Euston Sauna

Euston Sauna

Today's a special day, a day when passers-by will catch unfamiliar
scents trailing through the inviting crack in the sauna door. Along
with the familiar pinch of steam and chlorine, on this day only, you
will find the slap of nutmeg, a tickle of cinnamon and the kiss of warm
loving cloves. Everything is very nearly ready, and to that end,
Evangelista picks up another feathery ball of tinsel and leans
carefully forwards. Her nimble fingers set to work spreading the tinsel
evenly across the open window. She suddenly smiles and stops in her
work - a passing postman's eye has come to rest in the ample cleavage
of her starchy white uniform. He smiles back at her, then continues on
his way, 'Like so many to come back on another day,' sighs Evangelista.
She doesn't care though because today she has a snowy-white smile for
everyone. Like I said it's a very special day - it's very nearly
Christmas!
Evangelista is joined by Angelica to hang up the colourful chaser
lights around the sticky black reception desk. How they twinkle - red
and green and blue like magic lights in dreams. And there, behind
Angelica, just in front of the sauna door, a tiny silver star swings
and twists in the steam. Should you venture this far into this strange
world, you might also glimpse its warmest and most enticing treasure.
Evangelista knows what it is and her pink tongue slides knowingly
across the smoooth red surface of her lips. This is her favourite part
of Christmas. Her eyes focus one last time on the twelve steaming mince
pies on a tray beside the steam room, then they return for more. The
next time Angelica turns her back there might only be eleven. But keep
that a secret between you and Evangelista. There one's gone.
Angelica pulls a red and white bobble hat onto her head. She turns to
examine her reflection in a mirror and a little bell jingles in the
droopy tip of the hat. She notices a bauble lying forlornly on the
f
loor. She bends and her dress rises up saucily. The goldfish blinks in
its bowl on the reception desk but it's seen it all before. Last but by
no means least, Evangelista hangs a small piece of mistletoe over the
entrance door. Just in case Santa does really exist.