‘Talking of Tinsel Town?’
‘Oh, I definitely want to keep that going until Christmas, as planned.’ Sabrina sniffed. ‘Maybe with that young lad’s help? He seems such a good bloke.’
‘Yes, that’s Biff, Nigel’s son, straight as a die, that one. I guess you will need finances to back you, for your new venture, so every little helps.’ Conor wound the car window down a crack.
‘Indeed, but I already have the bulk of those.’
‘Oh.’
‘Yes, I had some savings already and I was also paid to spill my guts to the papers. To give Dom his due, he gave the story to a rival newspaper, so the fee was amazing. Also, my incredible agent, waived any kind of fee, to give me a leg up.’
‘Shit, Dom wasn’t all bad then.’ Conor sniffed. ‘And nice one from your agent, too.’
‘I think it was his way of making amends for being such a tosser, and he probably was relieved we didn’t get married, or I could have taken him for a fortune. But yes, let’s err on the positive that something good came out of it, at least.’
‘Grand, grand.’
‘That doesn’t take away that I’m so grateful you sorted keeping the market stall running. Dee said actions, not words are what really counted. You have done nothing but treat me right, Conor Brady and show me how much you cared. I was blind to your actions initially but that’s because I’ve been blind to real love all my life, I think.’
‘Well, thank God you got yourself matched with an Irish angel, now.’ They both laughed. Conor put his hand on the car door. ‘Now, I must away on that motorbike and when we get home you can show me all of those perfect breasts of yours and not just half of them, like last time.’
‘Are you always going to be this cheeky?’
‘Oh, yeah.’ He got out of the car and pushed his face through her now open window. ‘I won’t ever let you regret this.’
Sabrina felt her eyes wash with tears. She nodded. ‘I know, you won’t.’
Chapter Forty-One
December the twentieth, and the Ferry Lane Market Stallholders Monthly Meeting was in full swing. Frank tapped his coffee mug to stop the noisy chitter chatter that was flying around a festively decorated Monique’s. Sabrina was pleased to see her expensive baubles hanging from the ornate light fittings and a holly garland adorning the front window.
‘Good morning, everybody.’
A united “Good Morning” flew around the café.
‘As this is our last meeting before Christmas, please accept the mince pies with Monique’s compliments. I know it’s early in the day, but Linda will be bringing out some sherry and mulled wine shortly.’
‘Hardly anything to celebrate is there really though, mate,’ Charlie Dillon piped up.
‘We’ll get to that most important issue on the agenda in a minute, old fella, but firstly, I want to read out a message from Brian Todd. ‘He says,’ Frank reached in his pocket for his reading glasses. ‘A big thank you to Jilly.’
Sabrina did a little wave to the table.
Frank looked over his glasses at her like a headmaster. ‘A big thank you for taking on his stall and for also sending him the money that Lowen never paid him.’ An audible gasp from the table. ‘And he looks forward to seeing us all again in the new year.’
‘I knew Lowen wouldn’t pay up.’ Sabrina chipped in.
‘So that cost you double?’ The butcher sounded shocked.
‘Lowen Kellow is one of life’s losers, and thankfully I could afford to pay Brian so…’
‘Good for you.’ Nigel the fishmonger shouted across at her. ‘And thanks for employing my lad. He loves working your stall, he does.’
‘That was down to Conor, but he’s going a great job.’ Sabrina stood up. She looked to Frank. ‘Can I?’ Frank nodded and ushered Mrs Harris to bring out the alcohol. ‘I’m sorry I deceived all of you, but I hope you can understand why. Life in the public eye may look like something everyone would like to have, but from my experience, it’s not. And by living and working amongst you, I hope I’ve earnt my Ferry Lane Market stripes without taking anything from you in return.’ Frank went to butt in, but it was her turn to quieten him. ‘Thank you all, for accepting me for who I was– correction, who I am.’ Her voice cracked. ‘For liking me as plain old Jilly Dickens. I’m no different to anyone else. It’s just everyone else thought I was.’ She did a funny little nervous laugh. ‘I will be sad to say goodbye to Tinsel Town, but it will be good to meet Brian, he sounds like a decent man. And as for Biff, Nigel,’ She nodded towards the fishmonger. ‘I’m going to be setting up an acting school for kids, wherever I can find some premises and I’d happily have him help me there, if he still wants a job.’
‘Wow, an acting school.’ Star smiled. ‘My two will be there as soon as they are old enough.’
‘So will my four,’ Kara piped up. ‘Anything to take them off my hands.’
