Vaisey shook her curls and he went off. She said to me, “He’s got new sticks.”

I said, “So far he’s the only one of The Jones to arrive. They’re supposed to be on in ten minutes. Not that I care.”

Flossie said, “Oh, is that right, Miss Lullabelle? You just kiss ’em and leave ’em.”

Oh no, was the whole night going to be like this?

Just at that moment I caught the eye of one of the village girls. She gave me the evils and said something to her mate, who laughed. I hope they don’t want a fight.

How do girls fight?

Jo will know.

I caught sight of Charlie surrounded by Dother Hall girls. I could see him laughing and joking. He seems really confident around girls.

Hmmm, that will be because he’s had a tiny girlfriend for most of his life.

Vaisey said, “He’s popular, Charlie, isn’t he? And sporty and good-looking. Gosh, girls really like him, don’t they? Look at that Natasha. She’s really flirting with him. And those two sisters that live next to the village shop, they’re all over him like a rash.”

I said, “Yes, yes, Vaisey, I can see that!”

Was he flirting back?

I didn’t have time to see what was going on because then the Hinchcliffs arrived. Cain, as usual, the last and at the back. All in black leather. He’s incredibly good-looking in an awful way. They’re handsome boys, but so moody and difficult. And cross all the time.

There was silence as they arrived and then the village crowd started chanting, “The Jones, The Jones, The Jones.”

Seth and Ruben half smiled and raised an acknowledging hand. As they came close to us, Seth made a clicking sound at Flossie. She went cross-eyed.

Cain walked right past and didn’t even look at me, just said, “There you are. Tha can’t stay away, can thee?”

Flossie said, “Phwoar. He’s wearing Eau de Phwoar!”

The Jones pushed through the mob and the barman handed them drinks.

Cain leaned against the stage and looked around. Staring at people from under his lashes. Not talking to his brothers. A few of the lads clapped him on the shoulder or shook his hand as they went by.

A couple of the village girls were giggling and flicking their hair in front of him. As I watched, one said something to him. And he looked at her and lowered his lashes. Then he leaned over and said something in her ear. And it looked like he put his hand on her corker briefly.

He couldn’t have done!

Then Cain said something in the other girl’s ear and she went all smiley and stupid. What is the matter with some girls?

Ruben tapped Cain on the shoulder and they went off backstage. Jo and Phil still had their arms wrapped round each other and Phil shouted, “I’m free. I’m free! Thanks to my girlfriend!”

Jo looked quite pleased. In fact, I know she was pleased because she hit him hard on the arm. The background music was cut and Bob came onstage, went to the microphone, and tapped it. “Testing, testing. Are you receiving me, dudes?”