Linda Best was pleased to see Jamsie so happy. He was almost overflowing with good humour and camaraderie. He was, without doubt, the best thing that had ever happened to her, or her kids. He was a really decent bloke, and she was lucky to get him.
As she dressed the kids in their best clothes she felt nervous once more; she was finally meeting his mother, and she was terrified at the prospect. Veronica Murphy was a legend around the streets, although she had a good rep. She'd help out anyone but was very protective of her kids. Well, Linda could understand that – she was the same about her own. She knew she wouldn't be a catch as far as Mrs Murphy was concerned; she already had four kids and she had been round the turf more than a few times, but Jamsie assured her his mother was looking forward to meeting her. But then, blokes were thick as shit about most things, so that didn't really give her much confidence.
She checked her make-up and gave her outfit – black trousers and a white fitted shirt, bought especially for the occasion from Next – a final once-over. She hoped she passed muster. As Jamsie ushered them out to the car, she felt a wave of sickness wash over her, and prayed that she didn't fuck up somehow.
Jamsie, for his part, was proud of his new little family and, picking up her two-year-old daughter, he said jovially, 'You looking forward to meeting my mum, Julie?'
The little girl grinned happily; she loved him like a father, and he felt it as acutely as he would had she been his own child. He loved all four of them; and they made him feel like he had something to work for, made him feel he had his own family. As they drove off, he began singing at the top of his voice, and the children delightedly joined in with him.
Chapter Ninety-Two
'Fucking hell, Mum, Linda's all right. So she's got four kids? That's Jamsie's business, not ours. I think she's good for him. I mean, let's face it, I've never seen him so happy, have you?'
Veronica had to admit there was truth in her daughter's statement. 'But four kids! What the shag would he take on four kids for? He should find a nice girl and have some of his own.'
Breda rolled her eyes at the ceiling in annoyance. 'Well, promise me you'll make her welcome and give her a chance. This must seem like some kind of torture for her, meeting all us en masse.'
'Nice-looking girl, young. Saw her in the pub with him, she has a nice smile,' Phillip Senior piped up from his armchair.
Veronica didn't even bother to answer her husband, everyone in the pub was nice to him; God Himself knew, he spent enough fucking time there.
Breda jumped out of her seat quickly. 'They just pulled up. Porrick, answer the door.'
Porrick pulled his large frame from his chair and ambled towards the hallway. He was a nice kid, Porrick, but he would never get further than a strong arm; everyone agreed he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. But he was a good kid nonetheless, and his wild streak was an asset in his profession.
Veronica looked around her kitchen, making sure there wasn't a thing out of place, and then, forcing a smile, she waited to meet her youngest son's girlfriend.
Jamsie walked in carrying a little dark-haired girl, with huge eyes and long eyelashes, almost glued to his neck. Veronica's heart went out to her. Then Linda walked in with her older children. Good-looking kids, all well dressed and very quietly behaved.
'Mum, this is Linda Best. Linda, my old mum.' Jamsie spoke with obvious pride and love.
'Pleased to meet you.' Linda almost curtseyed and for that alone Veronica couldn't help but like her on sight.
'How do you do, Mrs Murphy.' The older children spoke as one, and Veronica was thrilled at their obvious good manners, and the fact they were spotlessly clean. But what Veronica couldn't believe was the change in this son of hers – he looked almost ecstatic with pride – and she knew then that this girl was good for him, was just what he needed.
Smiling widely she said pleasantly, 'Sit yourselves down, and I'll make some milkshakes, shall I?' She spoke to the children and they all nodded in unison.
'Yes, please, Mrs Murphy.'
'Jesus, they're gorgeous, Linda. Can I get you a glass of wine, child? I expect you need one coming here like this, it must be awful for you.'
Linda practically cried with relief.
Jamsie was thrilled and, walking over to his mum, he said quietly, 'Thanks, Mum, I knew you'd love her once you met her. Oh, and this is the youngest, Julie.' The little girl grinned shyly, pushing her face further into Jamsie's neck. 'She's the shy one. The older girl is Cindy, the middle boy there is Lewis, and the little girl beside him is his twin sister, Leona. This lot are hungry and ready for one of your lovely roast dinners, aren't you?'
They smiled and nodded in agreement. He watched as they were introduced to the rest of the family, and he sighed in relief. It was going to be all right. For the first time in years he felt his life was worth living.
As Veronica saw the way her son and Linda Best looked at one another, she resigned herself to the situation. It was wonderful to see her son so happy, and this girl seemed to be the reason for that. He was a natural father, and watching him with those children made her realise just how stunted his life had been until now. That was Phillip's fault, but she would never admit that out loud, of course. Still, her heart was sore knowing her youngest son's life had been blighted for so many years. The guilt tore at her then, and she determined to do the best for him and his new-found little family. At least the girl wasn't a whore, she had a bit of something about her anyway She settled the children down in front of a DVD of
Chapter Ninety-Three
'She seems nice, Jamsie.' Phillip's voice was quiet; they were smoking in the garden, and Jamsie was inordinately pleased at his brother's words. If Phillip liked her she was in.
'She
Phillip was amazed at his brother's demeanour. Jamsie was like a different person around Linda Best. It reminded him of when he had met Christine, he had wanted to be a better man for her. She had made him want more from life, so he could give her the world. 'The kids are nice and all, really well brought up, polite and that.'
Jamsie nodded in agreement. 'She's a good mother, I can't take that away from her. She's done a good job considering she's been on her Jack Jones with them.'
'Who're the culprits then?'
'The eldest girl's father is some bloke from West Ham, and the other three are by Robbie Foyle, the treacherous ponce. Never given her a penny towards any of them, and do you know, he fucking robbed them one Christmas. Nicked his own kids' presents! Fucking scum.'
Phillip looked suitably scandalised at his brother's words. 'I hope you had a word, Jamsie.'
Jamsie nodded. 'I done him one night in Canning Town, with a baseball bat. Told him if he went near them ever again I'd kill him. She don't know that, like – Linda ain't the type of person who can handle trouble. She's more of a keep-your-head- down-and-hope-it-goes-away kind of girl.'
Phillip laughed softly. 'Well, she's certainly won Mother over.'
Jamsie paused a moment, before saying, 'Look, Phillip, I know me and you have had our differences, but I swear to you, I'll make it up to you and Declan. My life is finally on some kind of even keel, and I want it to stay like that. I have been finding out everything there is to know about the motors and, when you're ready, I'll take you
