One

‘Right!’ exclaimed Mary. ‘This is it! Action stations!’ She waved a wallpaper scraper threateningly at the living room wall. ‘I’ll be glad to see the back of this hideous paper.’

` Dave came in carrying two mugs of coffee. ‘Time to break for elevenses,’ he said, poker-faced.

Mary gave him a withering look. ‘It’s not even half-nine yet.’

‘I know, but...’

Mary took one of the mugs and put it down on the bare floorboards. ‘You lazy so-and-so. You can’t put it off any longer, you know.’

He sighed miserably and blew on his coffee. ‘I know. But all this disruption.’

‘It’ll be worth it. God knows how you managed to live with this paper all these years.’

‘I never used to notice it. Much. And I’ve never been one for D-I-Y.’ He sneaked a look at his watch. ‘I’ve ... er ... just got to pop out for ten minutes. Soon as I’ve had this coffee.’

Mary glared at him.

‘It’s all right: I’m not putting a bet on. Honest. I won’t be that long. Then I’ll come back and get started on this room.’

‘Where are you going then?’

‘I’ve got to photocopy my songs and send them to the musical director in Blackpool.’

Mary dipped a sponge in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Although she had her back to Dave, he could tell by her demeanour that she was far from happy.

‘I’ve got to do these gigs,’ he explained. ‘The money’s not bad and it could lead to more work.’

‘And what do we do while you’re away? Just as the children are getting used to you.’

‘Well, I’m sorry, but it can’t be helped. It’s what I do for a living. How many more times do I have to explain?’

‘But why Blackpool of all places? And for six whole weeks.’

‘Because that’s where the work happens to be.’

‘There’s no need to shout.’

‘I’m not shouting. It’s just that you’re so irritating. I’ve got to do it, and that’s that. So I may as well get on with me photocopying. I’ll see you in a bit.’

He slammed his mug down and left the room. As he squeezed his way past all the living room furniture stacked in the hall, the letter box rattled and an air mail letter fluttered on to the mat. He picked it up and saw that it was addressed to Mary. Curiosity getting the better of him, he returned to the living room and handed her the letter.

‘Who do you know who lives in Florida?’ he asked.

Her hands trembled as she took the letter. ‘Oh my God! It’s from him. My ex-husband. How the hell did he find out where I’m living now?’

He saw very real fear in Mary’s eyes.

‘Ronnie’s a twisted bastard. About as dangerous as you can get. I’m sure he’s got a screw loose. A real psycho.’

***

The doorbell chimed and Nicky panicked. ‘It’s Jason. He’s early. And I’m not ready.’

Vanessa laughed unkindly. ‘Let him see you as you really are. That’ll put him off.’

Nicky looked pleadingly at her sister and asked if she would let him in.

‘No chance. I don’t even know him.’

‘Please, Nessa.’

‘Tell you what: you let him in and I’ll make the coffee while you get dressed.’

‘Yes but...’ Nicky began to protest, but seeing the wilful look on her sister’s face, she dashed out to answer the door as the doorbell chimed again.

Vanessa smiled to herself, picturing Nicky’s discomfort as she greeted her new boyfriend in her dressing gown. Nicky’s high-pitched, panicky voice brought the contempt she felt for her sister bubbling to the surface. Nicky was such a baby. So un-cool.

While Vanessa switched on the kettle, Nicky hurriedly showed her new boyfriend into the kitchen. ‘This is Jason,’ she burbled nervously. ‘Jason, this is Vanessa.’

‘Hi, pleased to meet you.’

He waved a hand at Vanessa. She acknowledged his greeting with a nod, surprised at how attractive he was, although she had seen them both together in the shopping mall. But close up he looked even dishier. Slim, dark and rather intense looking. He looked like he might be an actor or a model.

‘I’ll leave you two to get acquainted while I get dressed,’ said Nicky. ‘My sister’ll make you a coffee, Jason. Shan’t be long.’

Nicky scurried away, ashamed of the way she looked. Vanessa smiled at Jason, who said, ‘Nicky never mentioned she had a sister.’

‘Oh?’

‘Course, I can understand why now.’

Vanessa raised her eyebrows enquiringly and guessed what was coming.

‘It must be because you’re so attractive. No wonder she keeps quiet about you.’

Pleased with the compliment, Vanessa tried not to let it show, and got the jar of instant coffee out of the cupboard. She could feel him staring at her, undressing her.

‘What do you do for a living?’ she asked.

He grinned confidently. ‘Central heating engineer. I’ve got my own business.’

She tried not to show her disappointment either.

‘I had a job to finish off this morning. That’s why I thought - as I had the rest of the day clear - I’d take Nicky out. But I wish...’

He deliberately left the sentence unfinished, hoping Vanessa would take the bait.

She did.

‘What do you wish?’

He moved a little closer to her. ‘I wish it was the other way round. I wish it was you I was taking out.’

Vanessa tried to conceal a smile but her eyes said it all.

‘I don’t think that’s a very good idea. Do you?’

‘Because of Nicky? We don’t have to tell her.’

‘Tell her what?’

‘About us going out together one night this week.’

Vanessa laughed nervously. ‘You’ve got a nerve.

‘I can’t help it. I’ve never been so knocked out by anyone before. So how about it?’

Deeply buried resentment of her older sister being the treasured favourite of their father flashed through Vanessa’s mind. She made a snap decision and felt a surge of triumph, coupled with revenge.

‘Okay,’ she whispered. ‘I’m not doing anything on Friday night.’