How To Eat Fruit by Anne Brooke

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2010 by Untreed Reads Publishing, LLC

Cover Art Copyright 2010, Created by Marina Avila

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For Nik Perring, writer and friend: thank you.

Jacob had never seen anyone eat a banana in the way the woman in the café did. She was a tall woman, not beautiful, her burnished hair tied up in a green scarf. She sat down with a thump and stared around, challenging any to question her right to be there. No-one did. Her gaze slid over Jacob and didn't stay. No-one ever looked at him for long.

The woman took out the banana from her handbag and laid it on the café table like an offering. From nearby a mongrel whined as its owner dragged it past the crowded shops. It was too hot for dog-walking, Jacob thought. As he watched the woman, she picked up a knife and cut the banana into four equal pieces. She did this with a surgeon's precision, focused on the task alone. Then she split the skin on the first piece with her long fingernails and popped the soft insides into her mouth. Her red lipstick smudged a little as she chewed.

Jacob blushed and glanced down at his half-drunk coffee. Suddenly it looked very bland.

Taking occasional glances at the woman whenever he dared, he watched as she ate the second and third pieces of fruit in the same manner. The waiter hovered over her but she ordered only water before sending him away with a flick of her hand. He didn't argue. When the glass of water arrived, she set it to one side and continued eating.