Having now forgiven Eddie for disappearing last Sunday, Jessica smiled as he sat down at the kitchen table next to Frankie. ‘Who’s hungry? I’ve got a fresh crusty loaf and a nice bit of butcher’s ham if anyone wants a sandwich,’ Jessica said.

‘I’ll have ham and tomato,’ Frankie said immediately.

‘I’ll have the same,’ Eddie said, tickling his daughter to annoy her.

‘Stop it, Dad. You’re hurting me,’ Frankie giggled.

‘I’m not stopping till you tell me and your mother who this new boyfriend of yours is. What’s the big secret? He ain’t my age, is he?’

As Frankie wriggled on the floor to get away from her father, Eddie kneeled on her arms so she couldn’t move. ‘Seize,’ he ordered Buster and Bruno, who tried to lick her to death.

‘Get off, Dad,’ Frankie yelled as the dogs slobbered all over her face.

‘Not until I know who this geezer is. I’m your father, I have every right to know. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be here,’ Eddie taunted her.

‘He’s not your age and his name’s John. I met him down the Albion. Now, get off me, Dad, seriously, you’re hurting my arms.’

Joining in the fun, Jessica repeatedly hit Eddie with the tea towel. ‘Come on, enough’s enough,’ she said laughing.

Frankie ate her sandwich in silence. Life was becoming more awkward by the day for her.

‘Why don’t you ask your boyfriend if he wants to come round for dinner tonight, love?’ Jessica enquired.

Sick of being interrogated and not having a good enough answer, Frankie stood up. ‘Just leave me alone, the pair of you. John and I aren’t even serious yet, so why do you have to poke your noses in and try and spoil everything for me?’ she yelled, running up the stairs.

Eddie ran into the hallway. ‘Best you and that brother of yours stop going out partying all the time and look for a fucking job instead,’ he shouted up the stairs after her.

Ed had only been mucking about with her, the miserable little cow.

‘Don’t shout at her, Eddie. I think she’s got her period or something,’ Jess told him.