‘We’d better stand outside soon. My dad won’t want to come in looking for us,’ said Eliza. She wasn’t a regular pub-goer, but had felt comfortable in the Beehive because there were some fellow Jewish people. She’d even recognized a couple of ladies who came into the shop.

‘Just let me talk to Albie first. I have to,’ Doreen insisted, grabbing Queenie’s arm.

‘He’s talking to some men. You can’t just bowl over there and interrupt the conversation,’ Queenie warned. Doreen was more than tipsy now. She was unsteady on her feet in those high heels of hers.

Queenie didn’t have much choice in the matter when Doreen literally dragged her over to where Albie was standing. ‘Excuse me. I’m sorry for butting in, but I just wanted to tell you what a bloody good singer you are,’ Doreen slurred.

Queenie blushed. This was awfully embarrassing. But she could not take her eyes off Albie’s. They were the most powerful green she had ever seen. Striking. He truly did resemble Daniel in many ways, apart from being a bit skinny. Daniel was very stocky in comparison.

‘Why thank you, ma’am,’ Albie grinned. ‘I’m singing from nine until eleven in here next Friday, if you fancy hearing more of my dulcet tones,’ he chuckled.

‘And you have beautiful eyes,’ Doreen gushed.

At that point, Queenie cringed. She was determined to let Albie know she wasn’t drunk too. ‘Come on, Doreen. We must go now. Joseph will be waiting for us.’

‘Joseph’s my boss, not my boyfriend. What’s your name?’ Doreen hiccupped. She wanted to find out his surname.

‘Albie. Albie Butler.’

‘I’m Doreen Laine and this is my friend, Queenie Wade. We work in Cohen’s ladies’ fashion shop in the Roman Road. Have you got a girlfriend or wife? Only we sell lovely dresses if you have.’

‘Nope. I’m still up for grabs.’ Even the men standing with Albie were laughing now. They were used to their pal getting lots of female attention, but this one was so forward and inebriated, she was extra funny.

Eliza appeared by Queenie’s side. ‘My father is outside. We really have to leave now.’

‘Bye, ladies. It’s been a pleasure talking to you,’ Albie smiled.

‘We are so sorry to have interrupted your conversation, gentlemen,’ Queenie replied politely.

Albie winked at her. ‘No problem. I’ll hopefully see you next weekend.’

Queenie grabbed Doreen by the arm. Eliza grabbed her friend’s other arm, so she wouldn’t stumble.

On the journey home, Queenie felt a warm glow inside. She’d had the most amazing evening.

She glanced at her sleeping friend. Surely by being so drunk and cringe-worthy, Doreen had blown any chance she might have had with Albie? Men didn’t like lushes, they liked ladies, her mum had always drummed into her.

Albie had winked at her, not Doreen. He’d also said to her, ‘I’ll hopefully see you next weekend.’

The following day, Queenie couldn’t wait to tell someone her news. Her mum had been in a world of her own since Aunt Edna’s death, Viv was too young, so Queenie got dressed and dashed over to Mrs O’Leary’s.