Ronnie feigned surprise. 'I do the job, Joyce. And keep Old Bill happy. The buggers don't come cheap these days.'
'I know that. You take the squeeze off and I've been up and running since the GI's disappeared, God Bless their randy little arses. It's thanks to you I'm still in business and not scratching for punters in some godforsaken little fleapit. I'm really grateful, Ron.'
Ronnie reached out to lift her chin. 'Is this what this is all about - gratitude?'
'I'll give you three guesses.'
He kissed her gently. 'That's what I like about you, Joyce. You've got a man's outlook on life.'
'And that's supposed to be a compliment?'
'In my book it is.'
She pulled his head down. 'Well, I'll tell you this for nothing. I'd be a fool not to take you up on a little fun. You're in the prime of life and a good-looking bloke and could have any woman you wanted. Granted, you are a moody sod at times …'
Ronnie jerked her hard against him and cupped the full swell of her large breasts in his hands. She was a beautiful woman in his eyes and he wanted her all over again.
She stayed his hands suddenly. 'Ronnie, the moment you want out, you will tell me?'
'We haven't even got started yet.'
'I'm not a working girl if it makes any difference.'
He grinned. 'That's reassuring.'
'I'm serious, Ron. There's been no one for – '
He kissed her, pushing his tongue between her lips to explore her soft, welcoming mouth. She responded as he knew she would and leaving him breathless, slid down the length of his body.
He was vaguely aware of the noise from the front room, but let it flow over him. He was loosing himself and it felt good to forget. Joyce knew what he needed and he hoped he could please her too. There was only a brief regret as he thought of the two kids both he and Micky had abandoned tonight, the first Christmas Eve for years. But things just happened sometimes. Ronnie knew all their lives were changing. He hoped the girl would grow out of mooning over Micky and find her own way in this miserable world. The moment of guilt passed quickly as Joyce guided him across her and soon Bella Doyle was far from his mind.
The rain was lashing the pavements and gurgling in the gutters. Bella sheltered under the stone arch of Dixon's entrance, shivering. Her collar was turned up to enclose the headscarf that covered her head and her coat was belted tightly, but her legs and shoes were soaking as the force of the downpour splashed over the stone step on which she stood. It was the end of first week of January and at half past six she had missed her bus. Again.
Streamers of lights reflected across the Commercial Road as vehicles chugged their way noisily through the flood. A city bus passed by, a beacon of light travelling west. A car ploughed through a puddle and she stepped back as the spray covered her coat and spattered her legs. The face in the car gazed back at her briefly, then was gone. Miss Conway drove the Morris and in the passenger seat sat Evelyn, her warm ride home assured.
Bella blinked the rain from her eyes as she stared after the car. Well, what did she expect after all? If she was lying flat in the middle of the road, Miss Conway would probably have driven round her.
The drips were trickling down from her headscarf and into her neck. She knew the longer she stood here, the wetter she would get. With no umbrella she would be soaked through by the time she reached home. With head bowed and holding her collar together with frozen hands, she stepped out into the night.
The force of the wind made her stoop forward. In a matter of seconds she was drowned. By the time she reached the bus stop there was water swilling in her shoes. Her headscarf was plastered to her head and her blouse and skirt soaked. As she waited, a car drew up and the door flew open.
'Bella!' Dolly scrambled out, pulling her coat around her and squinting through the rain. 'What are you doing here?'
'I've missed me bus.'
'Get in quick.' Dolly pushed her into the car. 'This is my … well, it's Percy.'
'Pleased to meet you, I'm sure,' said the driver grinning from ear to ear as Bella fell into the back seat. 'I've heard all about you from Doll,' he said pulling his cap jauntily over his forehead.
Bella untied her scarf and shook her wet hair free. She shivered in the warmth of the car as Dolly slammed the front door.
'Just look at you, Bella, you're drowned!'
'I'll soon dry off.'
'You need a hot bath.'
Bella laughed. 'I won't get one of those unless I jump in the drink.'
'Course, I forgot, you haven't got a – ' Dolly looked embarrassed. 'I mean, you could have a bath at our house if you like.'
'No, I wouldn't put you to the bother.'
'It's no bother. Mum will be so pleased to see you. And Ray too. He was only asking after you the other day. It's a wonder your ears weren't burning.'
Bella wondered exactly what had been said about her in the Taylor household. She couldn't believe it was very pleasant. After all, the last time she'd parted from Dolly, she had been angry with Ray and walked out of the house in a huff.
'So where have you two been tonight?' Bella discreetly changed the subject.
'Up the market for some veg. Percy got a nice piece of cod from work and we thought a bit of cabbage would go with it for dinner.'
'Her Mum is a lovely cook,'
