‘I thought you were wonderful, darling. Now what would you like to drink?’

‘She’s having an orange and lemonade,’ said Ruby rather pointedly. ‘Can I get you one?’

‘No thanks,’ Vivienne smiled, completely unfazed by Ruby’s tone. ‘I’ll get my own.’

Imelda ordered and paid for two vodka and tonics and returned to the table where Shunty-Mae was happily people-watching. Shunty-Mae frowned as Vivienne took Jeanie’s arm and led her away from the bar.

‘That Jeanie has a God-given talent,’ she said admiringly and took a large swig from her glass. ‘But the other one – she’s got the devil in her.’

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Now

It was a new pencil case kind of day. Although it was many years since Billie had left school, that was how she always thought of a crisp, sunny day in September. She still remembered the shiny shoes that rubbed a little, stiff collars and cuffs, and the too-long sleeves of a blazer that was bought to grow into. On the first day of a school year, Billie’s uniform was always pristine and she always had a new pencil case. Her mum had made sure of it.