by Carol Rivers
As he mounted the stairs to the bedsit, he thought guiltily what a dump this place was. Well, next year he was thinking of buying a new gaff. It wouldn’t be luxury, not by a long shot. But he’d seen a two-up, two-down over Chrisp Street. And if Kath was up for it, he could do it up and see her all right. As for Ruby, she was Kath’s best mate. He’d look out for her too if she let him. But Ruby had a mind of her own, always had had. Still, if Pete would want anything from him, it would be to watch over his kid sister. But Bernie knew he’d blown it with Ruby all those years ago. When they’d fooled around in the alley it had been the death knell to their friendship. What the hell had he been thinking? He knew he was to blame. He was just so nuts about her he couldn’t stop himself. Ruby had been willing enough, but it had been her first time. He’d wanted to make her his steady girlfriend. But Pete would have blown his top if he’d found out. They’d both known that. So that was the end of a beautiful friendship, as the old song says.
Puffing, Bernie paused on the landing. The radio he’d given Kath for her birthday was playing loudly. He recognized the voice of Bing Crosby singing ‘White Christmas’ and his thoughts turned to Christmases of the past. Well, for him and Kath, they weren’t Christmases, were they? They were bloody nightmares. Staying anywhere close to home was asking for trouble. Their dad was always on a bender in the holidays. Come to think of it, he was out of his skull the whole year round. Boozing began the moment he woke up to the time he blacked out. Woe betide anyone within arm’s reach; man, woman or child. Their mum always ended up the worst off. No wonder she did a bunk. Well, wherever the old man had washed up these days, Bernie hoped he’d found his own private hell.
With a start, he came back to reality and the drab surroundings that were frighteningly like the slum they’d existed in as kids. Yeah, next on the list was the two-up, two-down terrace, ideal for himself and his sister.
He hiked the sack over his shoulder more firmly, cleared his throat and prepared to shout out his seasonal greetings.
Ruby and Kath were in the kitchen, or at least one of them was, Ruby thought as she recalled Janet’s large workspace at Anna’s. Fitted out with all the mod cons you could think of and a dining table large enough to seat six people easily. Leaving behind her the cramped and dingy bedsit was going to be no hardship at all in exchange for that gorgeous room at Anna’s.
But what was Kath going to do, if she left? Kath probably wouldn’t eat at all, knowing Kath. But it would be Bernie’s responsibility then to see that she didn’t starve, Ruby told herself firmly.
She took hold of the pan of boiled potatoes. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that she was entitled to a life of her own, she still had a guilty conscience.
‘Tip the potatoes into the dish, there,’ Kath said through the steam that billowed up into a thick cloud and soaked into the airless walls. ‘It’s cracked on the rim so be careful. I’ll arrange the chicken bits. The carrots you sliced are cooked and on the table.’
Ruby nodded, trying to avoid both the steam and the sharp chip on the china. She couldn’t afford to cut herself now. Her hands had to look perfectly manicured for her first assignment directly after New Year. Her black eye had soon faded with help from Anna’s make-up. And much to Ruby’s delight, she was going to be modelling the new type of figure-hugging ‘roll-ons’ in a small boutique. Ruby had been flattered too, by the fact that she had been chosen for her curves, whereas the other girls had been too thin.
‘Practise over Christmas,’ Anna had instructed her. ‘When you pause, straighten your back and place your hands lightly on your hips. Put one leg across the other, foot turned out. This allows the buyers to see the garments at their best. And last of all, tuck in your tummy and chin up.’
Thinking of Anna’s advice, Ruby straightened her spine as she tipped the steaming potatoes into the dish and carried them to the small table. Modelling wasn’t quite so easy when you were cooking!
Three places were laid, since Bernie was joining them. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing him; the atmosphere between her and Bernie was still tense. Besides, she wanted time with Kath to break her news.
‘So what do you think of my dress?’ Kath was standing beside her, looking intently into her face. ‘Penny gave it to me. We’re about the same size.’
Ruby came out of her reverie. Gone were Kath’s worn apron and turban. Her long straight black hair was shining and pulled back behind her head. The deep blue colour of the dress suited her. ‘It’s very pretty.’
‘Blue looked lovely on Penny. I’m not sure about me.’
Ruby smiled. She was pleased Kath had made a friend in Penny Webber who was always talking about her apprenticeship as a dancer at the Windmill.
‘Ruby?’ Kath hesitated.
‘What?’
‘Nothing. It doesn’t matter.’
‘Have I forgotten something?’ Ruby glanced at the table she had set: cold chicken slices so thin you could see the plate underneath. Slightly grey, boiled spuds and carrots she had sliced a little too thickly to compensate for the chicken. For decoration she had added holly, a few sprigs from the bush that grew in the lane by the Bricklayer’s. The dinner was nothing by comparison to the celebratory meal Janet had begun planning for Anna’s guests on Christmas Day. But next year, Ruby had decided, would be very different to this.
‘No, the table looks very nice. So do you.’
As the weather was mild, Ruby had chosen a blouse and plain black skirt. She hadn’t dolled herself up as it was only Bernie who was coming. She couldn’t wait for the new year to arrive and the promise of all that glamour and luxury at Anna’s.
The knock at the door along with Bernie’s familiar, ‘Yo-ho-ho, let me in. Santa’s brought the gin!’
Ruby and Kath laughed. For all their ups and downs, Ruby knew this would be their last Christmas together and one she would always remember.
Kath delivered her news. Bernie stared in disbelief at his sister.
‘You’re kidding me!’ he exclaimed as they sat together after dinner. ‘You’re going to quit your job?’
‘I’ve given in me notice.’
‘Without telling me?’ He didn’t know how to hide his hurt feelings. His little sister, chucking in her job, without even consulting him!
‘I thought you’d be pleased.’
‘Do you realize what you’ve done? You’ve chucked in a sound job.’
‘I’ve been making tents and tarpaulins since I left school, Bernie.’
‘My point exactly.’ Bernie turned his gaze on Ruby. ‘And what part do you play in all this? Have I got you to thank for putting me sister up to this?’
‘Ruby don’t know, either,’ Kath interrupted. ‘I haven’t told no one.’
‘So what is your master plan?’ Bernie heard himself demand. ‘You can’t even manage on the money you earn at the factory.’
‘I know,’ Kath answered shortly. ‘But all that’s about to change.’
‘And pigs might fly,’ Bernie retorted, pushing his plate away. ‘Listen, this is a major development, Kath. I’m your brother. We discuss things, right? Like we always do. I can’t believe you’ve been so bloody stupid.’
Kath straightened her back. ‘My friend Penny, who I met at Larry’s party, works at the Windmill. She’s got me a job as an usherette.’
Bernie almost choked. ‘You must be crazy! You know what the Windmill is, don’t you? The women all dance around starkers. And then get raided by the fuzz.’
‘You’re quite wrong, Bernie,’ Kath argued. ‘I’ve done my homework. They are completely law-abiding. That’s how they’ve kept open all these years.’
Bernie felt the breath leave his body as he thought he must be going bonkers. This was his little sister and she was telling him she’d got a job in a glorified knocking shop.
‘I’ve watched a performance and spoken to the girls,’ Kath continued. ‘My interview was successful and Penny has asked me to move in with her—’ She stopped and
looked apologetically at Ruby. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it all to come out like this. I wanted to talk to you first.’
Bernie stared disbelievingly at his sister, then looked at Ruby who for once was silent. For a Christmas Day this was turning out to be a right balls-up. And when he’d walked in here this morning, he was going to deliver his own news, about the Chrisp Street terrace and a fresh start for him and Kath in the new year. All the bells and whistles he could think of to put a smile on her face.
‘Think again, Kath,’ he tried reasonably. ‘Ruby, tell her she can’t. You’re her best mate. Tell her she’s flaming crackers!’
But Ruby just sat there, her mouth slightly open.
‘I’ve made up me mind,’ his sister told him. ‘I don’t want to stay at the factory till I’m old and grey.’
‘The factory has been good to you, gel.’
‘Yes, and I’ve been good to it. I’ve shed blood, sweat and tears on the assembly line and never had any thanks.’
Bernie shook his head wearily. ‘Well, in that case, I’ll leave you two to discuss your grand plans for the future. Me? I’m off to find one of me mates and try to celebrate the happy season.’
He stood up, reached for his coat and slung it round his shoulders. ‘Merry Christmas to one and all,’ he said as he opened the door and closed it with a bang.
He hurried down the stairs and out onto the street but, before he’d got very far, his steps slowed and he stood in the mild evening, looking up at the star-filled sky. As he stared at the brightness, his anger cooled. The air soothed his confused feelings and the silence of the Christmas night with not even the sound of a distant ship’s hooter was a balm to the upheaval inside him.
He had to admit that he had been caught on the hop tonight. Kath had sprung one on him. But he should have held his tongue and thought it through before reading her the riot act. She was entitled to make a change in her life if that was what she wanted. He couldn’t protect her forever. She was beginning to live her life. Who was he, Bernie-bloody-nobody, to throw a damper on it?
‘Well, that was a turn-up for the books,’ Ruby said after Bernie had gone.
‘I’m sorry,’ Kath said. ‘I hope you don’t mind.’
‘You certainly gave us a Christmas surprise.’
‘I hope I’m doing the right thing.’
Ruby smiled. ‘An usherette’s job sounds exciting to me.’
‘Penny says it’s a good way to get into the chorus line.’
‘You’ve certainly got the legs for a dancer.’ Ruby would never have guessed that Kath would be the one to move out of the bedsit first. And with a job lined up too.
‘I was going to tell you after Christmas, but the wine must have gone to my head.’
‘Well, I wish you luck. You deserve it.’
‘I don’t want us to split up.’
‘We’ll never do that.’
‘We can meet at the El Cabala. I can tell you all about me exciting new job and not all the boring news from a factory.’
Ruby was very impressed. ‘Are you nervous?’
‘I’m dead scared really.’
Ruby giggled. ‘It was a laugh seeing Bernie’s face.’
‘Yes,’ Kath agreed, stifling a grin. ‘He’ll come round. He always does in the end. But Bernie’s always been me big brother who knows best.’
‘Like Pete was mine,’ Ruby mused.
There was a long pause until Ruby asked, ‘Have you got a nice uniform?’
Kath nodded. ‘A white blouse and black skirt. Oh, and a little hat. But what about you? What will you do?’
Ruby took her opportunity. ‘As a matter of fact I’ve got a bit of news of me own.’
Kath sat bolt upright. ‘What!’
Ruby nodded to the bottle of gin on the table. ‘Let’s pour ourselves one. Then I’ll tell you.’
‘It’s really Bernie’s gin. And we’ve already drunk wine.’
‘Who cares?’ Ruby dismissed. ‘This is a celebration.’
Kath gasped. ‘You’re not going to leave Larry’s, are you?’
‘Well, I might.’
‘Now who’s the dark horse!’ Kath said excitedly.
Ruby sloshed large measures of gin into their glasses. Now she could tell Kath everything – well mostly everything – and not feel as if she was letting the side down.
This Christmas had turned out the very best – ever!
Chapter Thirteen
‘Almost New Year.’ Nick raised his glass of champagne in a toast. ‘I hope all your dreams come true, darling.’
Ruby blushed. ‘Yours, too.’
‘Oh, they have already,’ he assured her.
Ruby tried to look away from his gaze but she couldn’t. He was so handsome her tummy turned over. In his formal dinner suit, white shirt and dress tie, he seemed so assured, so familiar with everything around him, that she felt at ease in the restaurant too.
Everyone in Angelo’s was excited, letting off crackers and counting the minutes to midnight. She’d never been to such a classy Italian restaurant before. The waiters had brought her flowers to begin with, another gift from Nick. Tiny red roses, his trademark gift. Then Nick had ordered the finest champagne. Which, Ruby was pleased to hear from the head waiter, left Dom Pérignon in the shade. That name still gave her the shivers. When Nick had called by the parlour to ask her out, she’d accepted. On one condition. They didn’t go anywhere near the Manor!
Even though Ruby felt safe with Nick she still could not forget what had happened with Charles. So tonight Nick had brought her to Angelo’s, a small restaurant in Camden where she’d enjoyed her first taste of real pasta. As they ate she was aware that Nick knew all the staff, calling them by their first names and asking them how their families were. He told her he used the restaurant quite often. He liked to think they served the best pasta in London.
Ruby had never before eaten food like this. Nick had even shown her how to eat spaghetti properly. They’d laughed as she tried to curl it over the fork without much success. He’d reached across, using his napkin to wipe the sauce from her chin. They’d spent most of the evening eating, laughing and talking. After the final dish of whipped Italian ice cream sprinkled with nuts and chocolate, it was now time to toast in the new year.
Nick stood up and amid the streamers cascading around them, he helped her to her feet. ‘Happy New Year,’ he whispered, sliding his arm around her waist.
‘And to you,’ she said, gazing into his eyes. She had bought a dress especially for the occasion, a deep blue taffeta and silk with an enormous underskirt. She’d coiled her hair up as Anna had shown her. Nick had threaded one of the small red roses over her ear. Her new high heels made her taller and were perfect for practising her model walk. As she’d entered the restaurant on Nick’s arm, she’d remembered everything she’d learned: how to move, stand and sit gracefully. And now here was the result.
When the clock in the restaurant struck twelve everyone cheered. All the couples kissed one another. Some were Italian and shouted in their native tongue, as did the waiters. ‘Felice anno nuovo!’
Nick folded his arms around her and brought her close. Stroking a pink streamer away from her face he smiled. Then with gentle fingers he tilted up her chin. ‘I made a mistake,’ he said softly. ‘Beautiful doesn’t do you justice. You’re exquisite.’
Before she could reply he kissed her. The noise around them was nothing to the pounding of her heart. Her arms slid around his neck. Every single part of her body tingled.
‘Larry, I’ve got something to ask you. Well, two things actually,’ Ruby said as Larry was counting the takings at the close of a dark January day.
It had been quiet at the parlour for the first two weeks of the year, but Larry as usual was full of gossip. Ruby had been trying for the last half-hour to gain his attention but he’d been eager to tell them about Stuart’s audition for a television programme to be filmed at Elstree.
‘The poor lamb has been in a real tizzy,�
� he recounted drily. ‘Costing me a fortune in clothes and he might not even get the part.’ Larry giggled affectionately.
‘It’s about this Friday,’ Ruby tried once more.
‘Going out on the town, are you?’ Larry asked, licking his fingers as he counted the ten-bob notes from the till and stuffed them in his wallet. ‘How much do you want to borrow?’
‘It’s not money.’
‘Well, that’s a first!’
Ruby hesitated. ‘Could I have the day off? I expect it to be docked from my wages of course. But as we’re quiet, I think Debbie will cope on her own.’
Larry closed the till, a frown pleating his bald forehead. His eyes looked large and concerned under his glasses. ‘Are you going to say what you want the time off for? Or keep me in suspense?’
Ruby took a deep breath. Although she had thought this would be easy, it wasn’t. ‘I’ve signed a contract with a modelling agency.’
‘A what?’
Ruby laughed nervously. ‘Larry, I’m going to be a model.’
Larry took out a handkerchief from the top pocket of his fur-collared coat and mopped his forehead. Even though it was a gloomy, dark and cold night, Larry was sweating. ‘Darling, forgive me, but do my ears deceive me?’
Ruby ran her fingers nervously down her white overall. ‘It’s always been my ambition to work in fashion. You know that, Larry.’
Larry just stared at her, looking up from under his thick lenses. ‘Does this mean you’re leaving us?’
‘I’m sorry, Larry.’
‘Don’t I pay you enough?’
Ruby shook her head. ‘It’s not that. This is my big chance.’ She found herself telling him about how she’d met Anna and her subsequent visit to Dower Street when Anna had offered her the job. ‘I’ve already modelled underwear in my spare time. And on Friday I’m working at Steadman’s near Regent Street. That’s why I need Friday off.’
