She’d been astounded when Rebecca had told her it was all hers. Through the years, Rebecca had built up quite a nest egg through some property investments. Once all that was cashed in and taxes paid, there was over half a million coming Mandy’s way. Rebecca had insisted, quite forcefully, and had also made Mandy promise that she would use the money to finally start the club she—they—had been planning all this time.

She’d found the property at last and had shown photos to Rebecca, who’d wholeheartedly approved. Now she had some contractors to engage. The builders and decorators were easy. She called in people she’d used when she’d opened her first gay club in the Village seven years previously. She was selling that club on and clearing her debts. Now all she needed to work on was the specialist contractor for the BDSM room. She’d narrowed it down to a choice between two companies and had meetings booked with both of them next week.

It was really happening, at last. Oh, how she wished Rebecca was here to see it, to share it with her. She gazed down at the coffin below her, aware that the cemetery workers were politely waiting to complete their job. She blew one last kiss down at Rebecca, turned, and walked away.

Rebecca might not be with her physically, but she’d be with her in spirit every step she took.

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

Manchester, present day

Stephanie stepped off the tram and smoothed out her jacket and skirt before doing up her thick woollen coat. The fine dogtooth fabric of the suit always clung so deliciously to her body, more so than any of her other work outfits. She kept this as her “first day” and special occasions suit. She wore it on the days when she needed just a bit more assurance and verve to pull off the Stephanie Jackson charm offensive that such situations demanded. She revelled in it, and she detested it.

Today was her one-month review with the financial director at the insurance company she contracted for. She would give an update on how she’d progressed, and he’d give her feedback on her performance, and hopefully they’d both be in agreement with her staying on for the remainder of her six-month contract. She liked the job. The money was good, and the hours were easy compared to some other contracts she’d had in the last few years. And the first month had gone pretty well work-wise.

It was the other stuff around the job that was a total nightmare.

She sighed as she walked away from the tram stop, braced herself against the bitter November wind, and turned left towards the office. God, how was she supposed deal with the whole Lou situation? It was her own stupid fault. She’d spent years denying her attraction for women, kept it well buried, and never got herself into any awkward situations over it.