Alarm bells instantly rang in Queenie’s head. She had and always would be protective of her younger sister. Vivvy was nineteen now, but had never had a proper boyfriend. She was smart, pretty and fussy, and was yet to have her head turned by the lads she’d met at dances. Vivvy loved films and would spend every weekend watching at least one at the cinema. She would often rattle on about romance in a certain movie, but never in the real world. So Queenie was slightly taken aback.

‘Say something then. D’ya think he likes me? He must do surely, otherwise why ask those questions?’

It was weird hearing Viv gush over a lad for the first time ever. Queenie didn’t want to piss on her sister’s parade, but felt she must say something. ‘He sounds really nice, Viv, but a bit of a flash Harry. Be careful, that’s the only advice I can give you. Don’t build your hopes up too much until he asks you out, eh? Don’t you know anything about him?’

‘Only that he shops for his mum and his first name’s Bill.’

‘Well, my advice would be to ask Sid—’

The conversation ended abruptly as Albie arrived home. ‘All right, Queen,’ Albie said, ruffling his sons’ hair to greet them. ‘Oh, hello, Viv,’ Albie muttered. Her pushbike wasn’t outside, so he’d hoped she wasn’t here for once.

‘Did you get me my money?’ Queenie asked, unwrapping the sprats.

Having hopefully drummed up lots of new custom and got Queenie the money for her posh outfit, Albie wanted this moment to be between just the two of them. He was also hoping it might lead to a night of passion. It had been ages since he and Queenie had even slept in the same bed, let alone had sex. Seeing Cilla again had made him feel amorous and he was desperate to hold his wife in his arms tonight. ‘Yes. We’ll talk later, love. I’m starving. You got me some sprats I see, bless ya.’

‘The sprats are for me and Viv, Albie. I’ve saved you the last of the beef stew.’

‘But I’ve had that two days running already,’ Albie said dismally.

‘So have the boys, but they’re not bloody complaining, are they?’ Queenie spun around. ‘I knew it! Could tell by your voice. You’re sloshed, ain’t ya?’

‘No. I’ve only had a few. Oh, d’ya know what, stick your beef stew up your harris. I’m going for a lie-down, on my bed.’

‘Charming! Sod ya then. The boys can have seconds.’

When Albie stomped up the stairs, Vivian carried on talking about Bill. Unbeknown to Queenie, the real reason she’d never had a boyfriend up until now was frankly because she’d never quite gotten over her crush on Albie. She knew that was wrong, but couldn’t help the way she felt or what she dreamed about. Many a time in her dreams, Albie had taken her in his arms and made passionate love to her. Well, up until about six weeks ago anyway. That was around the time Bill had started to come in the greengrocer’s and she was thankfully now dreaming about him instead. ‘How long did it take Albie to ask you out, Queen?’ Viv enquired.