Free Family Drama 4 E-Book Bundle by Pam Weaver

Unbidden, Connie found herself thinking about her daughter, an expression of sadness crossing her face. Mary had got herself pregnant and had never revealed the name of Derek’s father,but she didn’t deserve to die that way – trapped under the rubble of a pub when it had been bombed during the war.
    â€˜What’s for dinner, Gran?’ Derek asked as he returned downstairs, towelling his hair dry.
    â€˜Stewed steak.’
    â€˜Smashing.’
    â€˜Where are you taking this girl tonight?’
    â€˜We’re going to the flicks.’
    â€˜Well, just make sure you behave yourself!’
    â€˜What’s that supposed to mean?’
    â€˜Oh, sorry, love. Take no notice of me. I know you’ll be a perfect gentleman.’
    â€˜What’s up, Gran? You not only sound snappy, you look a bit down too.’
    â€˜I was just thinking about your mother. It’s her birthday tomorrow.’
    â€˜We’ll take some flowers up to the cemetery as usual.’
    â€˜She seems to fill my mind more than ever around this time. I don’t know why. It’s almost as though she draws close to me on her birthday. I know she wasn’t much of a mother to you, but I’ll never forgive myself for the way I treated her.’
    â€˜Gran, it was a long time ago and about time you forgave yourself. And, well, to be honest, I can hardly remember her now.’
    Connie checked the vegetables and, seeing they were ready, she drained them before dishing uptheir dinner. As she placed the plates on the table and sat opposite Derek, her eyes flicked to an old black-and-white photograph of her daughter on the mantelpiece. Mary had been such a pretty girl, with dark hair and eyes, and Connie couldn’t help the comparison. Derek bore no resemblance to his mother at all. In fact he didn’t look like anyone in the family. He was big, lumbering, with wide shoulders and a large head. There was something Slavic-looking about his features – Polish, maybe? She heaved a sigh, knowing full well that Derek’s origins were something they would never know. And now as she began to eat, she was just praying that this girl he was taking out wouldn’t hurt him.

Chapter Eight
    Pearl went into her room and slumped onto the side of the bed. She’d been taken by surprise when Derek asked her out, saying yes without really thinking about it.
    At first it had been nice to have her own place, but now had to admit that she was growing lonely. Art classes didn’t start until September, and sitting alone in her bedsit every evening had lost its appeal.
    Derek was a nice man and she pictured his face, his misshapen nose, thick lips, and heavy brows, softened by his lovely, kind smile. She had only coveted his friendship, but his invitation sounded like a date. What if he tried to kiss her? She had never been out with a man before, and had no idea what to expect, but surely there must be a way to make Derek understand that it really was only friendship she sought.
    Pearl rose to make herself a drink. If Kevin Dolbyhad asked her out it would have been different. She’d have jumped at the chance, and shivered at the thought of being held in his arms. Don’t be silly, she told herself, smiling wryly. Kevin would never look at her twice and it was just a silly dream. When the kettle boiled she made the tea, pleased that nowadays she had milk and sugar. Nevertheless she only put a small amount of each into her cup. She had only half the tables in the café now, and that meant half the tips. Yes, it was silly to dream about Kevin, but art classes were a different matter and still within reach if she was extra careful with her money.
    At six o’clock Pearl stood at her sink having a strip wash, after which she surveyed her frugal wardrobe. There wasn’t much to choose from and she would love some new clothes, but more important was saving for paint and brushes. She pulled on a navy cotton