‘Oh, nothing, forget I said anything,’ Mo answered. She wouldn’t tell Sarah what had happened, she wasn’t that mean, but Roger had flirted with her today and made it quite clear that he fancied her. She knew Sarah wasn’t putting out for him, and a good-looking bloke like Roger had his needs. If Sarah wasn’t careful, Mo thought, she might find her man’s wandering eye would lead him to a woman who was willing to please him.

‘Well, if Roger’s going to be later than usual, you may as well come in,’ Sarah said. ‘Are you sure he said his mother? I thought she died several years ago.’

‘Yep, he said his mum. Forget about the drink, love,’ Mo said after glancing at the clock on Sarah’s mantel. ‘I’ve just seen the time and Sam will be wanting his dinner. See you soon.’

‘Yes, see you,’ Sarah said, sounding distracted.

Mo ran upstairs, a roguish grin on her face. That should set the cat amongst the pigeons, she thought, and wondered if she’d hear raised voices from downstairs later.

‘How was your first day back?’ Lena asked as she dished up smoked kippers for dinner.

‘It was all right. Why are we having fish? It ain’t Friday.’

‘I just fancied some kippers. Is that OK with you?’ Lena asked.

‘Yes, but they stink the house out,’ George said, opening the kitchen window.

They sat at the table to eat, but Lena’s appetite had vanished as she felt nervous about broaching the subject of her date with Albert. She noticed George already seemed a bit fed-up, and was pushing his food around on his plate.

‘What’s the matter? Have you gone off my cooking?’ Lena asked.

‘No, it’s lovely. I’m just not very hungry,’ George answered and placed his fork back down on the table.

Something was obviously on his mind, so Lena decided to delay telling him about Albert. ‘What’s wrong? You’ve usually got a good appetite.’

‘Did you know about Sarah and Roger?’

‘What, about them seeing each other?’

‘So you did know then. You could have said something, Mum.’

‘I thought you’d sussed it when they came to visit you in hospital.’

‘Well, I didn’t and it wasn’t much fun finding out about them on my first day back. I ain’t half peed off with him. He’s supposed to be my mate.’