run smoothly in my absence.’
It didn’t take Einstein to work out whatever was wrong with Carol wasn’t good, so instead of being narky with Johnny, Shirley hugged him close to her chest. ‘You know where I am if you need me.’
Johnny kissed Shirley on the forehead, then stood up. ‘Thanks for being so understanding. I’ll see myself out.’
‘So, what’s he look like, this bloke? How old is he?’ Melissa enquired. Ever since she’d visited the market last week, Tracey had been harping on about some hunk on the shoe stall.
‘Does my hair look all right? My lipstick isn’t smudged, is it?’ Tracey asked, trying her best to walk steadily on the uneven pavement. Her feet were freezing. Five-inch stilettos really were not practical to wear to a market on a chilly, wet day.
‘Yeah, you look great.’
‘I already told you what he looked like. Don’t you listen to anything I say?’ Tracey complained. ‘He looks a bit older than us, blond hair, curtain-cut, and he’s lovely and tall. Wait until you see his eyes – piercing blue, they are. He reminds me a bit of Bros – Luke more than Matt. He’s gorgeous. Make sure you say that Donte is yours, won’t you? I don’t want him to think I’ve got a kid. Oh, and try on as many shoes as you can. Pretend you can’t make your mind up.’
‘I’m not taking these boots on and off, Trace. Be easier for you to try the shoes on.’
‘No it won’t. While you’re trying the shoes on, I can talk to him, find out some info. Please, Mel. I’d do it for you.’
Knowing full well that Tracey would sulk if she didn’t agree, Melissa reluctantly mumbled, ‘OK.’
The distinct smell of fried onions hit Melissa as they neared the burger van. The cold wet weather obviously hadn’t put people off shopping, as the market seemed busier than usual.
‘We’re nearly there,’ Tracey announced excitedly. She had no idea what the lad’s name was, but he’d definitely seemed interested in her last week. He’d chatted to her and her mum for ages, and as they’d walked away he’d treated Tracey to a lopsided grin and a wink.
‘Is that him?’ Melissa asked, pointing to a blond guy who had his back turned to them. He was tall and was wearing a tan leather box jacket and faded jeans.
‘Don’t bloody point. Just act normal,’ Tracey hissed, her heart racing.
When the bloke turned around, Mel was rather taken aback. He didn’t remind her of Bros – he was far better looking in her opinion. His blue eyes twinkled as he winked at Tracey and said, ‘Back again.’ He then turned his attention to Donte, who was happily playing with his toy car in his pushchair. ‘All right. Is he yours?’ the hunk asked Melissa. His eyes were the deepest blue she had ever seen and she could certainly understand why Tracey fancied him.
‘Yes. He’s two now. Say hello to the man, Donte,’ Melissa urged.
‘Hello, man,’ Donte mumbled, too engrossed with his car to look up.
Jason chuckled, crouched and held out his right hand. ‘Hello, Donte. I’m Jason. What ya got there, mate?’
Slightly peeved that Jason was paying far more attention to Donte than her, Tracey held her stomach in, pushed her boobs out and tapped him on the back. ‘My mate needs a new pair of shoes, but she’s not sure what style she wants. Something with a heel and glamorous, like mine,’ she said, waving her left foot under his nose.
Jason stood up and smiled. ‘Your wish is my command. You’re welcome to try on anything you want. Just gonna serve those other customers and I’ll be back. What size are you, darlin’?’
‘Five.’
‘Give me a minute, then I’ll sort out a selection that I think will suit a pretty girl like yourself.’
Melissa blushed. She wasn’t by any means ugly, but rarely got called pretty, especially when she was out with Tracey. Unlike her skinny blonde friend, she had shoulder-length brown hair, a size-twelve figure and lacked a decent wardrobe since Donte had been born. Tracey knocked spots off her.
‘Pick some shoes out then,’ Tracey smirked. She wasn’t one bit bothered about Jason calling Melissa pretty. It was obvious he was only being kind.
‘I haven’t got much money on me,’ Melissa hissed in her pal’s ear. ‘Can’t you try some on and buy a pair? He’ll get the hump with us otherwise, think we’re messers,’ she warned.
‘OK. But find out where he lives and drinks.’
‘Why me? You’re the one who fancies him – you ask him. He’s gonna think I’m after him otherwise,’ Melissa complained.
‘No, he won’t. Not being funny, Mel, but he’s a bit out of your league.’
Carol Brooks had tried to keep herself busy since finding out her fate. A year the doctor had given her, top whack, and instead of wallowing in self-pity, Carol was determined to cherish every moment.
‘I’m home, love. You upstairs?’ Johnny shouted out.
‘Yes. I’ll be down in a minute. I’m just sorting through some old photos,’ Carol replied, flicking through their wedding album. She was forty-six now, plump with short auburn hair. She’d looked so different on her wedding day; back then, twenty-seven years ago, she’d been blonde and slim. She’d never forget Johnny’s words as her father walked her down the aisle: ‘Jesus Christ, Carol. You’ve taken my breath away. What you doing marrying an ugly bugger like me? You look like Lulu, my girl.’
About to remind Johnny of his words, a piercing pain shot through the side of Carol’s head and she screamed out in agony.
‘Carol! What’s a matter?’ Johnny yelled, racing up the stairs.
When there was no answer, Johnny pushed open the bedroom door and had never felt so guilty in his life. His beloved wife was lying on the floor, convulsing. Next to her was their wedding album.
Tracey giggled like a silly schoolgirl every time Jason said anything remotely funny. ‘You’re hilarious,’ she gushed, touching the arm of his tan leather jacket.
‘Mummy – doggy, doggy,’ Donte said loudly, pointing at the toy stall opposite. The stallholder was showing some customers a toy dog that walked and barked.
Jason crouched in front of the pushchair. ‘OK to get him out?’ he asked Melissa. She’d tried on shoe after shoe and Jason was no fool. He knew her mate was after him and had roped Melissa in to help her out.
‘Yeah, sure,’ Melissa replied. Watching Jason wander over to the toy stall with Donte in his arms, she turned to Tracey. ‘Time you tried some shoes on – I’m not trying on any more, specially since I can’t afford to buy a pair. Did you find out where he lives?’
‘No. But he’s only twenty and drinks at some pub called the Brewery Tap in Barking on Friday nights. He said they have live music in there. We should go down there next week. Can you ask your mum to babysit?’
Jason returned with Donte holding the toy dog before Melissa had a chance to reply. ‘Put that
