‘He was at home when I went to collect Tommy. It was funny really, we had a right laugh, until he dropped the bombshell. He told me he’d seen Roger chatting someone up and that they’d arranged to meet tonight. Roger warned me that George would come out with stuff like this to break us up. What do you think, Mo?’

Mo didn’t believe for one minute that Roger was the faithful type. He’d proved that by the way he’d flirted with her, but she didn’t want to reveal that to Sarah. ‘Maybe George is a bit jealous, or maybe he just got the wrong end of the stick. Is Roger supposed to be coming round tonight?’

‘Yes,’ Sarah answered.

‘Wait and see what happens. If he doesn’t show his face, then it could mean George is telling the truth.’

‘I’m not so sure, Mo. It can’t be much fun for him being stuck on my doorstep. Not long ago he asked me to move in with him.’

‘Well then, he’d hardly do that if he’s seeing someone else. Are you going to?’

‘No, Mo. I just didn’t think it was right for me and Tommy. I told him I’d find a new place soon, with a separate bedroom for Tommy, but most that I’ve seen are riddled with damp. I’ll keep looking though, but I don’t have much time, not with all the hours I’ve been doing at work.’

She’d kept that quiet, thought Mo. ‘I didn’t know you was looking to move out.’

‘I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, but I really like living here with you and Sam. When all that bother was going on with your family, I did look at a couple of places, but the ones I could afford were diabolical. Now I’m earning a few bob more I was hoping to find somewhere half decent.’

‘If you ask me, it doesn’t sound like you really want to move, so are you doing it for you or for Roger?’

‘It’s for Tommy too. He really should have his own room,’ Sarah protested. ‘This place is damp and come the winter it’ll probably affect his chest again.’

‘If you say so, but Tommy seems happy enough here. Just don’t let Roger push you into anything you ain’t ready for. It’s obvious why he wanted you to move in with him, or to get Tommy in a separate bedroom, but take my advice and make sure to get a ring on that finger first.’

Sarah lowered her head, hiding her face. ‘We … we haven’t done … done it yet.’