Silver Stars - Love, Lies & Limos Series #2

CHAPTER ONE

Vicki Davies hummed happily to herself as she unlocked the door to her shop then stepped inside to punch the code in to disarm the alarm. Two of her employees, Mel and Jade, stood behind her finishing their cigarettes, which they pitched into the gutter before following their boss up the stairs and into the reception area.

Quick, get the kettle on before frostbite settles in, grumbled Jade as she immediately headed to the radiator to warm her cold hands, while Mel switched on the overhead spotlights and moved across the huge room to open the venetian blinds in the bay window, which faced onto the main street.

Vicki tossed her highlighted blonde hair over her shoulder and cast a sarcastic salute in Jade’s direction. Yes, Madam! Your wish is my command. She stopped by the reception desk to check the answering machine, relieved to find there were no messages this morning.

Mel laughed as she settled into the black leather computer chair behind the desk, placed her black square spectacles on the bridge of her nose and patiently waited for the computer to boot up.

I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea and a biscuit. I had to skip breakfast because the kids were running late and I had to rush them out the door.

Vicki made a show of stomping off in the direction of the small kitchen, complaining she couldn’t get the staff nowadays.

Were they up late again? Jade wanted to know.

Dylan seems to be going through the night terrors. It was a terror indeed – turned out to be Megan playing tricks on him!

Mel had seven-year-old twins, Dylan and Megan, two-year-old Connor and almost one-year-old Amy. She loved her kids with all her heart but they could drive her up the wall at times, and she was surprised her hair hadn’t turned grey or fallen out yet. The twins were always winding each other up and she and her husband Andy were forever having to referee the fights or telling them off for misbehaving.

Jade went to plump up the cushions on the low comfortable couch in the waiting area, just across from the reception desk, and adjusted the sample books on the wooden coffee table that Vicki had made up to show potential clients of the different cloth materials, colours and designs she used for their clothes. She switched on the flat screen TV mounted on the opposite wall to watch Lori Gardener, a popular daytime TV presenter who had her own talk show where people would air their family problems on it.

Mel groaned, pulling a face. You’re not watching that, are you?

Of course. My problems are nothing compared to that show.

David entered the reception area, wrapped up warmly although his face was red from the cold. He stood at the radiator heating himself up, complaining bitterly about the winter weather. David Watson was tall, handsome and muscled. He had attended the same art college with Vicki and Mel, and gained a degree in fashion textiles, along with Vicki. He loved to plan innovative designs with her, and his own, and stitch them together. It was a bonus for him to see the smile on client’s faces when they wore the beautiful and fabulous items of clothing to events; it made all his, and Vicki’s, challenging work worthwhile.

So, where were you last night? he asked Jade.

I was at The Gallery with Vicki and Mel. You missed a great fight on the dancefloor, handbags at ten paces, she replied, a huge grin on her slightly tanned face.

David gasped, placing a hand on his chest. "I missed it! I can’t believe I stayed at home to watch Talent TV."

Me too, giggled Mel and she leant forward in her seat. Who’s still in the running?

Talent TV was a TV show where ordinary people would go on stage in front of four judges to show off a talent that they possessed – or thought they possessed in most cases.

Joanna, Liz and Gary, David told her with a small smile, ticking them off on his fingers.

Jade rolled her eyes. I don’t like Liz. She sings the worst songs and no matter how much the hairstylists work on her hair; it still looks like copper wire when it sticks up.

Vicki returned with a tray laden with four mugs of tea and a plate of Jaffa Cakes, catching the tail end of the conversation.

Liz? I don’t like her either, Vicki told them as she placed the tray on Mel’s desk. She did a cover version of a David Bowie song and completely butchered it. Dougie was fuming when he heard it. She sipped her tea then sighed softly.

I voted Joanna out because she sang one of Kevin’s songs and it was awful! I hope she gets booted out next week, Jade told them with a wicked smile on her face.

Vicki giggled. What did Kevin say about that?

Oh, he said she sounded like a cat drowning.

I hope Will wins. But that’s because I think he looks like Rob Tierney, murmured David, his eyes lighting up in delight.

Rob Tierney was an Irish pop singer and had a large fan base, which mostly consisted of females. Whenever he toured the UK, David would attend a few gigs, then afterwards would bore his friends to tears with his stories. Mel and Vicki had met the singer a few times at parties and events, and although they liked him, they weren’t so keen on his music.

Vicki turned to Mel asking who was coming in that day.

Mel flipped open the appointment book, leafing through it to find the day’s schedule. Ryan Stephens will be in at one o’clock, interrupted Mel as she looked up at her best friend.

Vicki squealed excitedly, clapping her hands in glee like a little kid at Christmas. Oh I think he’s fantastic! I’ll have to turn on my charm.

Ryan Stephens was an actor and was well known in celebrity circles. He was quite open about his sexuality, although was a private person when it came to dating. He was always flirting with David whenever they met, and often frequented clubs and events together.

Mel tutted, shaking her head. You forget he was such an arsehole in school! Remember I gave him a bloody nose?

David and Jade gaped at her. What?!

Yeah, he groped me at a school disco and I punched him.

Isn’t he gay though? said Jade before sipping her tea.

Bisexual. He was always trying to fire into someone, laughed Mel. No one was safe – not even the teachers.

Vicki hooted with laughter. Our poor art teacher was always getting flustered because he was forever making comments to her.

And it didn’t help Dougie always wound him up at times too.

David smiled at Mel then asked, When’s that dashing husband of yours coming home?

He should be back next week at some point.

Oh, I bet you can’t wait! He’s good eye candy!

I know he is – I married him! she said with a small laugh.

Andy’s totally gorgeous in those sexy jeans he wears. You know the ones that hang low. I bet he’s hung like….

That’s my husband you’re drooling over. If it’s not the ladies I have to fight away – it’s Andy’s gay following! grumbled Mel, rolling her eyes in despair at him.

David laughed, waving a hand at her saying, But he is so yummy!

Vicki excused herself and went off into her office, closing the door behind her. Mel settled in her seat and turned her focus on the computer.

David and Jade went off to the sewing room, leaving Mel alone. She was in the middle of sorting out invoices for clients when the phone rang.

Good morning, Davies’ Designs, how can I help you? she chirped trying to sound cheerful.

I hope so. I need a hot female to get naked with me, teased a sexy male voice on the line.

Andy! she laughed, glad to hear from him. How’s things? Are you behaving yourself?

Yes, of course – I have no other choice. How about you?

No time for partying when I have the kids running me ragged. They miss you and send their love.

He chuckled then said, I’m sure they only say it so I’ll bring gifts back for them. Anyway, are you coming to Glasgow tonight?

Yes! My flight leaves at six and I’ll catch up with you at my parent’s house. Ally and Claire are gonna meet me at Heathrow and they’re staying with Ally’s parents. She paused for breath then said quietly, It’s a shame you don’t wanna come with us to the gig.

She was flying to Glasgow later with the twins, Ally and Claire. The three ladies were going to see one of their favourite singers the next night and were excited about it. Mel had been a tad disappointed Andy hadn’t wanted to go with her. It niggled her at times that they didn’t share the same taste in bands and singers, and he never seemed willing to attend gigs with her, and she’d end up going with her friends instead.

Nah, it’s not my thing, he chuckled. But I’m sure you’ll have a great time with your friends.

She giggled. Well, I better get some work done. I’ll see you later tonight. I love you.

I love you too.

She ended the call then resumed her paperwork. She smiled when she heard David and Jade singing along to the radio in the sewing room.

A while later, Jade took a tea break and joined Mel at her desk. They drank their hot drinks, watching a talk show.

People are so stupid at times, aren’t they? commented Jade gesturing at the TV. Two women were arguing over a man who had impregnated them both and had left them holding the babies. The man in question was sitting between them looking like he had no cares in the world, a smug look on his face.

Mel stared into her mug. Thankfully, that never happened to us.

Jade cleared her throat, a small smile on her face. Things happened differently for us. We managed to not hate each other and became good friends. She paused then added, It’s a shame that other people can’t overcome their problems like we did.

Hmm, we had to though. I didn’t want Dylan and Megan hating you – there would have been no point in that. You’re their step mum and you’re brilliant with them.

Jade blushed deep red, waving a hand. You’re a good mum, Mel. Kevin says the same thing and he’s glad he gets on better with you.

Mel studied her mug for what seemed a long time before sighing softly. For almost seven years, she had been in a relationship with the charming and handsome Kevin Jones, married for five of those years. Their time together ended in divorce after far too many arguments, fuelled by alcohol, drugs and insecurities – mostly on Kevin’s part. During that rocky time, Mel had dabbled in a fling with an old boyfriend, while Kevin shared a bed with Jade, giving her a child in the process. Kevin and Mel had broken each other’s hearts, but the couple were slowly putting it all behind them, working on a shaky friendship – mostly for the sake of their children, Dylan and Megan.

Jade yawned then said she better get back to work before Vicki docked her wages, leaving Mel to rinse the mugs out in the small kitchen and then settle in again behind her desk.

The next couple of hours went by and Vicki, David and Jade went to lunch while Mel staffed the reception desk, watching the lunchtime news and sipping from a cup of soup.

After lunch, Ryan Stephens breezed into the office and grinned at Mel, blue eyes flashing when he saw his best friend’s sister.

Hello, Mel. I’m booked for a fitting at one o’clock. I believe I spoke to your lovely self on the phone the other day. He moved towards her to pull her into a tight bear hug, causing her to squirm in his arms, his aftershave assaulting her nostrils.

Ryan, calm down on the aftershave, eh? she grumbled into his chest. They’d been in the same year at high school; Ryan had tried to get her to go out with him and during a high school disco had drunkenly groped her, receiving a bloody nose for his trouble.

Mel could see why men and women fancied Ryan– he was good-looking and easy on the eye. He was best friends with her sister, Susan who was also an actor, and she and Ryan had worked on two movies together. According to Neil, Susan’s husband, Susan and Ryan always seemed to be on the phone to one another.

He kissed Mel’s cheek then asked how she and Andy were.

Yeah, he’s on tour in Europe now but will be home in a few days. What have you been up to these days?

He grinned widely. I’ve just bought a place in LA and I’m gonna be collaborating with your sister on a rom com.

Sounds like you’ve been busy! I haven’t seen Susan for a while since she’s been busy filming in California.

David joined them and Ryan turned his attention to him, a cheeky twinkle in his blue eyes. David, how are you?

David grinned, checking him out then nodded in approval. All the better for seeing you, Ryan, he said with a wink.

Ryan chuckled, smiling knowingly at him and shifted his six-foot three frame to perch on Mel’s desk. You are smooth.

David’s mouth twitched. Oh, you know it.

Mel mentally rolled her eyes at their flirting and turned her attention back to her monitor, hoping the men would leave her in peace.

So, what have you been doing with yourself, Ryan?

I’ve been working in a play and I’m surprised you haven’t been to see me yet.

Mel scoffed then smirked. "David’s too busy watching Talent TV to go and see plays," she teased.

Oh, I heard Joanna butchering that Aerodynamics song, laughed Ryan. I hope she gets booted out next week.

The door to Vicki’s office opened and she beckoned to Ryan. He excused himself and went to join her, the door closing behind him.

David looked to Mel, his eyes dancing merrily. He is so sexy! He returned to the sewing room, leaving her to continue with her work.

At two o’clock Vicki, Jade and David tidied up their workspaces and left the building for the day. Mel stayed behind to catch up on paperwork Vicki had sprung on her. She sang along to her favourite Dark Tyrants CD as she worked. When she was done, she relaxed in her chair, drumming pens on the desk and singing loudly.

I can hear you all the way along the street, joked a soft Irish male voice from the doorway, startling her.

Mel turned down the volume and blushed when she saw Jim Conway walk into the reception area and he flashed a toothy grin at her. His cheeks and nose were red with cold and his blue eyes twinkled.

Hey, Jim, how are you? she asked getting up from her chair and hugged him. You want coffee?

He shook his head. Not today – I can’t stay too long.

She and Jim had become good friends and she occasionally provided backing vocals for shows and albums whenever he needed her, despite the fact she was not a professional singer or in the music business herself. He loved her voice, thinking it suited the band’s style well. Jim’s wife, Helen, ran a tattoo parlour in town and Mel had recently acquired a small tiger tattoo on her right shoulder, which she loved.

He glanced around the area asking, Why’s the place so quiet?

They finished early, probably off doing some Christmas shopping. She stretched then rubbed her eyes. So, what can I do for you?

He smiled. Well, how would you like to join the band in France after New Year? We’re recording our next album and would like you to sing backing vocals for a couple of tracks. I only need you for a week.

Her eyes widened in surprise at his proposal. Seriously?

He nodded then smiled. The guys like having you around. You’ll be paid generously for your time.

She thought it over then shrugged. I’ll have to talk it over with Andy first and sort out childcare. But I’ll let you know.

I’ll give you a couple of days. He checked his watch saying he had to go. After hugging her, he left, leaving Mel to lock up and set the alarm. Once she was done, she drove to Kevin’s to pick up the twins, humming to Christmas songs on the radio.

Kevin opened the door to her, inviting her inside. The twins hugged her, squealing happily and she laughed as they ran off upstairs.

They’re a bit hyper today, he murmured, a small smile on his handsome face, his dark eyes studying her. My mum’s visiting for a few days, so the kids are bouncing off the walls on a sugar high.

How’s your dad?

Oh, he’s fine. He couldn’t get time off work – that’s why Mum’s here on her own. He paused then asked if she wanted tea or coffee.

Coffee would be great, thanks.

They went into the kitchen and she settled at the table, watching him make hot drinks.

Where’s Connor and Amy? she asked, noticing how quiet it was.

Jade and Mum took them, Alexandra and Taylor to soft play for a while. They should be back soon.

Alexandra and Taylor were Kevin and Jade’s three- and one-year old daughter and son. They were the perfect likeness to Jade and Kevin doted on them, just as he did with the twins.

So, why are we babysitting Connor and Amy for a couple of days?

A line creased her forehead. Is that okay?

He nodded. Sure. They have fun with Alex and Taylor.

I’m going to Glasgow with the twins tonight. She checked her watch then added, Our flight’s after six.

Are you going to see your parents?

Yes. A smile lit her face up and she looked excited as she said, I’m gonna see Aidan Cowie tomorrow night!

Aidan Cowie was a folk-rock singer, who had been extremely popular during the late nineties. Mel and Vicki adored his powerful haunting voice, as well as his piano and guitar skills.

He grinned at her. Oh, I am so jealous! Is Andy going with you?

She shook her head then stared at her mug. Nope. We don’t really share the same taste in music. So, Ally and Claire are going with me.

Detecting the sad tone in her voice, a look of annoyance flitted across his handsome face.

Jade’s the same. She passed on the chance to see AC/DC last year. I ended up going with Rich and Steve and it was fucking brilliant! Steve even managed to get a photo with Brian Johnson and he won’t stop talking about it. He’s turning into a true groupie.

Mel laughed. Well, it is his and yours number one band though.

He nodded in agreement. Anyway, I’m sure you ladies will have a fantastic night reliving the nineties.

Those were the best years for music, you know! She began to tick them off on her fingers. I mean cummon, for a start Oasis were shit hot! She thought it over then grinned widely. Don’t tell her I said this, but Susan loved Take That and the Spice Girls.

He hooted with laughter, shaking his head. I can’t guarantee I won’t say anything when I’m drunk. He smiled. I still have Definitely Maybe LP on vinyl. Mind we used to get high and make out to that in my room at uni?

Her face flushed when she recalled Slide Away playing in the background while they got high, exchanging smoky kisses as he called it – where he’d inhale smoke then kiss her, blowing it into her mouth.

Mel never did anything like that with Andy, since he was against using drugs and preferred to get a good drink in him. On rare occasions Claire would invite her girlfriends to her home for drinks and dinner, and only then would Mel share a joint with her.

And at least this time when you see Aidan Cowie you won’t be receiving marriage proposals.

She ducked her head, giggling quietly, unsure of how to answer that.

A couple of months before the twins were born, Kevin had bought her tickets to see Aidan in London. They’d gone with their friends and much to their shock and surprise – and Mel’s – Kevin had proposed to her with a piece of copper wire shaped into a ring during Always Mine. Before the twins’ second birthday the couple had married in the registry office and celebrated by having dinner with their best friends at a fancy restaurant. Unable to afford a proper honeymoon, the couple had spent two days in their flat, while Rich and Vicki babysat the twins.

Mel finished her coffee before calling to the twins to get ready to leave. Kevin helped them into their jackets then hugged them both, telling them to behave for their mother.

Tell Jade I said thanks for taking Connor and Amy, Mel told him with a smile. I owe you one.

I will. Enjoy yourself, Mel. He watched her shepherd the twins out to the car and soon she was on the way to the airport.

Where are we going, Mum? Dylan wanted to know when he realised his mother wasn’t heading home.

On a road trip, Mel replied with a small smile on her face.

Megan clapped her hands in delight. Oh, I love road trips! Can we listen to Rob Tierney?

No! wailed Dylan dismayed at her suggestion.

Mel sighed, trying to ignore their bickering. Twenty minutes later, she parked the car in the short stay car park at Heathrow airport and collected the holdalls from the boot. Inside, she met Ally and Claire, both ladies excited about their trip. With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, the airport was busy with travellers.

The three ladies and the twins checked in, and an hour later boarded the plane with the twins. Mel sat on her own, the twins in the seats in front of her, and Ally and Claire sat across the aisle.

I’m looking forward to a couple of days break from the kids, Ally told her with a grin. She looked to Claire saying, Thanks for asking us to come along with you.

Claire grinned, her blue eyes lighting up. Rich practically pushed me out the door – he couldn’t wait to see the back of me! She paused then looked to Mel. He told me the story about Kevin proposing to you during an Aidan Cowie gig.

Ally sniggered, nodding in agreement. Didn’t he give you a piece of copper wire or something because he didn’t have a ring?

Mel groaned, covering her face with her hands. He made it for me because he couldn’t afford a fancy engagement ring. After the kids were born he did give me a beautiful eternity ring to make up for it. She scoffed, shaking her head. So much for forever, eh?

Ally giggled then reached over to pat her arm. Aw, cummon, it was so romantic though! And I bet you kept them.

Mel couldn’t help but smile. Yeah, they’re in a box somewhere. She settled in her seat and leafed through one of Claire’s magazines.

An hour and a half later, the plane arrived at Glasgow, and the small group headed to collect their luggage before exiting the airport to climb into a taxicab. Traffic seemed to crawl along the motorway, drivers being more careful than usual, due to the snow that had recently begun to fall.

Megan stared out of the window, nose pressed against the glass, looking hopeful that she would be able to get out to build a snowman over the next couple of days. Dylan agreed with her and added he would love to sled down the steep hill near to his grandparents’ house.

Mel gazed out into the darkened streets, smiling as she recognised familiar landmarks and streets. She and the twins were dropped off first, Ally and Claire promising to see her tomorrow.

Mel ushered the twins up the path, in the falling snow, towards the front door of her parent’s house. Her father, Daniel, opened the door to them, delighted to see his daughter and two grandchildren.

Hello, you two! he exclaimed, bear hugging the twins then guided them into the warm house, urging them to take off their boots and coats.

Mel dumped the holdalls in a corner of the hall then hugged her father tightly, saying it was good to see him. She entered the living room to see her mother and younger brother, Nick, watching TV. Maria’s eyes lit up when she noticed Mel standing there and she practically jumped up from the couch to grab her into a hug.

"Melanie! I’ve missed you so much, tesorino. Maria held her daughter at arm’s length to look her over. You’re looking well but a little bit on the thin side. Are you eating properly?" Her dark eyes studied Mel intently and Mel supressed a smile, trying to keep a straight face, knowing her mother was being serious.

Maria was always worrying that Mel and Susan would give in to celebrity peer pressure and succumb to an eating disorder of some kind. It didn’t help that Maria often perused the celebrity gossip magazines, seeing celebrities withering away and worried herself sick her daughters would one day turn their noses up at food. There was really no need for the unnecessary worry because her four children loved their food, just as their mother did, and Mel often thought it a miracle that she and her siblings managed to stay slim, especially with the amount of food that Maria heaped upon their plates during home visits. Mel was the only one who took her looks from her father with her blue eyes, dark hair and fair skin. Her siblings Paul, Susan and Nick had inherited their mother’s feisty temper, quick tongue, dark eyes, skin and hair.

Maria nodded in approval then turned to her son. Nick, can you show Dylan and Megan to their rooms? And keep the noise down, Robin and Rebecca are sleeping.

Robin and Rebecca were Susan’s two girls, and they were already asleep in one of the spare rooms, exhausted from their trip to Glasgow from California with their mother earlier that day.

Dylan and Megan went off upstairs with Nick, leaving Mel and Maria to sit together on the sofa, Daniel pottering around in the kitchen, singing Christmas songs in his soft lilting Irish accent as he made drinks.

Where’s Connor and Amy? Maria wanted to know, relaxing on the couch, her long legs stretched in front of her. against the sofa. She smoothed her jeans and adjusted the sleeves of her cable knit sweater until she was comfortable.

Kevin and Jade agreed to take them for a couple of days.

Maria nodded but said nothing about that arrangement, keeping her opinion to herself regarding her ex-son-in-law. The doorbell rang and she went to answer it, greeting her sons-in-law, Andy and Neil.

Oh, look at you both! You’ll need a hot meal after your journey! Oh Neil, you’re absolutely frozen! she said hugging him.

Andy entered the living room and stopped inside the doorway when he saw his wife on the couch.

He held his arms out saying, Hey you! Gimme a hug!

She giggled then went to him, letting him wrap his arms around her and they exchanged an enthusiastic kiss, not caring who saw them.

Oh, please get a room! Daniel teased as he entered the room with a tray of mugs, milk and sugar. He placed it on the coffee table then settled in his favourite armchair with a mug of tea. How was the tour?

Andy nodded, making himself comfortable on the couch. It was great but extremely tiring. I’m glad to be back home though.

Mel smiled then kissed his cheek. We all missed you.

The adults chatted for a while and eventually Mel and Andy went upstairs to the spare room to snuggle in against one another and slept until late morning.

The next evening, Mel, Ally and Claire had a few drinks before attending the gig. The trio had a fantastic time and almost screamed themselves hoarse from chanting along to the songs.

The morning after, they returned to London and after dropping Andy and the twins off at home, Mel headed off to Kevin’s to pick up Connor and Amy. Her two youngest children were ecstatic to see her and she peppered their cute little face with kisses.

So, how was the gig? Kevin wanted to know. He smiled when her face and eyes lit up and she nodded happily, a huge grin on her face.

Oh, it was amazing! I posted a couple of clips on social media.

I’ll check it out. Anyway, these two have been really good. He grinned at Connor trying to climb up his mother’s legs.

Where’s Jade? she asked, glancing behind him.

He folded his arms and shrugged. You’ve not long missed her. She’s out with a few of her mates. His tone indicated he didn’t seem so happy about it and Mel knew it was none of her business.

Well, tell her I said thanks for having these two rascals, she teased bending to lift Amy up. The toddler snuggled in, sucking her thumb. And say hi to your mum for me.

His mouth twitched and he nodded then she left with the children.

Back at home, she entered the house to hear Megan screaming from the top of the stairs that she hated Andy so much right now before stomping off to the room she shared with Amy, slamming the door shut.

What’s going on? Mel asked, placing Amy on the floor then helped Connor off with his shoes and jacket.

Oh, I told her off and she started screaming at me that I wasn’t her real dad and couldn’t tell her what to do. He took Amy from her and kissed her cheek, saying he was happy to see her. I hope you’re not gonna give me too much trouble today, young lady. I’ve had enough of listening to your sister’s attitude, he teased, tickling her.

Mel snorted. I bet you wish you were still on tour.

A tiny bit but I’d rather be here with you.

Aw, that’s so sweet of you. I think it’s the Christmas excitement that’s causing the kids’ hyperactive moods. She paused when she heard Dylan and Megan arguing and screaming at one another. With a sigh she headed upstairs to separate them and returned downstairs with Dylan.

I don’t like Megan, he complained grumpily. She’s so mean!

Mel looked to him. She’s just having a difficult day but I’m sure she’ll calm down in a while and say sorry.

She went into the kitchen to sort out the washing, while Andy prepared lunch for the children. After lunch, he took Dylan and Connor to soft play, leaving Mel with the girls. She settled on the couch with Amy to watch a movie until her daughter fell asleep. Mel carried her upstairs to put her to bed.

Megan sat on her bed, clutching her favourite cuddly when Mel entered the room and placed Amy into bed, covering her with the duvet.

Why don’t you come downstairs and watch a movie with me?

Megan shook her head, not looking at her mother.

Or how about I let you give me a makeover?

No, leave me alone, grumbled the girl and turned away.

Mel left her and returned downstairs, wondering what was wrong with her daughter.

For an hour or so she stood in the kitchen struggling through what felt like a mountain load of ironing while listening to classic rock CDs and singing along as she worked.

Vicki popped in later, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Mel was glad of the distraction and soon she and Vicki had settled on the couch drinking hot chocolate.

Did you leave the kids with Dougie? How on earth did you manage that? teased Mel, grinning at her best friend.

Vicki smiled cheekily. I bribed him. He’s easily corrupted. I see you, Ally and Claire had fun last night! I loved the clips you posted on social media and I’m gutted I couldn’t go.

Oh, it was brilliant! I got a bit emotional during Always Mine – I couldn’t help it because his voice was just amazing!

I love going to gigs with Dougie. He gets so caught up in the moment and it’s funny when he starts dancing around.

Mel smiled then sadly gazed into her mug. Andy never does things like that. He tolerates my music taste but won’t go to gigs with me and it’s a battle to get him on the dancefloor. She sipped her drink then sighed softly. What did you get up to yesterday?

Ugh, I went shopping with Jade and it was a nightmare. All she did was complain about Kevin’s mum because she’s visiting for a while.

Mel grunted. Yeah, she can be lethal with her tongue at times, especially when Kevin’s not around to hear. I don’t think she ever liked me and now it seems Jade’s on the receiving end of it.

Ha, that’s because you stole her son from her then you broke his heart! You are such a shameless hussy! joked Vicki then giggled.

Mel laughed, shaking her head. Oh, I know. Never mind the fact Kevin was in the wrong too – it was all down to me.

Vicki snorted with laughter, her blue eyes sparkling. Where’s all the kids? It’s too quiet in here today.

Andy took the boys to soft play, Amy is sleeping, and Megan is sulking in her room for reasons best known to herself.

They chatted for a while about their Christmas and New Year plans.

We’re having a party this year, so if you have no plans come along. We’ll take over the dancefloor, Vicki told her with a grin.

Megan crept into the living room to ask her mother where Andy was.

He took your brothers to soft play for a while, said Mel quietly, turning her head to look at her.

Megan’s face fell and she whined, I wanted to go!

Andy would have taken you if you’d been nicer to him and Dylan.

I was nice to him. But he keeps telling me what to do!

Mel mentally counted to five before replying. Andy is your stepdad – he’s allowed to tell you off when you misbehave.

Megan glared furiously at her mother then shouted, I hate you! She left slamming the door hard and stomped off back upstairs.

Mel sighed heavily, rubbing her temple then looked to Vicki who didn’t seem to know what to say.

Sorry about that. She keeps saying Andy’s not her real dad and that he can’t tell her what to do. I’ve explained to her that he can but she refuses to accept it. I don’t know what to do anymore.

She usually adores Andy. It might just be a phase she’s going through now, Vicki suggested, trying to help her best friend feel a bit better.

I know. Andy’s just laughing it off but I can tell he’s not amused. She hesitated then muttered, Jim Conway invited me to France for a week to do backing vocals for the new album. I’m not even sure I wanna go now if Megan’s playing up.

Aww, Mel, don’t turn that opportunity down. You’re always running after everyone else, so have fun. Let Andy and Kevin take care of the kids, her best friend told her with a frown.

Mel thought it over then shrugged. Maybe you’re right.

Look, I love having you working with me but you’re not meant to be stuck behind a desk. I wanna see you out in the world doing more with your art, and you should think about doing more with that voice of yours. Don’t waste your talents – you’ll regret it one day.

I’ll think about it. Mel shifted on her seat then said, I’m so proud of you making a name for yourself. You’re doing amazingly well.

Vicki grinned widely. Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without Dougie and all my fantastic friends and family to support me. She eyed the clock then said, I suppose I better get moving.

Thanks for popping in. And tell Dougie I said hi.

I will. No doubt we’ll catch up during the week at some point.

Vicki stood up to stretch then pulled on her coat. Mel escorted her to the front door, watching her go off to her car. Once she was gone, Mel closed the door then headed off to the kitchen to resume her ironing.

CHAPTER TWO

Christmas came and went and on Boxing Day, Mel took the twins to Kevin and Jade’s house, while Andy went to the pub with Jamie and a few other of his musician friends.

The twins immediately ran off to play with Alexandra and Taylor. Jade beckoned to Mel to come inside.

I have Connor and Amy in the car, said Mel turning to gesture at the car parked in the driveway.

Bring them in and stay for a cuppa. Jade lowered her voice then murmured, Please, Kevin’s mum is still here and driving me nuts.

Mel chuckled then shrugged. Okay, one cuppa then I’m gonna go. She collected the younger children from the car then entered the house, carrying Amy in her arms, Connor racing ahead to find his siblings. She joined Jade in the kitchen, Amy sitting in Taylor’s highchair munching on a biscuit.

Where is Kathleen? whispered Mel once Jade handed her a mug of tea. She sat at the table then reached over to wipe crumbs from Amy’s mouth and smiled at her.

In the living room with Kevin. Jade sat opposite her, looking miserable. I can’t cope with her undermining my every move when it comes to the kids. And Kevin asked her if she wanted to stay a while longer since he’s going on tour after New Year. We rowed over it.

Mel nodded, but said nothing, remembering how it had been between her and Kevin in the past. It had been total agony wanting to apologise but not wanting to give in first, both too stubborn.

I mean, it’s nice having the help but she likes to get little digs in here and there. Jade rubbed her forehead, looking upset now.

Maybe suggest to Kevin she could stay for another week. I bet Trevor will be missing her too. Why didn’t he join you for Christmas?

He’s got a lot of work on now. He’s lovely.

Mel nodded in agreement, remembering her ex-father-in-law’s down to earth attitude and charming wit and good looks, which Kevin had inherited from him. If you need any help with the kids then you know where I am. I don’t mind babysitting occasionally.

You and Vicki are so good to me. I don’t deserve that.

Mel was silent for a few moments then shrugged. Yeah, you do. You helped us through all that shit with Tina. It’s the only decent thing the witch ever did for us – bringing us together.

The two of them were silent as they remembered Tina May. She’d been a school friend of Jade’s, and her jealous and spiteful personality had driven her to cause trouble for Vicki and Mel over the years. With the help of two of her male friends, Tina had kidnapped Vicki and Mel, causing them much distress. Jade had pretended to be conspiring with Tina so she could help