Mabel slipped her arm through Roz’s. ‘I know it’s not much of a consolation, but you’ve always got me.’ She smiled up at her friend. ‘I’m not as handsome as Felix, nor can I understand the same as he does, but I’m a good listener, and I’ll help in any way I can.’

Roz squeezed Mabel’s arm. ‘I know you are, and I’m very lucky to have met you …’ A thought occurred to her. ‘I’m not going to be able to afford the flat on my own after the month’s up. I don’t suppose you’d like to move in with me, straight away if you like? You’d not have to pay the first month, as that’s already paid for.’

Mabel looked up excitedly. ‘Really? Just me and you? On our own? Girls together?’

Roz nodded. ‘Yes, but only if you want to, that is. I must admit, I don’t think I could face another night on my own.’

‘Well you can count me in!’ said Mabel.

‘Perfect!’ said Roz. ‘We’ll go and see the landlord straight after work and run it by him, but I can’t see him saying no.’

If only Roz had been right, everything might have worked out very differently, but as it turned out, the landlord was not happy at the thought of two young girls staying in his flat on their own.

‘I’ll get a reputation! God only knows what the ironmongers would say if they thought I was renting to a couple of adolescents.’

‘We won’t be any trouble, Mr Andrews—’ Mabel had begun, but her words fell on deaf ears.

‘Neither of you is eighteen. It was different when I thought Mr Ackerman was going to be here, and whilst I sympathise with your position, I’m afraid his bad luck has transferred onto you.’ He held up his hands in a placating manner as Roz and Mabel protested. ‘Sorry, girls, the answer’s no.’

Sighing heavily, Roz turned to Mabel. ‘Looks like I’m going to be on my tod for a bit …’

Mr Andrews looked up sharply. ‘If you’re thinking of staying here, you can forget it. Two’s bad, one’s worse – you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay.’

Roz gaped at him. ‘What possible trouble can I bring on my own?’

He shrugged. ‘How am I to know what a young girl will get up to on her own? Wild parties if I know the kids of today.’

‘Parties!’ echoed Roz, her tone incredulous. ‘I hardly think so …’ but it was no good, his mind was made up.

‘Well, you can jolly well give her the month’s rent back, seeing as you’re the one who’s denying her access,’ said Mabel.

Mr Andrews spluttered in protest. ‘I shall do nothing of the sort! It’s hardly my fault Mr Ackerman got himself arrested. I’m down a month’s rent …’ He wagged a reproving finger at Roz. ‘And even if I wasn’t, there’s no way I’d give you the money. If anyone was to get it, it would be Mr Ackerman.’