‘Yes, we must.’ Kara looked at her. ‘I suppose it’s silly to ask how it’s all going?’
‘Sex is how it’s going. Lots of it. It’s great he has your flat, a place of his own. Skye loves having the freedom, and my going next door also means she doesn’t have to know what her harlot of a mother is up to.’ Star grinned.
‘So, he doesn’t take you out then? Me and Billy thought maybe we’d see you in the pub this weekend. I miss you.’
‘We always have the intention of going out and then just end up in bed and getting a takeaway. Or he cooks for me. I get the impression he’s saving up. He owes his dad and Frank a lot of money since his court case.’
‘And me actually. He still hasn’t paid me for the flowers he got for you.’
‘Oh.’
‘Mate, I don’t want you getting hurt. Are you sure he’s seeing you for the right reasons?’
‘Kara. It’s all good.’
‘If you’re happy that he doesn’t take you out and it’s just sex then great, but I just … Oh, I don’t know. I’m slightly miffed he hasn’t paid me for the flowers, to be honest.’
‘Just ask him.’
‘I don’t like to. I know he’s in debt but now you’ve told me he’s splashing the cash on takeaways.’
‘I get most of them.’
‘Star!’
‘I offer – after all, I’m fine for money. I’m just helping him out, Kara. I know you would do the same for Billy.’
‘I don’t trust him.’
Star’s voice began to wobble. ‘Can’t you just be happy for me, Kar? Not everyone is like your ex. Jago bloody Ellis, now hewasa thieving bastard.’
Kara felt tears pricking her eyes, but her dad calling up the stairs to tell them to hurry up put a halt on her emotions. She took a deep breath. ‘Let’s get this ring measured, shall we?’
‘All done?’ Joe presented the girls with their hot drinks.
‘Yes. Sorry though, Joe, I’ve no time for a drink after all,’ Star blustered. ‘I’ve been here much longer than I expected.’
‘I’ll give you a lift back down to the market.’ Kara hastily went to get her coat.
‘No, thanks. I need some fresh air.’ Star threw her coat on and went out of the door. ‘Bye, Joe!’
‘Oh, Dad, I’ve upset her,’ Kara said when the cottage door slammed.
‘Why?’
‘I said I didn’t trust Conor.’
‘That girl has been brought up on her wits, and Billy could sniff a bad ’un out from ten miles away. What’s more, you know Frank. He’s like family to us. I think you may have got this wrong.’
‘Maybe I have. Oh dear.’
Joe pulled his daughter into him. ‘Come to your old dad. You’re never too big for a cuddle, now are you? Me knowing you inside out, back to front and a little sideways too, thinks maybe my Kerensa Moon here is a teensy weensy bit jealous that she hasn’t got her best friend at her beck and call any more.’
‘That’s what Star said too. I didn’t consciously think that.’
‘We can’t all be Sigmund Freud, can we, my girl. And all families have rows. She’s been more like a sister than your real one ever used to be, so just make some time for each other. It will all come right, I’m sure.’
