Liars' League

Pampas Grass by James Holden

July 2011 Pampas Grass

Read by Sarah Le Fevre

“Thank you for the wine – I’ve placed it on the communal table. We’d appreciate it if you didn’t take the bottles around. There are plenty of plastic cups for you to take with you though …”

Jennifer preferred to look out through the open French windows than listen to what their host was saying. It had been another hot July day, and the lounge was basking in the last of the summer’s sun. Outside, pampas grass was swaying in an evening breeze that was bringing Jennifer some relief. As Kevin continued to feed them instructions she surveyed the terrace and the view beyond, the generous sloping garden with browning grass but well-watered plants leading down towards farmland.

This Isn't Heat by Richard Smyth

July 2011 This Isnt Heat

Read by Silas Hawkins

 

Outside, a tonne of air sits on Manhattan like a squatting golden Buddha. Inside, James Mercury searches for a friend in his Rolodex.

‘David – nope. Janice – no: how can I call her after last time? Louie Sweeney. Who the hell is Louie Sweeney? So no. Harry, Murray, Cathy – no, no, no.’

It seems that there are no friends to be found within James Mercury’s Rolodex.

Kenny by Frances Clarke

July 2011 Kenny

Read by Jo Widdowson

His protuberant belly shone like burnt plum jam. “Need your gutters cleaning? They looks blocked from ’ere.”

Helen, wishing she hadn’t answered the door, struggled to control her gaze. The petunias wilted in the heat, the soil in their pot grey and cracked. Bloody Kenny. He was practically bare. His tone was peremptory despite the smile on his face. He had been obsequious on previous occasions. What had got into him? Her eyes flicked back to the expiring petunias to avoid seeing how his bulging stomach merged with his meaty pectorals. Chains glinted gold against the dense black chest hair. Why did he have to be so naked?

Brothers' Eyes and Curtain Rods by Robert Long

July 2011 Brothers Eyes

Read by Terence Anderson

One day.  That is all it is.  It has its fragments, a series of actions and succeeding actions, as mechanical as the turning of a clock. It has its existence as a whole, an inescapable prison.  He will be held within it forever, and so will they.

In the morning, he leaves his wife.  She rolls over and says something in slurred, sleepy Russian.  Lee ignores her, and quickly gets dressed.  The room is not his and it would not be right to say he is leaving home. 

Underneath by Erinna Mettler

July 2011 Underneath

Read by Elizabeth Bower

Jack is eating cornflakes. An empty flat. A new pack. Perfect. He’s only taken one bite when he hears footsteps in the hall. Damn it. He chews quickly and swallows hard. He’s only half finished when Rosa walks into the kitchen and glares in his direction. She picks up the kettle, sighs heavily at its emptiness and carries it to the sink.

‘What are you wearing?’ he asks.

She looks over her shoulder, the flame silk of her hair flowing down her back. ‘It’s what I wear in bed.’

Hot & Bothered this Tuesday 12th July!

Turn up the heat and let the sunshine in with our July Hot & Bothered stories on Tuesday 12th July!

We've got swingers and assassins, curry in New York and sexy pants in suburbia, not to mention a burning building or two ... plus our infamous literary quiz, the chance to win some steamy FREE books, and bargain wine all night - all for a measly fiver on the door!

STORIES CHOSEN:
- Underneath by Erinna Mettler NEW AUTHOR, read by Elizabeth Bower
- Brothers' Eyes and Curtain Rods by Robert Long NEW AUTHOR, read by Terence Anderson
- This Isn't Heat by Richard Smyth, read by Silas Hawkins
- Pampas Grass by James Holden NEW AUTHOR, read by Sarah Le Fevre
- Kenny by Frances Clarke NEW AUTHOR, read by Jo Widdowson

See you there: doors at 7pm, show at 7.30, drinking till late, as usual ...