She carried on looking, and saw Roger lean across and kiss Sarah on the lips. Tommy ran from the house, and Sarah climbed from the van, but she never took her eyes off Roger. She’s finally got her man, Mo thought, and felt a tinge of sadness. She should be happy for her friend, especially after everything she’d been through lately, but instead had a strange sensation, almost as if she were jealous. She chastised herself and when Sarah walked into the room she said, ‘Someone looks a bit happy.’

‘Tommy, do you want to go and play with Larry?’ Sarah asked.

‘Yeah, but what about George? Is he all right?’

‘Yes, love, he’s going to be fine. I’ll take you to see him after school tomorrow.’

Tommy’s face lit up. ‘Yay! Right, I’m going to see Larry.’

As Tommy ran out, Mo watched as her friend walked across the room, then threw her arms in the air before falling back onto the sofa.

‘Oh, Mo … he’s so … so … I think I’m in love!’

‘Are you dating him now?’ Mo asked.

‘Yes, he’s asked me to be his girlfriend. I know I should be traumatised after what happened yesterday, but I feel like I’m in a dream world,’ Sarah said with an exaggerated sigh.

‘What a difference a day makes. You was a nervous wreck yesterday, what with the attack and having to give your statement to the police, and today you’re like a new woman. It’s amazing what an effect a man can have!’

‘I know, isn’t it! He’s only been gone five minutes and I’m missing him already. I can’t stop smiling, and I can’t stop thinking about him.’ Then she added gravely, ‘Still, it’s better than dwelling on Godfrey.’

‘How’s George?’ Mo asked.

‘He’s sore but on the mend. Thanks for looking after Tommy for me again.’

‘No problem. Sam won’t be back for hours yet. He’s earning a few extra bob helping one of his mates fix up his motorbike. Do you want something to drink?’

‘No, thanks. I’ve got company tonight so I’m going downstairs to give my room a good clean up, then I’m going to make the most of the taps being fixed and have a soak in the bath before my boyfriend visits. He knows I’ve got Tommy so he said he’ll call in with a Muffin the Mule toy for him … he’s so sweet and thoughtful, don’t you think?’

‘Seems to be,’ Mo said sceptically. ‘Just don’t go rushing in. He’s the first man you’ve ever dated, and you’ve got to watch some of these blokes. There’s plenty of them out there that are only after one thing.’