Grace and Winnie sat around the kitchen table. Both of them were smoking like troopers and a cloud of smoke circled above their heads. The radio played on the pine work top and Winnie was humming along to the tunes. Grace was on the lap top and all you could hear was the clicking of the keypad. The silver lap top was a present from her son months ago, and it was only now that she was finding out how it all worked. “Right Winnie, here’s that dating website I was telling you about. Get your glasses on and let’s see if we can find me a man.”
Winnie squashed her cig out in the ashtray and blew the smoke to the side of her. “I want a new man too, I’m so jealous, Stan’s neither use nor ornament these days. Sex is a distant memory,” she gave a half hearted smile as she continued. “Come on then let’s have a look at the eye candy,” she paused and shot her eyes to Grace. “Just make sure that bleeding front door is locked first. I don’t want us getting caught.” Winnie bolted up from her seat and ran into the hallway. “The coast is clear, let’s see what’s on offer for you. I’m more excited than you are.” Winnie sat back down and rubbed her wrinkled hands together. “I feel naughty,” she chuckled.
Grace pressed the key and filled out the registration form. Once it was completed she stared at her friend and sighed. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing? I mean, I’m an old woman now, don’t you think it’s a bit late in life for me to start dating again?”
Winnie swigged her coffee and her face creased. “Do I ‘eck. Do you think Martin was thinking about his age when he started dating that trollop?”
Grace saw red and snarled. “You’re so right. Right, here goes. Let’s see what’s on offer.”
The screen now displayed profile shots of men, Winnie was drooling. Pointing her finger at the screen she looked hot. “Oh, he’s nice. Click on his profile and let’s see where he’s from. He’s a dish, him.” Grace clicked the profile and all the details came up about the mature gentlemen she was looking at. “He’s from Middleton, that’s only up the road from me. Let me see how old he is, hold on let me scroll down.” Winnie seemed in a trance and she was constantly licking her lips. “He’s my age Winnie, what do I do now?”
Grace’s friend dragged the laptop over to where she was sat and started typing. “There you go, I’ve sent him a message, let’s see if he replies. Let’s have a look at some more men, you don’t want to put all your eggs into one basket do you? We’ll send loads of messages out then you can take your pick.”
The two women sat for over an hour sending out messages. After they’d sent around ten messages to different men they lit a cigarette up. Grace rubbed at her arms and she was anxious. “I don’t know if I can do it Winnie. Honest, I don’t feel confident enough just go out and meet someone new.”
Winnie could see her friend’s distress and reached over and grabbed her hand with a firm grip. “I will come with you. I will sit in the pub and if you don’t like him just say you’re going to the toilet then we can leave.”
Grace smiled, “Would you do that for me Winnie? You’re such a great friend you know. I know I haven’t ever told you this, but, without you by my side over these last few months I would have probably been six foot under.”
Winnie was embarrassed and pulled at her pink cardigan. “Don’t be silly Grace. That’s what friends are for. I’ll always have your back don’t worry about that.” All of a sudden a blue box flashed on the screen. One message was displayed inside it. Winnie was howling laughing and dragging at the computer. “Bleeding hell, that was quick. Press the button then and let’s see who’s replied to you.”
Grace was nervous, she was hesitating. “Just hold your horses will you, I will in a minute.”
Winnie was hovering over the computer again. Her finger pressed the button as Grace covered her eyes with her hands. “What does it say,” she asked in an exciting voice. Winnie was reading, her eyes were screwed up tightly; she wasn’t wearing her glasses. After a few seconds she burst out laughing. “He’s interested in you. He said he lives not far away, and wait for it,” she patted Grace’s shoulders. “He wants to know if you want to meet up for a meal or a coffee.”
Grace dropped her hands from her face. “Fuck off lying Winnie. Seriously, what does it say?”
Winnie read over the message again, and pulled Grace over to the screen. “Look for yourself if you don’t believe me. Honest, I’m telling you the truth.”
Grace read over the message and her cheeks were blushing. “Well fuck a duck. If I would have known how easy it was to get a man from this site, I would have been on it months ago. Right, I need to reply don’t I?”
Winnie grabbed her hand and stopped her from typing. “Wait up a minute. You don’t want to seem desperate. Just say thanks for replying, but you’re not ready to meet him yet, just play hard to get for a while. Surely you must remember the dating game rules?”
Grace pushed the laptop away from her. “See, what I mean Winnie. It’s all new to me. I’m just going to seem so desperate aren’t I? Will you reply to him for me?” Winnie didn’t need asking twice. She was more than ready for some excitement in her life and started typing away. She was giggling to herself as she sent the reply. Grace was sat watching her chewing her fingernails. “What are you writing back? Don’t make me seem like a crank. Try and make me sound pure, you know what I mean, not a goer and all that.”
Winnie clicked away and sighed as she pressed the send button. “Right, I’ve just told him a bit about you.”
Grace looked horrified. “Like what? Oh my God, don’t tell him about me splitting up with Martin.”
“Relax, sweetheart. I’ve just told him you are looking for friendship at the moment nothing else.” The two women sat twiddling their thumbs waiting on a reply. They didn’t have to wait long, a blue box popped up on the screen almost immediately. The man who was calling himself Danny was eager to respond. Winnie looked at the clock on the wall. Her face dropped. “Fuck me, is that the time?” Grace confirmed the time was right. “Stan needs his tablets. I bet he’s wondering where I am. I only told him I was nipping to the shop for a loaf, that was over two hours ago.” They both sat giggling. Winnie stood up and you could see she didn’t want to leave. “Right, let me sort my Stan out and then I’ll nip back later if I have the time. Mind you, by the looks of things you’ll be on a date with this guy tomorrow night and you won’t need my help any longer.”
Grace looked sheepish. “Don’t be silly Winnie. I’m going to take things easy. There’s no rush is there?”
Winnie edged towards the kitchen door slowly. “Right, I’ll be back soon. If he reply’s to you again, just write back. It’s not bloody rocket science. Just press the button there and the message will send.” Winnie left and you could hear the front door slamming behind her. Grace was alone and her eyes never left the computer screen. A message flashed in front of her eyes again. Slowly she read it; she was bright red and she looked flustered. Over the next few hours Danny and Grace exchanged lots of messages to each other. Grace was smiling and she was excited about meeting this guy for the first time.
Later that night Winnie came back to Grace’s house. She held a bottle of red wine underneath her arm as she hurried into the front room. “Well, get two glasses out then you can fill me in on Dan the man,” she chuckled. Grace went into the kitchen and came back with two drinking tumblers. Winnie popped the cork from the wine and they both watched eagerly as the glasses filled to the top.
Grace plonked down into the armchair. “We’ve been speaking since you left. He seems a really nice guy. He’s asking can we meet for a coffee tomorrow in town.”
Winnie loved the gossip and swigged a large mouthful of her red wine. “Right, you’re going, it will do you a world of good. You can go and get your hair done tomorrow at the hairdressers, and we can go into town to get you an outfit to wear. Something casual I’m thinking, not over the top if you know what I mean? We don’t want you looking like a tart do we?”
Grace’s jaw dropped. “Hold on, what happened to playing hard to get and all that?”
Winnie smirked and winked at her friend. “Oh, that’s gone out of the window now. I’m more for seize the day and all that. I’ll tell you what though; I would be shitting my knickers’ if I was you.”
Grace looked serious and pointed her finger into Winnie’s direction. “Oh, don’t be saying that now. You was all for it before. As a matter of fact, for your information I am petrified, you need to help me get through this.”
Winnie shrugged, “You know I will help you. I’m just saying it’s going to be strange for you, that’s all.”
Grace ran her slender finger slowly over the top of the glass. “I’ve got to do it, if not for me then for my own state of mind. I can’t just stay wallowing in self pity for the rest of my life. It’s time to get back on the horse so to speak isn’t it?”
Winnie nearly choked on her drink. “It sure is love; get on that horse and ride it like the wind.” The two women sat talking for the rest of the night. The phone was ringing but Grace ignored it. She knew who it was without even answering it. Martin was still ringing every night and writing her countless letters begging her for forgiveness. At one point she nearly gave into him, but something inside her made her change her mind very quickly. Martin had hurt her badly and she was never going to give him the chance to do it again, never.
*
Grace looked at her wristwatch frantically; it was time for her hairdressing appointment. Today was the day she was going to meet Danny for the first time. She’d spent most of the morning sat on the toilet and her nerves were shattered every time she thought about the date that lay ahead. A taxi honked its horn impatiently outside her house. She grabbed her handbag from the kitchen table. Checking her make-up one last time in the hallway mirror she left in a rush. Winnie was stood waiting for her at the end of the garden path. “Come on, slow coach. Get a bleeding move on will you? You’re booked in for eleven o’clock you know? Her eyes rolled about. “Do you want to end up with that nutty junior stylist or what? Because, you will you know if you’re late.”
Grace hurried down the path; her heels clipped along the concrete flags. “Stop stressing woman, I’m here now aren’t I?” Both of them got into the back of the taxi and Grace was nervous, she was biting on her fingernails. A quick pat on the arm from Winnie seemed to give her the reassurance she needed, she was smiling again.
Grace looked at the colour chart in the hairdresser’s hand. Winnie was by her side resting her head on her shoulder. The stylist was called Andrew and his reputation was good, he was as gay as they come and he loved parading around the salon. This was the first time Grace had dealt with him though. Usually she would have just used a box colour from the local supermarket, but today was different, she was going all out, she wanted to look her best. “Let’s go for a whole new look Grace, something that will give you confidence instead of hiding behind this ball of fluff.” He lifted her locks up in his hand and screwed his face up; he wasn’t impressed and didn’t try to hide the fact. “Look, as far as I can see, this hair here is dead. Let’s go for a whole new haircut with a different colour, something modern and funky?”
Grace looked horrified, she’d had the same hair colour for years and she’d never once thought about changing it, she didn’t like change, it scared her. Andrew was on a mission and he very rarely failed in his task of making people look their best. With the shade guide hung to the side of her head, he smiled back at her through the mirror hung in front of them. “A nice warm red tone would do wonders for your complexion. The red tones will make your eyes stand out. In fact,” he stood studying her for a few more seconds, “it will take years off you.”
Winnie was nodding her head, she thought so too. “Aww, go on Grace. Go for a whole new look.”
Grace was thinking and before she knew it she’d agreed to make a big change to her hairstyle. Andrew clicked his fingers over his head at the young girl sat near him. “Can you mix me up a warm red colour with a squirt of blonde in it please?” The girl stood up slowly and was walking at a snail’s pace. Andrew ran over to her and you could hear him giving her a lecture about her job description and the way she should act around customers. The youth stomped off into the side room and she didn’t look happy. Coming back to the ladies side he giggled. “I swear, the teenagers these days have no get up and go. In fact, I’ve seen more go in a sick note.”
Winnie chuckled and looked at Andrew with a serious face. “Can you do anything with this mop or what? I could do with about twenty years knocked off my face too if you can.”
Andrew shot his eyes over her hair and the corners of his mouth started to rise. “I can have a go, but I’m not a bleeding miracle worker, I’m only a hairdresser.”
Winnie’s jaw dropped, “Oh, you cheeky swine. I’m not that bad.”
Grace and Winnie sat next to each other as the colour was applied to their hair. Every now and then Grace blew her breath and shook her head; she was definitely out of her comfort zone. Looking at the red colour all over her scalp, she whispered to Winnie. “I’m not sure this is going to suit me. Why did I ever listen to you? You always make me do things I don’t want to do. I should have stuck with my own gut feeling.”
Andrew overheard them and stormed to her side like a raging bull. “I have never had an unhappy customer yet. Just be patient and wait until you see the end results, then you can thank me for bringing you out of the time warp you’ve been stuck in for so long.” Grace was bright red, she didn’t know he was listening he’d shanghai surprised her. Once the colour was washed off Andrew began styling and cutting her hair. He was snipping away and he was in his element. The scissors clicked together at speed. Mounds of Grace’s hair landed on the floor and she was frantic as her eyes shot to it. Andrew was bending down and cutting at angles, he was serious and concentrating. Once he’d completed his masterpiece he stood back with his hands on his hips and examined every inch of his masterpiece. Grace had her eyes closed; there was no way she was looking at it yet until it was finished. Warm blowing air tickled the side of her cheeks as the hairdryer was switched on. Andrew had a large styling brush gripped tightly in his hand and he was winding her locks around it.
Winnie was having her hair cut by another stylist and she kept smiling at Andrew as she looked at her friend’s new hairstyle, she was a bit jealous if the truth be known, Grace looked stunning. “Grace, you’re going to love your new look, honest, it’s took years off you,” she said. There was no reply.
Andrew placed the hairdryer on the hook at the side of his legs and picked up the hairspray. Once he’d sprayed it all over his new creation he stood back and looked as proud as punch. Grace started to open her eyes slowly. She was concentrating on the image she could see facing her in the mirror. Taking a few seconds to register, she stood up and edged closer to the mirror. “Well, fuck a duck. Andrew you’ve done me proud, you have. I don’t even recognise myself anymore,” she edged closer to the mirror, smirking. “You were right about taking years from my face too. Look Winnie, I look ten years younger. You’ll have to find a new friend now I’m looking younger than you. I mean, I don’t want you pissing on my parade when all these young stud muffins fancy their chances with me, do I?”
Winnie was just having the final touches to her hair too; she looked good, but she wasn’t a patch on Grace. “Well, you cheeky cow. I’d give any young man a good run for their money, I would. You do look stunning though Grace.”
Andrew was watching his client as she kept going back to the mirror checking herself over again. He could tell by her body language that she loved her new image and he nodded his head slowly. “I told you I know what I’m talking about when it comes to hair and colours. You need to come back to me about every six weeks to have your roots done. Do you want to book in now?” Grace was still speechless she nodded her head slowly and reached over to get her handbag. Walking to the reception area, she paid the hairdresser for his services; she even gave him a five pound tip. Grace must have been more than happy she was caught up in the moment. Usually she was as tight as a fish’s arse and wouldn’t part with a fart. She watched every penny she spent.
Winnie and Grace walked out of the hairdressers and headed into town. They both looked happy and full of life. As they strolled down the street a car beeped its horn and some guy held his head out of the window shouting at them both. “Looking hot ladies, any chance I can take you out?” Grace covered her mouth with her hands, she was in shock and she was blushing. Winnie hitched her skirt up above her knees and flashed the top of her legs to the man. They were pale and covered in long black hairs. Winnie said her unshaven legs were part of her au naturelle look, but if the truth was known, she never got a moment to pamper herself. Stan always needed her constant attention. Her armpits were the same too. Grace said she looked like a Russian shot-putter and they’d had a few giggles about them in the past. The car drove off still honking its horn. Winnie was buzzing and in two minds whether or not to chase the admirer down the street, she wanted excitement in her life and craved the touch of a man. Stan and Winnie hadn’t had sex in years, his injuries had seen to that. Apart from the odd grope every now and then she said she felt like a virgin. Winnie was gagging for it. A bitch on heat she described herself as. A hormonal ticking bomb. A cougar. Her face was sour. “I miss all that Grace. I mean, if I had my time over again I would have played the field more.” She licked her lips slowly and she seemed in a deep trance. “I love my Stan don’t get me wrong, but to have another run at life. I would have done things so differently.”
“What do you mean?”
Winnie stood tall and pushed her breasts out in front of her. “I would have slept about more, and enjoyed my youth. If you think about it, I’ve been with Stan since I was young, and, well,” she paused and held her head to the side, “I’ve not really lived have I?” She was on one now and folded her arms in front of her with a stern expression. “Look at that bleeding Mary Naylor down the street from us. The stories she could tell you about her youth, would make your toes curl I can tell you. She sat telling me all about it one night, about all her love affairs and I was so jealous. Week after week she had a different man in her bed, some of which she never even knew their bleeding names.”
Grace hunched her shoulders and frowned. She had morals and she could have never been like that, never in a million years. She loved that Martin had been her only love, it made her feel pure. “That’s just being a slapper Winnie. I bet Mary’s name was shit on the estate though wasn’t it? I can imagine what the men were saying about her down the boozer. No, she’s a tart in my eyes if you ask me.”
Winnie rolled her eyes and whispered in a low voice. “To tell you the truth Grace, she wasn’t even arsed about the names people were calling her. Mary was having the time of her life and I for one don’t blame her.”
Grace stood tall and pulled her jacket tighter around her body. Mary was filth in her eyes and she hated that Winnie was impressed by her. “Come on let’s get shopping. You can go in the Anne Summer’s shop and get a gadget for your sexual frustration if you want?” Grace chuckled.
Winnie covered her discoloured teeth with her hand and replied. “My vibrator would have to be delivered on a wagon love, so no point in looking is there?” The women burst out laughing and walked to the shops together. The city centre was heaving with shoppers. Linking each other they entered the Arndale centre. It had been years since Grace had been to town, most of her clothes were old and dated and she always made do with her wardrobe collection. Walking into the shops Grace was anxious; she could see the price tags dangling on some of the outfits and nearly dropped down dead. Winnie dragged her to a bright pink dress not far from where they were stood. “Oh, look at this little number; you would look stunning in this. Grab one in your size and go and try it on.” Grace was trying to read the price tag but Winnie pulled the dress from her hands. “You go to the changing rooms and I’ll bring you some more dresses to try on. I’ve got a good eye for clothing you know. I’m a bit of a Gok Wan when I get going.” Grace peeled her clothes off slowly in the changing room. Looking at the long mirror stood in front of her she turned her body to the side and sucked her stomach in. Winnie was outside, her loud mouth could be heard throughout the store. “There’s a lovely black dress in there for you Grace, a bit revealing but ay, she who dares and all that.” Grace popped her head from the cubicle and took the pile of clothes from Winnie’s hand. This was going to be a long day for sure.
Later that evening, Grace stood dressed in her new outfit. A black dress with a bit of bling sprinkled around the collar and cuffs. Winnie had also demanded that Grace buy some new underwear too, and by the way she was pulling at the knickers through her dress you could see she didn’t feel comfy wearing them. Grace was use to wearing passion killer briefs, something that covered her up, nothing like the black lacy ones she was wearing now. Sipping a glass of wine she watched the clock ticking away. In just one more hour she would be sat with her date Danny, well, that’s if she didn’t chicken out of it at the last minute. And, she could have you know. If Grace Willis changed her mind no man nor beast would ever change it back for her, she was a stubborn old mare. Her earlier date had been cancelled for coffee with Danny. The two of them had decided a pub date would be much easier.
As predicted the front door opened, it was on the latch. Winnie was like a hurricane as she rushed inside the front room. “I’ve just given Stan his sleeping tablet early, so he should be out like a light in the next half hour. I’ve given him an extra one just in case,” she giggled as she held the bottom of her stomach. “And, our Jean is going to keep popping in to check on him, so he should be fine. I’ve told him we’re off to bingo and he believed me, so the jobs a good one.” Grace reached over and grabbed another glass from the table behind her. She’d been necking the wine like water for the past half an hour. Grace looked like she had the worries of the world on her shoulders.
“Fill mine right to the top,” Winnie said. “I feel as nervous as you do and it’s not even my date.” Grace poured the red wine into the glass, Winnie stood hovering waiting to grab it. “Is your arse twitching yet or what?” she chuckled.
Grace popped a cig into the corner of her mouth and flicked the yellow lighter she held in her hand. Taking a long deep drag she closed her eyes slowly and inhaled the nicotine. Her face seemed to be melting as she opened her eyes again. “I’m as nervous as hell, but it’s something I have to get over isn’t it? If it’s good enough for the goose, then it’s good enough for the gander.”
Winnie was bouncing about where she stood; this was what she was talking about. Grace’s fighting spirit was back and she could see in her eyes that she was ready for action. “Yes, it is love. Go and have the time of your life. Don’t put any pressure in yourself. If you like Danny then you like him, but if not, it’s nothing to worry about.” Grace smiled, Winnie always made her feel better about herself. Her friend was smirking and her shoulder’s started shaking. “If you do like him, make sure you shake his bones within an inch of his life.”
Grace nearly choked on her drink; she wiped the side of her mouth with her hand. “Orr stop it you. Sex is the last thing on my mind. Danny will be lucky to even get a kiss. You know what I’m like, I’m a prude.”
Winnie rubbed her arms over her body, she was touching herself in a sexual manner, acting the goat. “Oh Danny. It’s been so long, be gentle with me.”
Grace swiped her hand back and pushed her away. “Orr stop it will you. I’m nervous enough without you adding to it.” Music played softly in the background and Grace was still clock watching, the time had finally come for them to leave the house. She stood and reached inside her handbag, grabbing her pink glossy lipstick she edged over to the mirror and puckered up. Sliding the gloss all over her lips she passed it over to Winnie. With a quick squirt of Chanel number five, Grace was ready to go.
Winnie snatched the scent from her hand and bent down and started squirting it up her skirt. Grace was in a panic. “Now fuck off you loon. Nobody’s going to be smelling up there, so you’re just wasting it. It’s not cheap perfume that you know, so pack it in.”
Winnie was giddy and once the taxi honked its horn outside she moved like shit off a shovel. “Come on, come on. It’s time for us to party.” The friends left the house and waddled down the garden path, Grace was still picking her knickers from her arse cheeks as she opened the taxi door. Not a word was spoken in the back of the car once the directions had been given. Grace’s knuckles were turning white as she kept her hand firmly on the door handle, she was thinking of bailing out, you could see it in her. Watching the traffic go by she held her head back and let out a laboured breath. The taxi pulled up outside The Farmyard pub in Blackley. It was hammered with punters and a few of them stood outside swigging beer from the bottle and smoking. The sun was still shining and a gentle breeze filled the air. Grace paid the taxi and, as she waited for Winnie, she lit a cigarette. Blowing the thick grey smoke out in front of her, you could see small beads of sweat on her forehead; her chest was rising faster than usual.
“So, this is it. Do or die time?” Winnie said in a soft voice.
Grace passed her the rest of the cig and wiped her hand over her black dress. “Right, wish me luck. Make sure you sit where I can see you though, because if he’s a dick-head. I’m getting off.” Winnie was serious for a change, she was ready for this too and there was no way in the world she wanted her pal to be unhappy. Grace walked slowly away, it was like the walk of death and her legs kept buckling from underneath her. A quick glimpse back over her shoulder and she was gone. Winnie stood chugging anxiously on the fag for a few more minutes and once she’d finished she cautiously walked inside the boozer.
Grace headed straight to the bar. Her heart was racing and she looked like she was going to pass out. Stood waiting to be served she reached inside her handbag to get her purse out. A tap on her shoulder made her jump, as she twisted her head to see who it was she was pleasantly surprised. “Is it Grace?” the man asked.
She stuttered and her words were stuck inside her mouth. “Yes, is it Danny?” she asked. The barmaid was waiting to take their order. Danny moved forward. “Can I have a pint of lager love, and,” he shot a look to Grace, “and, whatever this gorgeous lady is having too.”
Grace licked her lips slowly and spoke in her best voice. “Can I have a glass of red wine please?”
Danny smiled, she didn’t know where to look. She was embarrassed to say the least. And, had she heard this guy properly? Did he say she was gorgeous? The barmaid returned with their order. Danny passed Grace her drink and paid the lady. Shoving his change back in his pocket he whispered into her ear. “You look stunning sweetheart. I didn’t think you were going to turn up you know?”
Her throat was dry and she needed to gulp her drink so she could answer him. Her words were shaky. “I nearly didn’t come. This is all new to me and well, I’m pretty shy to tell you the truth.” From the corner of her eye Grace could see Winnie getting a drink at the other end of the bar. With a quick wink, she followed Danny to the seating area behind her. Winnie was on tiptoes watching them get a table.
The pub was alive and the atmosphere was electric. A man stood singing “My Way” on the karaoke. He was belting it out at the top of his voice. Winnie was singing along with him from where she was sat. Danny and Grace were getting on like a house on fire. You could see them laughing and joking as the night went on. Grace’s cheeks were red, she was drunk. Her cheeks always changed colour when she’d had some alcohol. The pubs audience started clapping and cheering as the next singer took the microphone. Grace leant forward in her seat and nearly died on the spot when she saw her friend stepping onto the stage. Sniggering to herself she covered her mouth as the music started. The song began and Grace was gobsmacked as she heard Winnie’s voice for the first time. This woman could sing, she was even dancing along to the tune on the stage. What an entertainer she was. Danny sang along with the Shirley Bassey track and reached over and cupped Grace’s hands in his, before long they were both singing at the top of their voices. Winnie got a standing ovation when the song finally finished. She’d sang her heart out. She was flashing her legs and giving a bow to the audience as she left the stage. At one point they had to grab the microphone back off her, she was ready to give them a medley of her favourite songs. Grace stood up and went to the toilet, Winnie followed her.
Winnie was still singing when she joined her in the toilets. She was buzzing that she’d finally sung in front of an audience. All her life she’d dreamt of being a singer, but marriage and family life had put an end to that. She was in her element and she couldn’t stop smiling. “Did you hear me Grace? Was I good? Oh... I was meant for the stage you know. I felt alive up there, totally alive.”
“You were bloody amazing kid. Where did you learn to sing like that? All the years I’ve known you and you never once said you could sing.”
Winnie looked into the mirror and wiped the black mascara that had run down underneath her eyes. I’m sure there was a single tear there waiting to fall. “Singing was my life back in the day. I was always singing, well, before I met Stan that is. I used to do a few gigs in the local bars and I was good you know?” Winnie was distressed and her cheeks creased at the sides as she continued. “Stan was always jealous of the attention I got when I was singing. He denies it though, but as true as I’m standing here, he was jealous, he hated every moment of it. One night when a young man threw a red rose up to me on the stage he blew his top, the red mist came down. Honest Grace, he was like a man possessed he knocked the poor guy flying telling him I was his girlfriend.” Grace was shocked and shook her head slowly; this was all news to her. Winnie continued and placed her hands on her hips, sucking on her lips. “He more or less told me it was him or the music. I was a fool when I think back. I should have told him to take a running jump, but I was young and foolish and agreed to give it up. I could have been a star you know?”
Grace could see the pain in her eyes and patted her shoulder softly. “You’ll always be a star in my eyes love. They broke the mould when they made you, trust me. One of a kind you are, one of a kind.”
Winnie remembered why they were there and chuckled. “So, how’s it going? You two seem to be getting on like a house on fire. He’s a good looking man too isn’t he?”
Grace hated to admit it but she was right. Danny was eye candy for sure. His body was still lean and his grey hair sort of gave him a George Clooney look about him. “He’s really nice Winnie. He’s so different from Martin, but he’s a breath of fresh air let me tell you. He makes me laugh and I can’t find any faults in him… yet.”
Grace tapped her fingernail on her front teeth as Winnie run into the cubicle and yanked her knickers down. She left the door open and you could see the relief in her face as she sat on the toilet. “So, what’s next? Are you taking him back to your house for a coffee?”
Grace looked horrified. She barely knew this man and her friend was telling her to bring him home for coffee, there was no way that was happening. What would the guy think of her if she even suggested something like that? No, Danny wasn’t coming to her home, no way in this world.
Winnie hitched her knickers up and stood at the sink washing her hands. “I’m just saying that’s all. Times have changed since we were younger and things move a lot faster than they did in our day. Nobody would judge you if he went home with you,” she raised her eyebrows. “Come on Grace let’s face it, your husband has just been caught having an affair, you deserve the right to have some fun too.”
The words stabbed straight into Grace’s heart, the knife twisted deep inside her and the pain of her heartache was there on her face for everyone to see. She clenched her teeth tightly together and the vein at the side of her neck pumped with rage. “For once in your life Winnie, you might be right. You don’t get any better thought of for keeping your trolleys on anyway do you? So I just might take him back to my house for a coffee after all. Who knows a few more wines and I might even show him my kinky draws. A bleeding tenner they were,” she pulled her dress up revealing them. “I may as well show them off and get my money’s worth out of them hadn’t I?”
Winnie punched her clenched fist into the air. “That’s my girl. Why the hell not. Do it for the girls. Take one for the team.” The women hugged and started to leave once Grace used the lavatory. Just as she walked out of the door Winnie pulled her back by the arm. “I’m going to stay here and sing a few more songs. So don’t you be worrying about me. It’s the best night I’ve had out in a long time. I mean, why should I be sat at home watching Stan sleep every bleeding night. I’m not being selfish but I need to have a life too don’t I?”
Grace was distraught, and froze. “No way, I’m not leaving you here on your own. I’ll make sure you get home before I go anywhere.”
Winnie was up in arms and stamped her feet. “Will you listen to me Grace? I’m happy for the first time in years. Honest to God, please let me stay here and sing. I will get a taxi straight home when I’m done. Trust me, I’m old enough and wise enough to stay on my own. You go and do your thing and leave me to do mine.” Grace was fighting a losing battle and knew she had to back down gracefully. A quick kiss on her friend’s cheek and she agreed with her. The women parted company and before the night was over Winnie got on the stage at least three more times. As Grace was leaving with Danny she turned her head back and smirked as she watched her friend singing her heart out for the last time that night.
Grace was steaming drunk, she’d felt fine in the pub but now the night air had hit her she was wobbling. Danny stood at her side and he was unsure of his next move. “Grace it’s been a great evening, you’re a very nice lady and one of the best I have met in a long time.” Grace threw caution to the wind and went in for the kill. She puckered her lips up and landed a kiss on him. Danny was shocked but you could see he was enjoying every minute of it. The couple walked to the edge of the road where a few taxis were parked up. This was it, Grace had to make a choice. Was the night ending here? Or was she taking him home with her? Sinking her head into his chest she lifted her head up slowly and met his piercing blue eyes, she licked her lips slowly and moved the piece of hair that had fallen onto her face.
“Do you want to come back to my house for a coffee or something?”
Danny sniggered to himself; he didn’t expect this, not on a first date anyway. Clearing his throat he held her closer and whispered into her ear. “I would love to Grace.” The couple flagged a taxi and headed home.
Grace rummaged into her handbag for her key. Once she’d found it she passed it to Danny, her vision was poor at the best of times and now she’d had a few glasses of wine she was as blind as a bat. Grace led Danny into the front room. The house phone was ringing and she hurried to answer it. She growled as she heard the voice of her ex- husband on the other end of the line. “Will you just fuck off and get on with your own life. Stop ringing me will you. You made your choice when you jumped into bed with that tart you were sleeping with, so do yourself a favour, and leave me alone.” The phone was banged down and she stood with both her hands on her hips looking at the ceiling. Danny stood looking at her and didn’t know what to say. Marching about the room Grace kicked her shoes off. “The cheek of him, he thinks he can have an affair and then come back to me with his tail between his legs, he’s not on this planet, him, he’s got a fucking screw loose if you ask me.”
Danny smiled and walked to her side. “I think it’s best that I go home. You have a lot on your plate and you don’t need me adding to it do you?”
Grace paused and her mouth was moving but no words were coming out. This was her moment, her big chance to move on, to get even with Martin, but she was struggling. “No Danny, you just stay put. I’ll crack open a bottle of wine and we can get back to where we were. Sorry for the outburst, but he just winds me right up.”
Danny sat down and felt at ease; there was no way he wanted to go home either. His house was empty and nothing but his pet dog Alby was there to keep him company, he was lonely too. Grace brought two glasses from the kitchen and placed them on the table, her head was spinning but she was trying her best to keep a straight head. Danny poured the wine as Grace unbuckled her shoes. “You have a lovely home,” he said as he looked around. Grace looked about the room and agreed with him. She was planning to redecorate and rid herself of any stamp Martin had put on the property, she wanted a fresh start. Her sons had said they would help her but she wasn’t holding her breath. Since the split from their father, she’d only seen them a couple of times and it was obvious they thought that she should move on and get over it. Her sons were selfish and cared about nobody but themselves. They never phoned her and if they did it was only about booking her as a babysitter so they could have a night out. Grace’s heart was beating faster than normal; her eyes shot to Danny and something inside her made her make the first move. She was going to do this if it killed her, she wanted payback.
Their bodies lay entwined on the sofa. Grace was more or less naked and her hair was stuck up all over the place. They were both sweating and panting for breath. Grace held her hand on her heart and at one stage she thought she was going to have a heart attack. Danny was blowing his breath and at the same time giggling. “Bleeding hell Grace, where did all that come from? You’re a saucy mare you are.” Grace hid away behind a pillow. The task was done and she was officially over her husband. Well, she’d had sex with another man so that was a start. Danny lit two cigarettes and passed one to Grace as he lay back down beside her. Silence reigned.
Grace pulled her dress back on and her cheeks were bright red. Seeing her black bra dangling over the side of the arm of the chair she gripped it quickly and shoved it in her handbag. Danny was still naked and he didn’t care - he was in a world of his own and a smile was fixed firmly on his face. “You were amazing. I’m not just saying it but that was the best sex I’ve had in a long time.” Hidden from his view she tilted her head to the side. Was she hearing him right, did he just say she was a good leg-over? He pulled her nearer and stroked his flat palm over her forehead. “You’re everything I’m looking for in a woman you are. I hope we can do this again sometime?” Before she could reply a singing voice from outside made them look at each other. It was a woman singing at the top of her voice. Grace sniggered as she held her ear closer to the window, it was Winnie. “Somebody’s obviously had a good night then.”
Grace couldn’t hold her tongue any longer; she had to tell him who the singer was. “I was scared of meeting you tonight you know. I brought my friend along with me, just to sit in the pub.”
Danny shot a look at her and sat up straight. “Did you really?”
“Yes, I bleeding well did. I mean, you could have been a raging pervert or something, how was I to know?” She dipped her head and continued. “Anyway, my mate Winnie came with me. Do you remember the woman singing in the pub? The one we were singing along to?”
Danny was confused for a moment, then he must have remembered who she was talking about because he started smiling. “Oh yeah. I remember her, smashing voice she had.”
“Well, that’s my friend Winnie. She loves singing and well, she stayed out in the pub on her own. Listen to her now, she sounds pissed out of her head. Stan will go ape at her, he thinks she’s been at bingo” The couple howled laughing as Winnie’s voice got louder. This was a night to remember for sure. Grace was now back in the game and she was no longer pining for her husband.