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‘What are you doing out here, Leila? Let’s get inside, I’m starving.’
They settled at a table next to the window and ordered coffee and cakes.
‘Tell me everything about your new job,’ said Leila eagerly.
‘Well, it’s not full time, you understand…and, to be honest, it’s a crummy little paper, but it’s a start.’
‘So, what does it entail?’
‘Oh…diary pieces, gossip – you know the sort of thing.’
‘Well, I’m very impressed. And if anyone knows about gossip, it’s you.’
‘Is that a compliment? I’m not sure.’ Minki laughed.
‘Yes, of course.’
‘To be honest, it’s also a relief. I really need the money. My father has decided to cut me off after Christmas. He thinks that now I’ve finished my degree I should become the defacto chatelaine of his enormous house in Augsburg until I find a husband.’
‘I’m sorry. But we knew that was on the cards. Still, without an allowance how will you afford your rent?’
‘That’s not a problem. My landlord, the old tailor, is very kind. I’m sure he’ll allow me a bit of leeway. And I’ll have my salary, of course.’
‘You know, if money is tight, you could always stay with me and my parents.’
‘That’s very sweet, Leila, but I don’t think your mother would like it. Besides, I’ve lived on my own for so long I don’t think I could live with other people – I’m far too selfish.’
‘You’re not selfish at all.’ Leila paused, realising that now would be the best time to tell Minki of her own job ambitions. ‘I’m glad we met up…because I have something to tell you.’
‘Oh yes, what?’ asked Minki, sinking her teeth into a slice of chocolate torte.
‘I met with our professor recently, to get his advice about what I should do, now we’ve finished our degrees.’
‘And what did he suggest?’
‘That I should become a journalist…’ Leila glanced at Minki nervously, waiting for her response.
‘How marvellous,’ Minki exclaimed happily. ‘I think it will be grand for us both to be doing the same thing. Have you started job-hunting yet?’
‘Well, I did apply to a couple of papers last week, but was rejected by both.’
‘Why?’
‘Lack of experience was what they said, but I fear it was simply that they would rather hire a man. At the interview, there was a waiting room full of male applicants. But I expect I’ll get something eventually.’
‘I’m sure you will. You’re far cleverer than most men.’
‘Minki, you’re sure you don’t mind about me becoming a journalist too?’
‘Of course not! I’ll be more successful than you, anyway!’ Minki laughed and snatched the last piece of cake from Leila’s plate, ate it in one bite, before wiping her mouth on a napkin.
‘Now, Leila, I want to ask you a favour. I’ve been invited to a literarysoirée.’ She pronounced the words with fake grandeur. ‘It’s being held this evening, at a smart restaurant. Do come with me. I have a pathological fear of going into a room full of strangers unaccompanied. And besides, you never know who you’ll meet. Most of the guests will be publishers and writers – one of them might give you a job. I’m certainly hoping I’ll find someone who can give me a leg-up.’ She laughed uproariously, and lit a cigarette.
Leila had noticed that Minki had a habit of drinking too much at parties and was often reluctant to leave. ‘All right,’ she agreed finally, ‘as long as we don’t have to spend all evening there – I’ve got a couple of application letters to write tonight.’
‘We’ll leave by nine, I promise.’
The smell of cloves and mulled wine filled the air as Leila followed Minki into the market square that evening. The Christmas market was in full swing and the stalls were packed with enthusiastic shoppers stocking up on seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.
