‘I love it. Lena is so nice. She’s a bit nosy, and I found myself telling her all about my mum, but I’ve seen her with the customers. She loves a gossip, but it’s all one-sided. She’s got this knack of getting information out of people, but she don’t gossip back. I like her.’

‘Good,’ said Mo, though Sarah thought her friend didn’t sound very sincere. ‘Was she shocked when you told her about your mum?’

‘Not really. You know what it’s like around here and she’d already heard stuff. I found out today that I’ll be getting a bit of a discount, so next time you want a bit of shopping, I can get it for you.’

‘Samuel will love that, you know how he is about saving money. You know I bought that radio the other day? Well, he only made me take it back to the shop, the tight bugger. I swear his bum squeaks when he walks!’

Sarah laughed. She always found Mo funny and wished she had her wit. ‘Lena’s invited me over for Sunday lunch. You’d think she’d be sick of my company after working with me all week.’

Mo gave her a knowing look. ‘Haven’t you worked it out yet?’

‘Worked what out?’

‘George. From what you’ve told me it’s so obvious he fancies you, and now Mummy is going to play Cupid and get you two married off.’

Sarah sipped her tea. George had asked her out when they’d first met, but he hadn’t pushed it since. ‘No, you’re way off the mark. George knows we’re just friends.’

‘He may know that, but does Lena?’ Mo asked teasingly.

‘Oh, stop it, Mo. Whatever Lena has got in her head, I hope she soon realises it’s never going to happen with me and George.’

They continued chatting for another hour, then Mo left and Sarah began to get Tommy’s tea ready. As she stirred a saucepan of mutton stew, her mind began to wander and she found herself thinking about Roger again. It wouldn’t be so easy to see him now, not with her working during the week. She wouldn’t be getting a full week’s pay packet on Friday, but she’d have enough to treat herself and Tommy to some new clothes. She’d visit George’s stall on Saturday, and would hopefully see Roger. She’d make a special effort and make sure she looked her best. Maybe she could get Mo to help her with some make-up. Her stomach flipped at the thought of him and, with her new-found confidence, she dared to dream that one day he would ask her out on a date.

Chapter 23