She’d sent several letters to Samuel, hoping they would get through to him via his brother’s address, but hadn’t heard back. She didn’t know where he was, and missed him so much that her heart ached. As she climbed out of bed, Mo stepped over an empty brandy bottle. The room looked like a tip, but she didn’t care. The biscuit tin was now empty, all the savings gone. She’d given the lot to Sam, but now rent was due and she had no means to pay it. She doubted she even had a job to go back to, not after being absent for so long without word. Things were pretty dire for her, and were made worse when she picked up the milk, sniffed it and found that it had soured.

Mo heard a knock on the front door, and covertly looked through the window. Her heart hammered when she saw it was Mr Terence doing his rent collection. There was nothing she could do – she couldn’t pay him, and if he found out she was alone and jobless, he’d throw her out.

Mo climbed back into the bed and buried her head under the pillow, hoping Mr Terence would go away. Finally, the knocking stopped and she heard his car drive off. She’d managed to avoid him, but she wouldn’t be able to hide forever. It would only be a matter of time.

Throwing back the bed covers again, Mo walked to the mirror and looked at her reflection. She was a mess, and so was her life. She had no man, no friends, no family, and it wouldn’t be long before she had no home. She had one thing going for her, though – her looks. She could tidy herself up and visit Barry. He’d never make her a top model, but he would pay her to pose for pornographic photos. She’d done it before, and on reflection, it hadn’t been so bad, and now, without Samuel’s feelings to consider, she’d be prepared to do whatever Barry wanted, just as long as he paid the right price.

Chapter 47

There were only three weeks to go until Lena’s wedding, and on a Thursday evening Sarah was at Joan’s house with Kath and George’s Aunty Min. She thought they were a lively bunch of women and liked being with them.

Lena suddenly yelped, and Joan said, ‘Sorry, love, I didn’t mean to stick you with a pin, but this dress needs to be taken in a bit more.’

‘With all the running around I’ve been doing it’s no wonder I’ve lost a bit of weight,’ Lena tutted.

The long dress was in ivory, with a matching bolero. Sarah said, ‘You look beautiful.’

‘Thanks, love,’ Lena responded, smiling warmly.

‘Right, that’s you done for now, Lena. Come on, you’re next,’ Joan said, ushering Sarah to her.