The Saturday friend

When Ria meets an old friend, she's delighted - although costs her more than she thinks

- A short story by S Bee

Ria?" I was in town when someone called my name. When I turned, I recognised my old school pal. "Chloe?" I gasped.

"Yes, it's me. It's good to see you!" she gushed.

I smiled. "You too."

Chloe looked amazing. She wore a pink elegant dress, a matching jacket and high heels. Her expert make-up and her sleek, chestnut hair were to be envied. I could smell expensive perfume, too.

She glanced at her diamond watch. "It's lunchtime. Do you fancy a bite to eat?"

I gulped. "Er..."

"Come on. It'll be fun!" she said and before I could object, she took my arm and whisked me away to a restaurant.

It was rather swanky, so I hesitated at the door.

"Look Chloe, I'm not really dressed for this sort of place."

"Oh, you look fine!" she trilled, as she swept in.

The waiter led us to a table, where chairs were pulled out and menus were placed in our hands. I felt like royalty!

We chatted about our lives. At school, we'd both held a keen interest in fashion. We'd spent hours in each other's bedrooms, listening to the radio while cutting out the fashion pages in teen magazines.

Chloe told me about her successful career.

"Eight years ago, I launched my own online trading clothing business. It was aimed at people who wanted to buy and sell their pre-loved clothes. I designed a website, uploaded it and within 24 hours, people were using the service. Then I created an accompanying app."

"It's Glad Rags, isn't it?"

She nodded.

I was impressed. It was a famous brand, advertised on TV.

"It's hard work, but I take Saturdays off," she confided. "Saturday is my day off too," I said.

She was single and hadn't married. I had - to Gary, a warehouse worker.