Not wanting the kids to see her going out with their father, Jessica had asked her dad to take them to the pictures. ‘I don’t want Frankie and Joey to see Ed. They’re missing him and it might upset them. He’s picking me up at seven, so don’t bring them back until at least half past,’ she told her father.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll take them for a pizza after the film, but I’ll tell you something, if you get back with that arsehole, you want your bloody head tested,’ her dad said bluntly.

Jessica ignored his comments. It had been just over a week now since she’d moved back in with her parents and between them they’d driven her up the bloody wall. She did appreciate them both caring, but they wouldn’t leave the subject of her marriage alone and the fact that their opinions differed so much made it all the worse.

Sighing, Jessica fished through her temporary wardrobe. She had very little to choose from because most of her clothes were still in Rainham. Not wanting Eddie to think she’d made too much of an effort, she decided to wear her faded jeans. Matched with her red bag, T-shirt and stilettos, she could still look nice without going over the top.

Pleased with her overall appearance, Jessica carefully applied her mascara and lipgloss. Knowing that Eddie hated her wearing too much make-up, she deliberately added some blusher and eyeliner. Sod him, Ed wouldn’t have the guts to say anything about her appearance tonight, the bastard would be far too busy grovelling.

Jessica felt slightly apprehensive as she walked down the stairs. She had already decided where she wanted her future to lie, but there was a lot that needed ironing out first.

As Jessica walked into the kitchen, Joyce looked at her in horror. ‘Christ, you could have made more of an effort. I thought you was going out for a nice meal. You can’t sit in a posh restaurant in those old-looking denim jeans. You look like a bloody workman.’

‘Mum, please don’t start, I’m not in the mood. I feel a bundle of nerves as it is. Is there any of that wine left in the fridge?’

Joyce tutted as she poured her daughter a small glass. Every night this week Jessica had insisted on having some wine with her evening meal and Joyce was beginning to think she was turning into an alcoholic.

‘Don’t drink too much while you’re out with Eddie tonight. You need a clear head on you – you don’t want to act like an old lush. Men hate to see their women drunk, especially men like Eddie.’

Jessica snatched the glass and stomped out of the kitchen. The quicker she got out of this lunatic asylum, the better.