The Woolworths Girls by Elaine Everest Read Free Book Online Page A

better. ‘I’ve not seen her before, Mrs Caselton. Is she a singer?’
    Ruby put down her washing-up cloth and bowed to the girls before bursting into song – ‘ Over my shoulder goes one care. Over my shoulder goes two cares . . . ’ – ending the rendition by throwing her leg high, but not quite as high as the popular songstress.
    Freda couldn’t believe her eyes and started to cough as she swallowed her food.
    ‘Cough up, love – it might be a gold watch,’ Maisie said as she thumped her on the back. ‘That was some performance, Mrs C. Why don’t you come with us to see the film? A night at the pictures will do you good.’
    Ruby straightened her crossover pinny and fanned herself with a tea towel. ‘Be off with you, Maisie. You don’t want an old woman coming along with you. Besides, I have the washing-up to take care of.’
    ‘Get yourself ready, Mrs C., and we’ll do the washing-up. It won’t take long. We can leave the pots to soak until we get back.’
    ‘In that case, I’ll do just that.’ Ruby turned at the kitchen door and smiled at Sarah and her friends. ‘It’s changed my life having you here, Sarah, and that’s no lie.’
    ‘She’s all right, your nan,’ Maisie said as she took a slice of the apple pie. ‘Did you give her Maureen Gilbert’s message?’
    ‘Yes, I did. She knows Maureen. I think it was my parents that the message was really for. Nan’s lovely. She’s more like a mum to me, to be honest. I’m pleased I’m living here now. I was worried at first, but with Dad travelling back and forth from Devon, it’s like I’m still living at home.’ She didn’t add that it was less stressful with a couple of hundred miles between Erith and her mum.
    ‘I’m so glad to hear that. When you told us that your mum thought your dad’s job would mean them moving to London, I was so worried you’d be moving with them.’
    ‘I thought the same as you, Freda, love. So are they still going to London, Sarah?’ Maisie asked as she passed plates to Freda to be stacked into the sink.
    ‘No, Dad’s just travelling between Devon and Vickers. Mum is really angry, as she’d taken into her head that they’d be living in London and visiting the theatres and everything, and going home to Devon at the weekends. Nan said I can live with her whatever happens. That’s why Dad’s gone back to Devon for the weekend for a dinner dance. He thought it’d cheer Mum up a bit.’
    ‘I can’t see why she wants to live out in the sticks like that. Erith has more than enough for me to enjoy, and we can get to London if we want to.’
    Sarah sighed. She didn’t know how to explain to her friends that her mum looked down her nose at everyone who lived in Erith, and that included her in-laws and friends from her past. ‘Mum’s involved in lots of clubs and things where she lives. It’s close to Plymouth, so we aren’t particularly isolated.’
    ‘Well, I’m pleased that you decided to move to Erith. We make a good team, don’t we?’ Maisie declared.
    Freda nodded enthusiastically. ‘I agree!’
    Sarah smiled. ‘Me too. I couldn’t think of nicer friends to have . . . We’d best hurry or by the time we get to the Odeon, it’ll be the interval and the usherettes will be selling ice cream. I for one haven’t got room for another mouthful. Not even a bag of chips on the way home.’

5

    ‘If only those ruddy bells would stop ringing. I swear I ’ear them in me sleep.’ Maisie stretched her arms above her head and yawned.
    ‘Watch it or you’ll be in trouble. There are still customers in the shop,’ Sarah hissed. ‘We’ve only got another ten minutes to go. At least pretend to be doing something.’
    Maisie lazily flicked a feather duster over a pile of delicate tree baubles. She’d been moved to the seasonal counter to help out in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. ‘Why does there ’ave to be so many bells ringing all over the shop?’
    Sarah sighed. She too was tired. The