‘We grew up on the same street,’ said Nancy proudly. ‘We were in the same class at school and have been best friends ever since we can remember.’

Gary nodded but couldn’t say anything as Gloria started singing her encore, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, and everyone joined in. She sang it as if it was the first time she’d ever done so, giving it all the energy and belief that she knew her audience wanted. People were openly crying by the end, but standing proudly, clapping and cheering as Gloria smiled and smiled, turning and waving to everyone.

Nancy almost burst with pride at her friend’s performance. Having the chance to show her off to Gary was the most special thing she’d ever done. ‘Let’s go while they’re all still applauding,’ she muttered, leading him out of the row and swiftly down some back stairs.

‘I see you know all the secret routes,’ he laughed as he moved quickly after her. Nancy neatly zigzagged around some clothes rails and pushed through a door marked ‘Artists Only’.

‘Of course.’ She turned to face him now they were alone in the cold little corridor, paint peeling from the walls and the lino on the floor cracked and stained. ‘I used to come here with Gloria all the time.’ She flung her arms around his neck.

‘Mixing with the great and the good,’ he teased.

‘I wouldn’t like to say how good we were,’ she said cheekily, taking his arm once more and leading him to Gloria’s dressing room.

‘You sure she won’t mind my being here?’

‘No, she particularly told me to bring you,’ Nancy assured him. ‘She’s very keen to meet you.’

‘Well, likewise,’ said Gary affably, looking around the place. It definitely didn’t match the glamour of the front of house. It could have done with some heating and brighter light bulbs.

The door swung open and in came Gloria, still in performance mode. ‘You must be Gary,’ she said, coming forward to shake his hand. Her smile was radiant and for a moment he was at a loss for words.

‘Gary, this is Gloria,’ said Nancy unnecessarily.

‘De … delighted to meet you,’ he said, finding his voice at last. ‘You were mighty good out there, Miss Arden.’

‘Why thank you,’ Gloria said prettily. ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it.’ She batted her eyelashes a little, but was watching him carefully.

‘Say, can I get you girls a drink?’ Gary offered. ‘I guess the bar will still be open.’

‘Oh, it will, but no need to go so far,’ Gloria said. ‘The management are very generous with their backstage supplies. We like a cocktail, don’t we, Nancy?’