by Pam Howes
The stout woman tutted and shook her head. ‘I’ll just take the wool then, chuck,’ she said to Sadie. ‘I’ll borrow needles from Mavis, my next-door neighbour.’
Sadie handed the hanks of fawn double knitting wool to Alice, who bagged them up and took the woman’s money. She reached for change from the till and handed it over.
The woman left with a smile and a nod.
‘Is it still there?’ Sadie hissed from the other side of the counter.
‘Yes, and it’s working hard.’ Alice grimaced, looking down at the eight busy legs spinning the immaculate web.
‘I don’t care how bloody hard it’s working,’ Sadie muttered. ‘I’m not coming back behind there until you get rid of it. It’s already lost us a sale. Chuck me a duster and I’ll polish the glass out front.’
Alice grinned and threw a cloth in her direction. ‘Shall I ask someone to move it?’
Sadie looked around. ‘I doubt any of the women will. We need a man and there’s not much choice.’ She bent to rub at some smudges on the glass-fronted cabinets while Alice kept a wary eye on the spider. By the time Sadie had finished the full length of the counter fronts it was almost break time and the girl who was taking over for fifteen minutes sauntered across.
‘What’s up with youse two?’ Sally Ball asked, flicking her black curly hair over her shoulders. ‘Youse both look dead shifty.’
Alice pointed to the spider and the girl jumped back and screamed. ‘Oh bloody ’ell. It’s as big as the one me dad just got rid of in our carsey back ’ome. I ain’t going behind there until some bugger shifts it.’
Alice felt beads of sweat break on her forehead as Miss White, the floor supervisor, hurried over to the counter, her face pinched in a familiar lemon-sucking expression. Now they were for it.
‘What on earth is going on?’ Miss White demanded. ‘Why did Miss Ball scream?’
‘There’s a spider, Miss White, and I’m terrified of ’em,’ Sally replied.
‘Oh, for goodness sake, girl,’ Miss White muttered. She peered around the counter, keeping a dignified distance, gasped and signalled to a young man who was busy unpacking boxes on a counter across the other side of the floor. ‘Malcolm,’ she said as he hurried over. ‘Get rid of that spider.’
Malcolm looked to where she was pointing and shuddered. His cheeks flushed as red as his hair and he took a deep breath. ‘I, er, I can’t, Miss,’ he stuttered. ‘I don’t like ’em either.’
Alice was chewing her lip, trying not to snigger at his terrified expression, when a soft voice whispered in her ear, ‘Perhaps I can help.’
She spun round to see Jack Dawson standing behind her, an amused expression on his face. ‘Oh, Jack, you knight in shining armour,’ she said. ‘Thank you so much.’
Jack smiled. ‘Can someone get me a glass or a cup and a postcard then?’
Malcolm went off to fulfil Jack’s request and the spider was captured and dropped from a nearby open window. Jack wiped the cobweb away with his hanky and smiled. ‘There you go, ladies. All in a day’s work.’
‘Thank you, young man,’ Miss White said, her sharp features softening as she gave a rare smile.
‘Thanks, Jack,’ Alice and Sadie chorused.
Sally batted her eyelashes at him and he smiled.
‘Any time, ladies. I was just looking at ties over the other side and saw something was going on, and then spotted you looking worried, Alice, so thought I’d come over and investigate.’
‘Thank goodness you did. We’d better go for our break,’ Sadie said. ‘We’re late as it is. Come and join us for a cuppa, Jack. You deserve one after your heroic act.’
‘Don’t mind if I do,’ Jack said. ‘Sticky buns are on me. Lead the way.’
* * *
Alice found a table while Sadie and Jack queued at the counter. She watched the pair in animated conversation and wondered what they were talking about. Jack swung around as though conscious of her eyes burning into his back. He winked and then turned his attention back to Sadie. Alice was surprised to feel a little flutter of jealousy wash over her as Sadie giggled at something Jack was saying. The pair made their way over to the table, Jack carrying the tray. Sadie slid into the seat nearest the window and Jack sat down next to her.
‘Jack was just telling me that The Big Sleep is on at the Mayfair this week,’ Sadie began. ‘That new Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall film.’
‘Really? Oh, I’d love to see that. Haven’t been to the pictures since we saw George Formby,’ Alice said.
‘Well now’s your chance, because Jack just asked me if I thought you’d like to go with him. I told him you’d probably say no but that I would give you a gentle push, because I know how much you like Humphrey Bogart.’
Alice spluttered on the mouthful of tea she’d just taken. ‘I can’t. What about the kids?’
‘Ah, well that’s sorted because once I’ve got Gianni to bed my mam will keep an ear out for him and I’ll pop around to yours to make sure Brian and Cathy are okay. It will do you good to get out, Alice.’
Alice looked at Jack, who sat there smiling as though he knew what the outcome would be. ‘Did you set this up?’ she asked. ‘Plant the spider and then pretend to be buying a tie?’
Jack laughed. ‘Don’t be so daft. I was getting a new black tie for Arnold because he’s going to a funeral this afternoon. And how would I know you two are scared of spiders anyway? It’s not a subject we’ve ever brought up. No, I just told Sadie I felt a bit shy about asking you to come with me, that’s all, and she said leave it to her.’
Alice smiled. ‘Now there’s a first. You, shy, I mean. But yes, actually, I would love to go and see the film with you.’
What harm could it do? It was only the pictures. Jack had always been there for her in the past few years and looked out for her, so it would be a nice change, a couple of old pals going to see a film.
Jack grinned. ‘That’s grand,’ he said. ‘So what about Wednesday, then? I’ve got the night off. I can pick you up at seven.’
Alice nodded. ‘Wednesday is fine.’
* * *
‘What can I wear?’ Alice asked as she and Sadie took their places back behind the now spider-free haberdashery counter. ‘I’ve hardly got anything that doesn’t have darns in it and isn’t faded. I’ve got a black skirt that’s half decent, but nothing to go with it.’
‘I can lend you a nice pink and white striped blouse,’ Sadie offered. ‘We’re the same size, so it should fit you nicely. I’ll bring it round later, after we’ve had our tea.’
‘Oh, thank you. That’s really kind of you. Oh, God, I feel all nervous now. I shouldn’t have said I’ll go.’ Alice twisted her hands anxiously together.
‘Alice, you’ll be fine. Jack’s a good friend and you’ve known him for years now. He’ll be lovely company for you.’
‘Terry’s mother will go mad. She’ll read all sorts into it.’ Alice chewed her lip.
‘It’s got nothing to do with her. You’re entitled to a life, for goodness sake.’
Alice drew a deep breath. ‘I am, aren’t I? But I know she still blames Jack for Terry’s death. Don’t say anything in front of the kids tonight. I’ll tell them on Wednesday just before Jack comes to the house for me. Granny may pop in tonight or tomorrow to see how they got on at school and I don’t want them saying anything to her.’
‘My lips are sealed,’ Sadie said with a grin and turned her attention to a customer who was looking at the knitting patterns spread out in a fan-shape on the counter.
Alice spotted Miss White making her way over to their counter and put up a hand to gain her attention.
‘Yes, Mrs Lomax?’ Miss White glanced at the clipboard she was carrying. ‘Make it quick as I have to attend a meeting in another department in a few minutes. I just wanted to make sure you were both okay after this morning’s, er, unfortunate incident. Although I have to say,’ she lowered her voice, ‘with the amount of building work going on around us, I would im
agine all sorts of insects and creatures are looking for new homes. Just keep a close eye on things.’
‘We will,’ Alice said as Sadie’s customer went on her way. ‘Sadie and I were wondering about the possibilities of us both having a few extra hours’ work each week.’
Miss White’s face brightened. ‘I’m sure there is some. Would that be here on haberdashery?’
‘Are there any vacancies in cosmetics?’ Sadie asked, crossing her fingers behind her back.
‘Not at the moment, but I will certainly bear you both in mind when there are. I can currently offer another two hours a day on here.’
Alice and Sadie smiled and nodded.
‘I’ll have a letter sent out to you detailing your new hours to start next Monday then. Now I must dash.’
‘Well, that’s better than nothing,’ Alice said as Miss White hurried away.
‘I’ll say. An extra few bob will come in handy. Cosmetics don’t know what they’re missing, mind. Hopefully we’ll get something in there soon.’
* * *
Sadie’s pink and white striped blouse with a neat white Peter-Pan collar fitted her perfectly and looked lovely with the straight black skirt with kick-pleated hem, Alice thought, as she twisted this way and that in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom. In spite of her earlier apprehension, she was looking forward to going out with Jack tonight. Cathy was tucked up in bed already – she’d almost fallen asleep with her head in her bowl of soup. Brian was in his room doing homework and would listen out for Sadie knocking. He’d told her to go and enjoy herself when Alice had informed him that Jack was coming later to take her to the pictures. Cathy hadn’t been told as she was too tired to take anything in, which suited Alice, as the less she knew the better. She picked up her jacket and handbag from the bed and knocked gently on Brian’s door.
‘I’m going downstairs now to wait for Jack,’ she whispered. ‘You’ll need to lock the door behind me and don’t forget to listen out for Sadie in a bit.’
‘Okay, our Alice. Have a good time.’ Brian gave her a hug.
Alice smiled. ‘I’ll try.’ As she walked downstairs a gentle tap sounded on the front door. Jack was standing on the step, a broad smile on his face.
‘You look nice, gel,’ he said.
‘Thank you, and so do you.’ He was wearing a navy suit and white shirt and his black boots were highly polished, his dark brown hair neatly brushed and his blue eyes twinkling.
She closed the door behind her and they walked down Lucerne Street together. Alice felt a bit self-conscious, but no one was out on the street to see them. On Lark Lane Jack offered his arm and she slipped hers through his at the same time as the newsagent’s wife came outside to take in the A-board with its advertisements for newspapers. Her eyebrows practically vanished up her forehead as she observed them walking along. Alice avoided eye contact with the woman. By tomorrow morning her mother-in-law and half the neighbours in the vicinity would be talking about her. Ah well, she’d just have to ignore them. All they were doing was going to see a film. It was no one’s business but theirs.
‘Mate of your ma-in-law’s?’ Jack said with a grin.
‘Yes.’ Alice sighed. ‘And the biggest gossip for miles.’
‘Ah well, don’t let her spoil our night. It’s bugger all to do with the neighbours. And we’re doing nowt wrong.’
The queue outside the Mayfair stretched down the street. Half of Aigburth appeared to be there. The film was proving to be popular up and down the country and Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were big stars. Inside, they followed the usherette, who led them to their seats halfway down the stalls. They sat down and Jack handed over the bag of Chocolate Limes he’d managed to get. Sweets were still on ration so they were a real treat. Alice handed one to Jack. She popped one into her mouth, savouring the sharp lime flavour with the milky chocolate. They settled back to watch the Pathé news, which was mainly about politics, ongoing plans for the proposed new health scheme and the countrywide rebuilding of thousands of new houses and flats to replace all that had been lost during the war.
‘Do you want an ice-cream now or in the interval?’ Jack asked as two usherettes made their way to the front with laden trays.
‘Let’s wait for the interval. Tell me what the film is about. I’ve heard it’s good, but to be honest I’ve no idea what the story involves.’
Jack nodded. ‘I read the book a while ago and really enjoyed it. The story is written by Raymond Chandler and it’s about a private detective called Philip Marlowe. But I won’t tell you the plot, because it will spoil it for you.’
Alice smiled. As the lights went down she turned to look at Jack, whose animated face was fixed on the screen. His right cheek with the scar he’d received in a fight during his youth was in her vision and she felt the urge to gently stroke it, but forced herself instead to concentrate on the film. At the interval they had a tub of vanilla ice-cream each and as the lights went down for the second half, she felt her tummy fluttering at Jack’s close proximity, and then immediately felt a pang of guilt as the thought of Terry crossed her mind.
* * *
Alice gritted her teeth as she knocked on the door of Granny Lomax’s bungalow the following day. The door was flung open and she was invited in, but the look on Granny’s face made her heart sink.
‘Tea, Alice?’ Granny led the way into the lounge, where Cathy was sitting on the sofa with a book.
‘Er, no thank you. I need to get home. I’ve a lot to do. Cathy, come on, let’s get your coat on.’
Cathy ran towards her and gave her a hug. Alice popped Cathy’s coat on and bent down to fasten the buttons. ‘Pick your school bag up and then we can get off.’
Granny was standing in the doorway with her arms folded. ‘Did you enjoy the film last night?’
‘Yes thank you. It was very good,’ Alice said, hoping her cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. She’d been ready for the question so had mentally prepared herself on the tram journey home.
‘Well, I hope it’s not going to be a regular occurrence, you going out with Jack Dawson, I mean.’
Alice felt a rush of anger. The blooming gossips had no doubt had a field day. Why shouldn’t she go out with Jack again? Not that he’d asked her yet, but it was no one’s business other than theirs. And if he did ask her out again she would definitely be accepting. She’d enjoyed his company, he’d made her laugh, and lord knows she needed to. There had been nothing inappropriate in his behaviour.
She grabbed hold of Cathy’s hand and pulled her down the hall towards the front door.
‘It might be,’ she said. ‘A regular occurrence, I mean. We enjoy each other’s company. But I have no immediate plans at the moment. We’re both very busy people with work commitments and I also have the children to look after. From next Monday I’ve got a couple of extra hours a day at Lewis’s. I don’t want to put you out, so I’ll ask Brian to collect Cathy on his way home from school.’
Granny snorted as she opened the front door. ‘Cathy could still stay with me while you do extra hours. But with regards to the other matter, I thought you had more sense than that, Alice. After what that man has done to this family as well.’
Alice gritted her teeth. Terry’s mother would never let that one go, in spite of being told time and again that she was wrong to blame Jack for the accident.
‘Not in front of Cathy, please. And as I said, Brian will collect her and then I can just go straight home after work. We’ll see you tomorrow.’
8
December 1946
Alice sat down on the front sitting room rug, in front of the dying embers of the coal fire, finishing wrapping the few presents she’d managed to buy for Cathy and Brian. It was a far cry from last Christmas, when Terry had been here and they’d managed to treat everyone to something decent. This year’s gifts were more necessities than luxuries. The small tree in the corner was a second-hand artificial one from Paddy’s Market and two of the lower branches looked
as though a dog had chewed them, but she’d positioned it so that they were at the back and draped them with tinsel to cover the bald bits. It was okay, but nowhere near as grand as last year’s tall pine-scented tree. Her heart wasn’t really in the festive season but she would do her best for the kids.
They were having dinner and tea at Granny Lomax’s on the day, which would save Alice some money at least. Cathy was as excited as any other five-year-old and Alice tried hard to match her enthusiasm, but it wasn’t easy. She got up and made herself a cuppa and brought it back into the front room. As she sat watching the last glow in the coals disappear, tears ran down her cheeks. It was always going to be hard, but this first Christmas without Terry would be the worst of all. Last year she’d thought they’d have many more to look forward to, with an expanding family to enjoy it with. Even when he was away there was always the dream to hold onto; always the thought that when he came home they would do this and that, making plans for the future. Now there was nothing. No hopes and dreams, just emptiness stretching ahead for years to come.
* * *
Christmas dinner at Granny’s was a sombre affair in spite of Granny’s generous portions and her insistence that they all have seconds, which only Brian took advantage of. Alice felt tired. It had been a very late finish at the Legion as Arnold had insisted that she and Jack join him and Winnie for a sherry and a mince pie, once the customers had gone home and he’d locked up. Winnie had given her a bag containing three gaily wrapped parcels for under the tree, and then Jack had walked her home and given her a small parcel that he’d pulled from his pocket.
‘It’s not much, Alice. But I know it’s one you like to wear,’ he’d said as they stood on the front doorstep.
‘Thanks, Jack. That’s very kind of you. Look, I know you’re having dinner with Arnold and Winnie tomorrow, but why don’t you come here for tea on Boxing Day? Sadie and Gianni are coming too.’