Trafika Europe 9/10 - UK in Europe

Adam Thorpe

ever visited them in their own place. ‘And they’re really site-specific,’ Jasper had joked. He promised Suzie not to mention Europe, immigrants, Brexit or anything else even faintly political. They have what Jasper called a non- interactive greyhound, its balls horribly visible. The dining-room had a chandelier and a huge shiny table put to crystal, candles and bone-handled cutlery in mind-boggling rows. She was terrified of chipping a plate just by looking at it. Jasper said, ‘Oh good, all we need for a fry-up.’ The venison casserole was a challenge to a vegetarian, but Suzie stayed cool and pretended to enjoy it. ‘Well, at least you’ve passed your degree, Suzie,’ said Geraldine. ie what have you done with

yourself in the year and a half since? Finding herself. Finding her self. Trying out London for summer barwork meant she met Jasper and his web of cool contacts even before her final year of uni. Thank you, whoever controls the universe. A big smiley just for you. ‘Here’s to 2017,’ Terence said, raising the last of his red wine. ‘Albeit one- twelfth gone, almost.’ He had a boozer’s veins on his nose, flushed cheeks. ‘May it bring prosperity and hope and decent weather to the considerable remainder, now we’re back in control and not being bossed about by the bloody Germans, let alone the French.’ ‘Let’s raid the fuck out of the fucking fridge,’ mumbled Jasper.

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