There was a few moments’ silence, then George got up from his armchair and looked in the mirror. ‘You’re right, Mum. I’m sorry. It’s just a bit of a shock to hear you’re going to be dating. I never thought you would, but why shouldn’t you? You’re a smashing-looking woman for your age, and I want you to be happy.’

Lena rose and went to stand next to her son. She looked at her reflection. George was right, she did look good, but she was nervous about going out with a man again. George’s father had been the only one she’d ever been with, and they’d been sweethearts since school.

As if George could sense how she was feeling, he took her hand and said, ‘You’ll be fine. You’ve got nothing to worry about. If anything, I bet old Bosco’s feeling more scared about it than you are.’

‘Thanks, love, and I reckon you’re probably right. He got himself in a bit of a state when he asked me out. It’s not so easy for us oldies, you know, especially second time around.’

George squeezed her hand and Lena smiled up at her son. She was glad he hadn’t given her a hard time, and was grateful for his support. Albert Bosco could never compare to her husband, but even so, she was excited about their dinner tomorrow.

Roger turned up just as Tommy was drifting off to sleep. The boy had felt burning hot, probably because he’d been running around with Larry in the heat all afternoon. Sarah had given him a cool bath, but he still felt hot and she was a bit worried that he might have a fever.

When the doorbell rang she went out to stand on the front doorstep, but kept the door half closed. ‘I’m sorry, Roger, but Tommy is just going to sleep. He needs his rest and it’s getting late now.’

‘Come on, Sarah, I’ve driven over now. Surely you can let me in for half an hour. I’ll be quiet, I promise.’

‘It’s not that. He gets so excited when he sees you and it’ll take me ages to settle him again.’

‘Come and sit outside then. If he’s asleep, he won’t notice you’re gone,’ Roger said.

‘Wait here,’ Sarah said and after running back to their room to see that Tommy was asleep, she crept out again, gently closing the door behind her. Roger smiled when he saw her, and her heart leaped. She sat on the step and he joined her, placing an arm across her shoulder. Sarah cleared her throat. ‘Mo said something a bit odd today. She said you were going to be doing something for your mum.’

‘Did I say my mum? I meant my aunt.’

‘Mo also said you’re cheeky. What do you think she meant by that?’