From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: where R U?
Jenny
What's going on? Where have you gone?
When I came home I found all your things gone. What's it all about? We didn't quarrel did we? I mean we don't quarrel. It can't have been because I was a bit grumpy about dinner last night can it? I thought you would know that I wouldn't want anything heavy before a gig. That's not unreasonable is it? I know I didn't mention it explicitly beforehand but I think the joy of living with you is that you always know what I need before I even say it. Don't let's throw that away.
If it's not that, then I can't think what it can be. Please come back and we can talk it over, or at least phone me. Don't let it fester. Let's talk it out as we have always done. I promise I'll try not to be so 'temperamental' in future but you know what musicians are like.
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Jenny
Why no reply? This is not like you. I am beginning to be afraid something is wrong. Are you ill? Have you gone to your mother's? Is she ill? But it's not like you to go without saying anything.
I just can't believe it has anything to do with my not wanting dinner the other night. Gosh, I didn't throw it at the wall, did I? OK, I might have been a little peremptory but I'm so used to your being good at supporting me. Perhaps I was a little disappointed that you got it so wrong that time. But please don't keep this up. You're just not the type to sulk. Let's accept the fact that neither of us is perfect and let's talk it over.
I'll be out tonight but you can get me in the morning, at work if you like. You know I'm always at my desk by 8.30. Don't worry about Joan, I won't tell her anything, or anyone else at work. I hope this is only temporary.
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Jenny,
I can't believe you're doing this to me, after all we've been to each other. What's happened?
I talked it over with Ralph and Jane. They are as mystified as I am. They said they thought we were the perfect couple.
One thing Ralph said - when he quarrels with Jane (and they do it all the time) she brings up every little misdemeanour he's ever been guilty of. I said you weren't like that but our little spat over your dinner seemed so trivial to me I wonder if there's anything else you're not telling me about. So, please tell me. Even a criminal is told what he's guilty of.
Tell me my crimes.
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Jenny
Won't you even tell me why you hate me? I refused to eat your dinner and sent out for a takeaway. Is that what ended our relationship after all the years we've been together? I know I'm not perfect but honestly I don't know what I can have done to make you walk out on me. Unless...
Have you met someone else? I know I've been a bit preoccupied recently what with work and the music etc. but you have been back late a few times when I was expecting you to be home. Now I come to think of it: steak and chips before I was about to perform, suggests that perhaps your mind wasn't fully on our relationship.
Could you at least respect me enough to tell me the truth? If there's someone else, well that can be the end of it, but I think you should be honest about it.
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Jenny Jenny Jenny
What is going on? You know I could never manage without you. My clothes are a mess. I can't find anything in the flat. The wonderful sense of order you brought to my life has vanished. I live in chaos, squalor. Mrs Thingski can't iron and she refuses to wash my handkerchiefs. What am I to do without you? I live on fish fingers and frozen pizza.
I'm sorry I suggested you had run off with someone else. I know you are not like that. I was just trying to provoke a reaction. I'm trying desperately to get you to respond. Just let us talk about it. That's all I ask.
Have you changed your mobile? Every time I ring it, it's switched off. I must have left you a dozen messages. Look, I am really sorry – for what, I'm not sure - but I am truly sorry you're gone. Give me a chance to make it up to you.
I know I always promised you a trip to South America. We've both been so busy, but I think I could take some time off this summer. What do you say? Let's try again.
Love
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Jenny
I really don't know what's the matter with you. I never thought you were the type to bear a grudge. I bumped into Indra yesterday. She said you seemed to be jealous when I danced with her at Andy's party last Xmas. Could that be true? You never said. Why can't you say if you've got something to complain about? Indra and I danced, that's all. Maybe I kissed her under the mistletoe. Isn't that what you're supposed to do at Xmas? It was just party fun. She said we had a row afterwards but I don't remember anything about it. I imagine we were both a bit drunk.
Was that it? I never took you for the jealous type. If I promise never to flirt with another woman will you talk to me again?
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: no reply
Dear Jen
Well it looks as if you don't want anything more to do with me. It would have been nice if you could have said so and not put me through all this, but hey, what's politeness between friends?
I've booked an Easter trip to Buenos Aires with Joey. Think of it, two bachelors on the pull among all those lovely Spanish ladies. Let me know if you want me to bring anything back. You know cashmere and alpaca are dirt cheap out there and the chocolate is meant to be fantastic. If I don't come back you'll know why.
I'm really sorry it had to end like this.
Adiós
Mike
From: Michael DaCosta
Subject: from Buenos Aires
Hi Jen
I was just wondering if you were still mad at me.
It's such a pity you couldn't be here. Joey and I are staying at a splendid hotel in a street just a few minutes walk from Calle Florida with its wonderful shops. The leather goods are fantastic. We've both bought jackets. The woollen goods are a terrific price but you have to be slim. Everyone here is about half the size of Brits. I have seen the most beautiful handbag I think you would love - it's red leather with a wild Aztec pattern sewn on in different colours. Write me one little email and I'll bring it back for you.
The parks are so romantic with Jacaranda trees and Bougainvillea everywhere and creatures that sound like giant crickets singing in the trees. We took a river trip from Tigre into the delta north of Buenos Aires and found a really charming restaurant. It's so romantic, all the houses and restaurants in this area are only accessible by boat.
In a few places there is just the hint of danger. I'd love to live here but there's a chance we might die here. But before I die I have to tango!
Mike