Free Wishes and Tears by Dee Williams Page A

then?’
    â€˜We’re going up West. It’s a treat for Janet’s birthday today. We’re going to try and catch a film— Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.’
    â€˜Happy birthday, my dear.’
    â€˜Thank you.’
    â€˜I’ve heard that’s a great picture. Now what about a bite to eat?’
    â€˜Thanks all the same, Danny, but we want to get on. We hope to get into the afternoon show.’ Mark opened the door.
    â€˜Fair enough. Cheerio then, mate. Remember to think over what I said. I mean it, you know.’ He shook Mark’s hand, then took hold of Janet’s. ‘It’s been very nice meeting you, my dear, and when he comes up here again just you make sure he brings you with him.’
    Janet could feel herself beginning to blush. Danny was like Sam - a real charmer - and if she did ever meet him again she would have to watch out.
    â€˜He seems nice,’ said Janet as they made their way back to the underground.
    â€˜He’s all right, but you’ll have to mind your step with him.’
    â€˜Why?’
    â€˜He’s a bit of a ladies’ man.’
    â€˜And you’re not?’
    â€˜I could be.’
    â€˜What are you going to do about the job he’s offered?’
    â€˜I don’t know. But I reckon Danny’s right: I could earn a lot up here.’
    â€˜But wouldn’t you miss the fields and the smell of the fresh air?’
    â€˜No, I’d rather have the smell of money.’ He laughed. ‘But I would miss you.’
    Janet didn’t look at him and was relieved when they reached the station. As they made their way down to the train she wondered what his future would be here in London, and if he did come here to live and work she knew she would miss him too.

Chapter 7
    During the week after they had been to London Mark dropped a note into Janet’s house and asked if he could meet her the following night after work at a coffee bar in Horsham.
    â€˜This is nice,’ said Janet, looking round. ‘I’ve never been in here before.’
    â€˜Coffee bars are all the go in London. They even have blokes playing in ’em, skiffle they call it. D‘you know, they even play on washboards with thimbles on their fingers and they use tea chests as a bass?’
    She laughed. ‘You’re having me on.’
    â€˜No, honest. You must have heard of Lonnie Donnegan and Tommy Steele.’
    â€˜Yes, of course. Well, I’ve read about them.’
    â€˜That’s where they started.’
    Janet laughed out loud at the comical idea and they were still laughing when Mark leant across and took hold of her hand.
    She pulled away in surprise. ‘Don’t do that.’
    â€˜Sorry.’ He looked very hurt.
    She felt embarrassed. ‘Why did you ask to meet me here? It wasn’t to tell me all about skiffle, and I’ll be seeing you on Saturday?’
    â€˜I’m going away.’
    Janet was stunned. ‘To London? So soon?’
    He nodded. ‘I’ve made up my mind. I phoned Danny yesterday and told him I want to see him and talk it all out. I’m going this weekend so I won’t be able to take you to the dance.’
    â€˜That’s all right,’ she said light-heartedly, trying to sound cheerful. ‘If that’s what you want. After all, it’s your future.’
    He looked a little happier. ‘You’re a nice person, Janet, and I’m glad you understand. I was a bit worried in case you thought I was letting you down.’
    â€˜Why should I think that?’
    â€˜Well, I am the only one you’ve been out with.’
    â€˜Will you be staying with Danny?’ she asked, to change the subject.
    â€˜Just for Friday and Saturday.’
    â€˜Well, I hope his flat’s a bit cleaner and tidier than his office.’
    â€˜It is a bit of a mess.’
    â€˜So can we still go to the pictures next week?’
    â€˜If you