Death Serves An Ace*

“What a sport: tennis,” Fabrice Santoro says, sighing.  Whilst I was meditating and sleeping, Tsonga won the first two sets and was just about to win the match when Berdych somehow wrestled the tie-break off him, took the third set and is now in the ascendant: 3 – 1 up in the third set.  Tsonga […]

Breaking Point*

Seb is on his way.  Or will be, after he’s done various things.  It’s been raining in Paris, so we’ve been watching Andy’s match from yesterday.  Now, at last, they’ve swept the courts and some play is happening.  It’s the French hope Alize Cornet – very pretty in blue – and the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, […]

The Yellow Wallpaper*

As we wait for Spin to start, I realise that the new studio wallpaper (photo attached) evokes that in the kitchen at my parental home.  It’s disconcerting.  It’s also Too Hot in here.  The air conditioning must be broken again.  Mustn’t grumble: this is my favourite Spin class – 11.15am on Saturday, and I haven’t […]

The Moonstone*

“Can I help you?”  She says, from behind the desk at the back of the shop.  I’ve walked past this place so many times and yet this is the first time I’ve ever pushed the glass door and found myself inside the magical cave of rocks and crystals. “Um, I’m looking for a present for […]

The Malice Of Fortune*

“You need all the fortune you can get playing Nadal,” the commentator says.  Another bright, sunny day in Paris.  Rafa resplendent in turquoise all over – down to his socks and shoes.  Am enjoying his new style of shorts: short and tight.  They’re a long way away from those grey baggy monstrosities of his youth. […]

Game, Set and Murder*

  “What a beautiful person he is!  Happy day?xxx”   At the theatre, I’ve turned my phone on during the interval, and can see Seb’s message.  The ‘beautiful person’ referred to is, of course, the fluffy monster.  Sent Seb a couple of fluffy-monster-photos earlier in the day. Can’t reply though because in the ten minutes before the start of […]

Laburnum Grove*

“Happy Monday lovely.  Hope you had a nice day with the fluffy monster.  Sleep well xxx”  Seb’s message comes through at 9.17pm last night. “He sends cuddles.  Was great to see him.  Hope the day has been productive xxx” I reply.  In fact, only saw my darling orange cat person for about five minutes, which […]

Murder On The Eiffel Tower*

“D’you know, he could win this,” John Inverdale says.  It’s the French Open and Andy Murray hasn’t yet hit a ball.  Let’s not tempt fate and make him lose in the first round to a qualifier, I think.  Probably best not to start to thinking about Andy-winning-the-whole-tournament at this stage. And they’re off.  Andy’s clad […]

Too Many Cooks*

“What’s the time?” I say to Seb, as I come round from a deep afternoon sleep. Sitting up, he switches his phone on.  “Oh dear,” he drawls.  “Six forty five.  I’d better make you something to eat.  When’s your train?” “Seven forty five,” I say.  “But I’m not tied to that one.  Let me have […]

Murder By The Seaside*

“I’m looking forward to seeing my dogs,” Seb says as we leave his flat. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the animal people,” I say.  The fluffy monster’s mum and uncle and two sisters will be there, along with the three dogs.  Am wearing my nice dress: the short leopard and tiger print red, gold, black […]