to that drink, before I pass out. Look, over there, seems a decent place. Mind you it’s a bit near the hall. Wouldn’t it be funny if the speakers walked in for a pint.’ She giggled at the thought.
    They took their drinks to a small round table away from the window. Trish sipped and sighed the moment she sat. Jackie watched and felt a deep sadness for Trish, but great relief for herself. It could quite easily have been her seeking help to put her life back together. She related so much to Trish’s problem. Her thoughts shuffled through many of the memories of her ex-partner that she had transferred to the brain’s rubbish bin, but had not been able to erase completely. She wished it were possible to programme the brain to remember only the nice times.
    ‘Penny for them, Jackie,’ said Trish.
    ‘Sorry, back with my ex for a moment.’
    ‘You loved him a lot?’
    ‘I thought I did and it hurt like hell when he ran off. I was lucky because I still had Victoria and loving parents to help me through the trauma. And Michael was a brick. Trish, listen to me, if you can accept what your husband has done and block him out of your mind, by concentrating on getting your business back together for example, then I’m positive your other problem will be easier to control.’
    ‘I’m sure you’re right, but I’ll need to work on it pretty hard. I thought the meeting was quite interesting and I guess that if it works for others it could well work for me.’
    ‘That’s just what I want to hear.’
    ‘I have to admit to not being sure about going to the first closed meeting so soon though.’
    ‘And that is not what I want to hear.’
    ‘Sorry, but it’s only the day after tomorrow so there is no time for me to prepare.’
    ‘And what is there to prepare, Trish? You heard the group leader invite people to just come along and join in. I thought she sounded very nice. I’m sure it must make you feel more comfortable knowing you will have a woman group leader as well. Not only that, you told her you would be attending.’
    ‘I suppose it will be alright. Fancy some crisps?’ Without waiting for a reply she made a quick dash to the bar and ordered two packets.
    ‘Trish, I need to remind you that my folks are coming home next week and I will need to spend some time with them. I don’t want them to know anything about what has been happening, not just yet anyway. Maybe, if you get enough