‘Likewise,’ Sarah said, trying to hide her surprise at being addressed as ‘ma’am’. As she shook his large hand, she covertly eyed him up and down, and thought how funnily he was dressed. His smart brown trousers were very high-waisted and baggy. Though Samuel was a big man, she reckoned two of him could have fitted in his slacks. He wore a matching long, double-breasted jacket, and a smart shirt and tie. He didn’t dress anything like the men in Battersea.

‘I wanted to thank you for looking after my gal while I’ve been away.’

For a moment, Sarah was mesmerised by his Jamaican accent, but eventually, she answered, ‘I think we’ve been looking after each other. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?’

‘Thank you, that would be nice, but I’ve not seen my Mo for a while, so if you don’t mind I’ll have that cup of tea with you another day.’

Sarah nodded and saw Samuel wink at Mo. She felt her cheeks burn as she watched the couple run hand in hand back up the stairs to their own room.

Mo called, ‘See ya later, Sarah.’

She heard her friend giggle as their door closed behind them, and felt a pang of jealousy. She’d have liked her own boyfriend, someone to snuggle up with and share her worries and joys. Not just any boyfriend, though – he’d have to be special. She’d seen too many bad men in her mother’s bed, and wouldn’t settle for anyone less than perfect.

Roger was perfect, she thought, and wondered again what it would feel like to have him kiss her. She hoped one day to find out.

Chapter 17

Nearly another week had passed and Mo was looking after Tommy at home while Sarah sat on the steps that overlooked the Thames foreshore. She was tired after spending another restless night wondering about her father. Now, she was deep in thought. It would be her mother’s funeral the day after tomorrow, a chance to say a final goodbye and put the past well and truly behind her. She felt she had many demons to lay to rest, and though she’d forgiven her mother, she still found it difficult to forget the beatings and her cruel tongue.