Transference

Something special happened on the way to see Isabel - I fell in love.

"They for me?" She said, pointing at the carnations in my hand.

"No," I said, and I wished they were.

I had to go through a dangerous part of town to get to Isabel and, usually, I walked and stared at the pavement until the litter cleared. But this time I looked up - she was an angel in a mini skirt and fishnets.

"They for your wife?"

"I don't have a wife. They're for Isabel I always bring her flowers."

"You're sweet," she said.

I had a feeling she wanted more than a conversation.

"We should go out some time," I said.

"Sure," she said, and I felt on top of the world.

I left her standing by the side of the road blowing kisses.

"No flowers today?" Said Isabel.

"I gave them to someone else."

"Good," Isabel said. "I've always found it kind of creepy."

I was surprised.

"Creepy?"

"You're paying me to help you," said Isabel. "You know what I mean."

On any other day a comment like that would have set me back months but I sat back on the couch and watched Isabel write her notes and calmly listened to the clock as it ticked away.

"Well don't worry - I've found someone else," I said.