In a Perfect World.

Which shoes? Those were new, but – whisper it – uncomfortable. The old favourites were there. That pair bought when Jimmy still worked out of the old hospital in Hackney. Christ, they would be 25 years old next year. Still, they'd never been worn every day. That wasn't practical. Yes, those. They fitted snugly, box and all, into the small Samsonite. The Polaroid on the end of the box had faded more than the shoes. The LBD was already in there. It seemed a cheek to call a size 16 little, but so what?

The bottom drawer was fully out. The underwear was laid neatly on the bed. Beautiful things. It was hard to decide. La Perla or something from Provocateur. It was best to have just a few, quality items, really.
La Perla then. The silk and lace nestled on the tissue, before being covered with another sheet or two. A small case: but then it was only for overnight. Catches sealed, the other clothes put away, bottom drawer closed: it was time to get ready.

A quick shave, a polish of the brogues and then the 9.17 for King's Cross.