Queenie told Viv to take the little uns in the front room, then pushed her plate to one side. ‘You haven’t said anything to Vinny, have you, boys? About tomorrow?’

‘I ain’t, Mum,’ said Michael.

‘Nor me,’ Roy added.

Queenie smiled lovingly at her sons. They were good boys, always kept their word. Her unusual style of parenting had obviously paid off. They were loyal, family orientated, loving and generous. She’d never bothered telling Brenda her special bedtime stories. It was different for girls. She just read her ordinary ones. ‘Did you invite some friends like I told you to?’

‘Yeah. My mates Pete and Paul are coming,’ Roy replied.

‘And what about this mysterious friend of yours, Michael? I’m beginning to think Kevin is a figment of your imagination.’

Michael looked sheepish. ‘Erm, I wanted to ask him, but I didn’t. Kev’s really ace, but I ain’t sure you’ll like him.’

‘Why ever not? Come on, spit it out. Not a poofter, is he?’

Roy nudged his youngest brother. ‘Just tell her, ya nutter.’

‘You tell her,’ mumbled Michael.

Roy sighed. ‘Kev’s black. Well, half-black. His dad comes from Jamaica, but he ain’t ever seen him. Kev’s mum’s white and he’s just like us. He even talks like us and he ain’t that dark. Sort of half an’ half.’

Queenie digested this information before answering. England had changed, especially London, the Blitz had seen to that. Lots of Caribbeans had fought side by side with the English during the war. Then they’d been invited over to help rebuild the country. Queenie could remember reading an article about the Empire Windrush ship arriving at Tilbury Docks; that must have been the late forties. Thinking about the signs that Mary had to face – No Irish, no blacks, no dogs – she said, ‘Your friend Kevin is very welcome in this house, Michael. I trust your judgement and Roy’s. Sod what the neighbours think. Who are they to judge us?’

Michael beamed from ear to ear. He couldn’t wait to tell Kev. ‘Cheers, Mum. You’re the best.’

‘I’d better make a move now. Thanks for showing me around and stuff. I hope it does well, your business. I’d ask for a job, but I know I ain’t cut out to work in a laundry,’ Vinny smiled.

Macca smiled back. ‘I’ve got the perfect job for you. In my aunt’s club. It’s great money. Why don’t you pop back tomorrow night and in the meantime I’ll have a word with my aunt. I’m living upstairs in the flat so just press the buzzer outside. I’ll be around anytime from after seven.’

‘Really! What sort of club is it?’

‘I’ll explain all to you tomorrow. No point getting your hopes up until my aunt’s OK’d it. She’s gonna want to meet you first.’

‘No probs.’ Vinny felt a bit wobbly as he stood up. He wasn’t used to alcohol and had matched Macca beer for beer. Three he’d had and now felt light-headed.