107. A PRESENT FOR THE SMILEYS

Alan: lunch ready, Amy? I must say I’m rather hungry.

Amy: Oh dear, Ionly just got back. I’ve shopping all the

morning, and I’m dead tired.

 

Alan: That means we’ll have to call up a food delivery, I suppose.

 

Amy: I’m afraid so.

Alan: Since you’ve got that job I’ve to eat pizza almost every Saturday. But

never mind that now. What about that present for Debby and Bob? 

you done anything about it?

Amy: Yes, I. But itgiven me a lot of trouble. I had to walk all

way along Oxford Street until at last I found something really good.  And

then I found I had  too little money on me. And I had to look for 

something cheaper. I got so tired that I simply had to have a cup of coffee

somewhere.

Alan: Well, but what about that present? you or n’t you buy anything?

Amy: You should n’tso impatient. Of course, I. But In’t

want to carry it without help myself because it’s too heavy.

Alan: Too heavy?

Amy: Yes, theydeliver it with a courier.

(The doorbell)

Alan: n’t go Amy, Isee to it.

Amy: That should  someone from that shop. You’ll have to tip them,

Alan.

Alan: Look here, Amy. What on earthyou bought? What’s this big

roll? You wanted to buy them the  newest IPad tablet.

Amy: So I. But I found something better. A lovely rack for their sitting room. They should pleased with it. Only whythis roll  s

o big? Let’sunpack it now, Alan. Good heavens, what’s this?

 

Alan: Why, it’s a roll of wall paper.

 

Amy: Really? How could they make such a silly mistake? But look here, Alan. We can use it for our bedroom. You wanted to repaper it,n’t you?

Alan: What? Darling, you surelyn’t expect me to sleep in a room

with those blue roses and pink lilies.

Amy: Jeena wouldn’t like it either, Iafraid.

Alan: Of course not. Ring up that shop, Amy. They should take back this

stuff at once.

 

 

 

 

                               108. THE SMILEYS IN LONDON

Amy: Debby, darling, here youat last. Whenyou arrive? Where you staying? Where’s Bob? Whyn’t you brought him with you?

Debby: Goodness, Amy, not so fast! Howyou expect me to answer all your questions at once?

Amy: Well then, whenyou arrive?

Debby:The day before yesterday.

Amy: Really? Iso glad you’ve able to come to see me so soon. I’m dying to hear all about you and Bob. Whyyou make such a

secret of your plans?

Debby:A secret? But wen’t. I’ve just made up my mind rather suddenly.

 

Amy: Who would’ve thought you’d marry Bob Smiley of all people?  Of

course, he’s a very interesting man. But I simply can’t imagine

him in a part of a husband.

Debby: It fits him quite well. When you come and see it you’ll 

able to judge for yourself Could you come to dinner next Sunday, you and

Alan?

Amy: With pleasure. Thanks for the invitation.

Debby:you think Sergei would glad to come too?

Amy: Isure he would. By the way, Debby, where you staying?

Debby:  In my old flat.

Amy: n’t it rather small for two people?

Debby:  Oh yes, it’s far too small for all Bob’s books and collections. But most of his thingsstill in the flat he rented from the Luises’. Wen’t able to take them all to my place.

Amy: Well then, whatyou going to do? you move in to Luises’ flat?

Debby:Perhaps, but we won’t able to stay there longer than a month or two. The Luises coming back from Canada.

Amy: Oh, they? In’t know. Look here, Debby. Sergei 

going back to Russia very soon. When he’s gone we can store some of your

things in his room if you like.

Debby:That’s very kind of you, Amy. But we rather think we’ll able to buy a small house. Bob’s latest book’s  selling quite well, you know. We’ll have to get mortgage on a house, of course.

Amy: I think Alan might  able to help you over all that. Won’t you stay to supper, Debby? He’ll  here any moment. You can tell him about your problem.

 

Debby:Oh, I’m very sorry, Amy, but I can’t stay now.

I’m meeting Bob in half an hour. As a matter of fact he

rather thought of ASKING Alan’s advice.

Amy: They’ll  able to discuss the whole thing on Sunday then.

Debby:Thank you, Amy. Till Sunday then. Good bye.

Amy: Good bye, Debby.

                   

                               109. MEETING OLD FRIENDS

Amy: Goodness, Alan! It’s 11 o’clock. Whereyou ? What you  doing?

Alan: I’m sorry, Amy. I met some old friends.

Amy:And Iso worried.

Alan: You see, I met old Steve Dunn and his brother Duncan. In’t seen them for years. You must met them when we 

first married.

Amy:In’t remember.

Alan: Any way. We went to a pub and had a drink.

Amy:I might known. At least you could called me and

let me know.

Alan: Well, I know I should done that. Only you see my  mobile must  switched off and In’t realize that.

Amy:But surely youn’t spend all the time in the pub?

Alan: No, of course not. Therea small Indian restaurant next

door, so we went and had some curry.

Amy:And now of course youn’t want any supper?

Alan: Well…, as a matter of fact  In’t. I’m sorry, Amy. You’ve  sitting at home all this time and cooking, I suppose?

Amy: Nothing of the sort!

Alan: Whatyou mean?

Amy: Just think!  I too meeting my old friends. You should come home half an hour earlier. Then I wouldn’t  at home. And you would  cross with me.

 

Alan: I see. Well, better luck next time.