The Rock'n'Roll Romance Box Set (Pam Howes Rock'n'Roll Romance Series) (21 page)

‘Thanks, Rosa.’
Jane’s hands shook as she pushed the card and letter back into the envelope.
‘I’m sure Vicky means well, but can I leave this with you? I don’t want Eddie
to see it.’

‘I can get rid of it for you,’ Rosa
offered. ‘I’ll chuck it in the bin out the back.’

‘Please. Don’t say anything out
there. I don’t want Eddie going nuts.’

‘I shouldn’t have given it to
you,’ Rosa said, looking worried.

‘It’s okay, really,’ Jane assured
her. ‘I just don’t want Mark mentioned tonight.’

***

Back in the function room, Jane
spotted Eddie in a huddle with Sammy, Roy,
Pat, Tim and Phil. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked as they jumped guiltily apart.

‘Nothing!' a chorus of innocent
voices replied.

‘That means something is.’

‘I was just telling them we’re
going home now,’ Eddie said. ‘Let’s say goodbye to everyone.’

They did the rounds and thanked
Mario and his family for the reception. Outside the club they were joined by
their friends and Phil.

‘We’ll bring your pressies to the
flat on Monday,’ Sammy said. ‘We’ll take them home for now.’

‘Have fun, see you soon,’ they
called as Eddie and Jane drove away.

***

Eddie pulled up at the traffic
lights in the town centre and took Jane’s hand.

‘Now for my final surprise.’

‘What? Aren’t we going home?’

‘You just be patient and wait and
see.’ He smiled mysteriously as the lights changed.

They drove into the countryside
and after an hour he pulled in through the gates of a Victorian country house
bearing the name Blackfriars Hotel. Jane frowned and got out of the car. Eddie
lifted two small cases from the boot.

‘What’s in the cases? I never
packed one.’

‘Sammy and Pat did it,’ he said,
ushering her through the open front door. 'You’ll have everything you need, I’m
sure.’

‘This is very posh,’ she
whispered, looking round the grand entrance hall with it’s tasteful burgundy
and cream décor, carved oak staircase, and polished wooden floor.

Eddie led the way to the
reception desk. ‘Mr and Mrs Mellor,’ he announced proudly.

‘Ah yes,’ the receptionist
greeted them. ‘The Honeymoon Couple. Would you sign the register, Sir?’ Eddie
took the pen, signing with a flourish.

‘If you’d like to wait a moment
I’ll get someone to take your cases up,’ she said, handing him a key. She rang
a bell and a smartly uniformed porter hurried into the hall.

'Honeymoon Suite please,
Charlie.’

They followed Charlie up the wide
sweeping staircase. Eddie thanked him and gave him a tip as he left the room.

Jane gazed in wonder at the beautifully
proportioned room, with its butter-yellow walls and ornate corniced ceiling. A
log fire crackled in the grate, and a willow basket, piled high with freshly
cut logs, stood by the side of the cast iron fireplace.

‘Oh boy, we’ll have some fun in
that!’ Eddie pointed to the bed that took pride of place. Hung with blue and
cream floral drapes, that complimented the curtains and satin bedspread, the
four-poster dominated the room. A small table at the foot of the bed held an
ice bucket where a bottle of champagne was chilling. Vases of fresh red roses
had been placed on every available surface.

‘Red roses, and at this time of
year, too!’ Jane said. ‘They must have cost a fortune. How did you manage to
organise all this without me finding out? More to the point, Ed, how the hell
are we going to pay for it?’

‘John Grey helped me organise
it,’ he said, smiling. ‘And it’s all paid for. Our wedding present from my
parents and the aunts.’

‘As well as the photographer? How
kind of them.’

‘They wanted us to have the best
start possible. One we’ll always remember. Do you want to eat downstairs, or
shall we have room service?’

‘I’m not really hungry. I ate
some of the buffet at Mum’s. Let’s just relax
and open the champagne. I’m going to freshen up. Which case is mine?’

‘The green one, it belongs to
Pat.’

Jane smiled at all this secret
packing and intrigue that she’d been oblivious to. She undid the small case.
Inside, nestling on top, was a shiny pink box tied with an elaborate
arrangement of cream ribbons. ‘What’s this?’

‘Now that’s something I know
nothing about. Open it and see.’

She untied the bows, lifted off
the lid and removed several layers of white tissue paper. ‘Oh look!’ She held
up delicate silk and lace garments for his inspection. ‘Aren’t they gorgeous?’
A small white and gold embossed card fell out of the wrappings.

Eddie picked it up and read out
the message, ‘
For You Both. Enjoy! All Our Love, Roy, Sammy, Tim and Pat
and a
row of kisses!
 
Ah, they’re wonderful
friends. This lot must have cost a small fortune,’ he said, eyes sparkling as
he picked up a large bottle of Chanel No. 5 which nestled in the tissue paper.
‘Go and put them on while I open the champagne.’

***

In the en-suite, Jane undressed
and let her hair down; carefully picking out the rose buds and brushing her
locks until they shone. Pushing the thoughts of Vicky’s card and Mark out of
her mind, she stepped into the silk and lace and felt like a film star. She
splashed on the perfume and took a deep breath as she prepared to join Eddie in
that magnificent four-poster.

***

Eddie hung his clothes in the
mahogany wardrobe that graced one full wall of the room and opened the
champagne with a bang, filling two crystal goblets. He lay back on the bed and
couldn’t believe they’d done it; they were actually married. He loved Jane with
all his heart and vowed he’d never let her down again, whatever challenges the
future held, and he was quite sure that if past experience were anything to go
by, there would be plenty. The bathroom door opened and he gasped. ‘You look
beautiful.’ He patted the space beside him.

She clambered up; reaching for
the goblet of champagne he was holding out and took a sip. ‘This is crazy.’

‘What’s that, sweetheart?’

‘I feel as nervous as I did that
first time, back at your mum’s place. All butterflies and things.’

‘Believe it or not, so do I.
You wouldn’t think we’d been lovers for months.’

Jane put her goblet down and
moved into his arms, her nerves disappearing as he kissed her and untied the
ribbons on her negligee.

‘I love you so much,’ he
whispered. ‘I’ve waited so long for this.’

‘I love you too, Ed,’ she
breathed. ‘Love you too.’

***

CHAPTER
NINETEEN

NOVEMBER 1964

Roy and Sammy were holding court
at the flat when the honeymooners arrived home. Sammy had prepared a welcome
home Spag Bol and the place was sparkling. The small dining table was covered
with a crisp white cloth and decorated with a red candle in a Chianti bottle.

‘This is very romantic,’ Eddie
said taking a seat at the table as Sammy placed a laden plate in front of him.
‘We must go away more often.’

Roy
poured four glasses of red wine. ‘To Mr and Mrs Mellor, may all your problems
not
be little ones!’

‘You’d prefer them all to be big
ones then, Roy?’ Jane teased.

‘Well no, but you know what I
mean.’ Roy took a swig of wine and
smiled.

‘We’ll do our best not to have
any little ones for a while,’ Eddie said, tucking into his meal. ‘Compliments
to the chef, Sam, this is really good.’

‘Thanks, Ed. It’s genuine
Italian. Roy’s dad’s own recipe.’

‘Frank James
called this morning and asked us to a meeting,’ Roy
told Eddie. ‘I went along with Tim and Phil and made your apologies.’

Eddie almost choked. ‘Blimey,
what does
he
want?’

‘
The Raiders -
at last!’
Roy
was unable to suppress the excitement in his voice. ‘He’s offering us a place
on tour with leading groups. He’s knocked out with our new show. Wants to sign
us. How do you feel about that? We need to be managed properly or we’re never
gonna make it big. I’m getting pissed off just playing pubs and clubs. It’s
time we earned more for all our hard work.’

‘I suppose it’ll mean being away
from home a lot.’ Eddie glanced at Jane who was staring into her empty glass.

‘I’m afraid so, Ed. I explained
your situation to Frank. He’s very understanding; got a couple of kids of his own.
The tour he’s offering is going out mid-December with
The Dave Clark Five,
The
Hollies
and
a couple of American
singers, no names released yet, but he hinted
at Chris Montez and Bryan Hyland. We’ll be bottom of the bill of course, but
it’s a great start.’

Eddie could see the excitement in
Roy’s eyes as he saved the best
news until last. ‘There’s also the chance of a record deal
if
we play our cards right.’

‘What? Bloody hell! Well let’s go
for it then. It’s the chance we’ve been waiting for. We can’t turn it down.’

‘So, you’re up for it?’ Roy
grinned. ‘Great! Without you, Frank’s not interested. He says for a white man,
you’ve got the nearest voice to Sam Cooke he’s ever heard. If that’s not a
compliment, I don’t know what is. He’s away on business for the next few days.
I need to give him an answer early next week.’

***

Jane remained silent during the
conversation between Roy and Eddie. She followed Sammy into the kitchen to help
make coffee, leaving them to talk music and tours.

‘You don’t look too pleased,
Jane,’ Sammy said, spooning coffee powder into four mugs.

She shrugged. ‘I’m pleased for
them, of course I am. It’s what they’ve always wanted. I just wonder how the
hell
I’m
supposed to cope with Jonny
and
my job on my own.’

‘
I’ll
help you. When the boys are away I’ll move in and keep you
company. Don’t worry; we’ll manage. How was the honeymoon, by the way? You’ve
hardly said a word, but you look absolutely glowing and so does Ed.’

‘It was wonderful. The room was
out of this world. Four poster, log fire, champagne
and
red roses.’

‘Bloody hell. He’s a romantic
bugger. Was the hotel nice?’

‘Couldn’t tell you,’ Jane said,
feeling her cheeks warming. 'I only saw reception. We never left the room for
the whole two days; just had room service. Thanks for the lovely gift, by the
way. Ed loved it.’

‘I’m sure he did.’ Sammy raised
an amused eyebrow as Jane giggled. ‘Is Jonny coming home tonight?’

‘I hope not. I want one more
night on our own. Ed hasn’t mentioned it, so I’m keeping my mouth shut.’

‘I don’t blame you. He’s a sweet
little boy, but being a step-mum at your age is a lot to take on.’

‘I know. But I love them both.
I’ll cope somehow.’

***

Eddie talked long into the night
about the group touring for The Frank James
Organisation. ‘I know we have loads of work and play regularly, but it’s clubs
and dance halls. This is different. Frank’s very well respected. Every group in
Manchester would give its right arm
to be on his books. We’ll be right up there with the big names.
Do you remember years ago when I promised you a posh house in Westlow? Well I
may manage it yet, who knows.’

‘Ed, I’m happy with this flat and
what we’ve got. Stop talking now please and kiss me for goodness sake, we’ve
only got tonight on our own.’

***

Sunday afternoon Jane curled up
on the sitting room sofa, reading a magazine, when the doorbell rang. She
frowned, for she wasn’t expecting anyone, and the others had their own keys.
She opened the door a crack, peered out and was shocked to find Angie’s friend,
Cathy standing on the landing. ‘Cathy! What brings you here?’

‘I hope you don’t mind me calling
round,' Cathy began. 'I wondered if it would be okay to see Jonny. I’ve brought
him a little present. Maybe Eddie hasn’t told you that he’s my godson?’

Jane shook her head. ‘He hasn’t,
but come in anyway. Sit down and I’ll make you a coffee.’

‘Where
is
Jonny?’

‘Ed's taken him to feed the ducks
and to visit his mum and dad. I wasn’t feeling well so I thought I’d have a
rest. Make the most of the peace and quiet.'

‘I’m sorry if I disturbed you. I
hope you weren’t sleeping?’

‘No, I was reading, actually. We
had a late night, as usual. The boys played the Oasis Club and then everyone
came back here.’ Jane yawned loudly. ‘Oh, excuse me. That’s the trouble with Manchester
gigs; they always turn into all night parties. Sit down, Cathy, please.’

‘Who baby-sat for you?’ Cathy
asked. She slipped off her jacket, sat down opposite Jane and put her handbag
and the parcel for Jonny on the coffee table.

‘Carl and Tina. They work with Ed
in the shop.’

‘If ever you’re stuck for a
sitter, you can always call on me. I’d love to spend some time with Jonny
again. I miss him - Angie too, of course…’ Cathy tailed off, tears running down
her cheeks. She took the tissue Jane handed her. ‘I’m sorry; didn’t mean to get
upset.’

‘Hey, it’s okay; don’t worry. If
I put myself in your place and lost Sammy or Pat I’d be devastated. I’ll make
the coffee - and would you like a cheese and tomato sandwich?
 
Ed and Jonny shouldn’t be too long now - stay
until they come home.’

Cathy smiled. ‘Thanks that would
be lovely.’

As they sat chatting over their
coffee and sandwiches, to Jane’s surprise she found she liked the girl who’d
been her rival’s best friend. Without Angie by her side, Cathy was a different
person, quiet, caring and nothing at all like Jane had imagined she'd be.

Mid conversation, the front door
burst open and Eddie dashed in carrying Jonny.

‘Quick, Jane. His nose is snotty.
It’s dripping on my suede jacket,
and
he’s wet his pants again. Mum’s only just changed him, too.’ He stopped,
catching sight of Cathy.

‘Hello, Ed,’ she said shyly.

‘Hi, how are you?’ His tone
unsure, he put Jonny down.

‘Fine, thank you,’ she replied.
‘I just wondered how Jonny was, and how you’re coping with him.’

‘Has
she
sent you to spy on us?’ he asked, bristling.

‘Who’s she?’ Cathy and Jane
chorused.

‘Old Mother Turner!’

Cathy gasped. ‘No, of course she
hasn’t. I haven’t seen her since Angie’s funeral. I came because I wanted to
see Jonny. I miss him.’ Cathy was on the verge of tears again. ‘I used to see
him every day.’

‘There’s nothing sinister about
Cathy’s visit,’ Jane said, willing Eddie to relax. ‘She’s brought him a
present. Come here, Jonny. Come and see Auntie Cathy.’

Jonny ran across the room. Jane
wiped his nose, took off his quilted jacket and bobble hat and ran her fingers
through his flattened curls. He leant against her legs, sucking his thumb.'

‘He’s wet through!’ Jane
grimaced. ‘I’ll change him.’

‘Mum said we need to try harder
with the potty training. He should be dry by now,’ Eddie said helpfully. ‘She
said it’s the shock of losing his mum and getting used to living with us that’s
holding him back.’

‘Well until he
is
trained, it’s time you learnt to
change him. He’s
your
son,’ Jane
reminded Eddie as a horrified expression crossed his face. Shaking her head,
she disappeared into the bathroom with Jonny tucked under her arm.

***

‘Perish the thought,’ Eddie
muttered. ‘Listen, Cathy, I’m sorry about before. So, how are you doing?’ He
sprawled on the opposite sofa, swinging his legs over the arm, and offered her
a cigarette.

‘No thanks, Ed. I’m okay, I
suppose. I have up and down days. I’m thinking of going to live in London
with my cousin. She’s got a flat and she’s asked me to share. There’s not much
left for me around here at the moment.’

‘Well, good luck. I hope it works
out.’

Jane reappeared with Jonny, now
clean and dry and his curls freshly brushed. He ran over to Cathy. She gave him
a hug and his present. He pulled the toy car from its colourful wrappings and
ran to Eddie, chuckling.

‘Look, Daddy, car!’

Eddie took the car and crawling
on his knees, pushed it up and down the room as Jonny crawled after him.
‘C’mon, Jonny. Vroom, vroom!’

‘Boys will be boys,’ Jane said,
laughing. ‘Who did you say you bought it for?’ She looked at Cathy who was
studying Jonny closely, a frown playing on her face as her colour drained. ‘You
okay, Cathy? You’ve gone very pale.’

‘Oh, yes, of course I am,’ Cathy
replied quickly. ‘I was just thinking how tall Jonny’s grown. Look, I must go.
I’ve a bit of a headache starting, it might be a migraine. I shouldn’t have
really eaten the cheese. But thanks for your hospitality, Jane. I’ll see you
again maybe.’

‘Anytime. Just pop round. If
we’re in we’re in. You should come and see
The Raiders
play again,
before they get too big for their boots.’ Jane accompanied Cathy to the door.

‘Maybe I will. Goodbye.’ Cathy
dashed quickly away.

‘That was a bit weird,’ Jane said
as she rejoined Eddie. ‘The way she was staring at Jonny as though she’d seen a
ghost, and then rushing off like that.’

‘She was always a bit of an odd
ball.’ Eddie shrugged. ‘Anyway, how are you feeling, sweetheart, any better?
You
look pale, never mind Cathy.’

‘Still feel a bit grim. Think I’m
just overtired.’

‘I’m meeting the lads at the pub
later. We’re having a final discussion about the tour, before we sign any
binding contracts. Why don’t you ask Pat and Sammy over for a girlie night?’

‘I will, but I’ll give Jonny his
tea and bath him first.’

‘I’ll do that. You go and lie
down for an hour and I’ll call Sammy for you. I need to ask Roy
something and he’s over at their house anyway.’

***

Jane lay on the bed thinking. She
wanted Eddie to have his chance of playing on a theatre tour, but at the same
time she was also dreading it. There wasn’t going to be much of a home life for
her and Jonny with Ed away all week. She wouldn’t even be able to go out with
her friends. For the first time since Angie’s death, Jane felt resentful and
was almost envious of Pat and Sammy, who were able to go out and enjoy their
freedom.

She’d wanted to be with Eddie
more than anything in the world. What she hadn’t bargained on was being married
just yet,
and
a step-mum to boot. His
divorce would have taken another couple of years, during which time they’d have
been having fun together, as they had until the accident. Perhaps her mum had
been right all along and they’d rushed into things. Well, it was too late now,
what’s done is done.

***

Jane said goodbye to Eddie at the
door as Pat and Sammy puffed up the stairs, carrying a bottle of wine.

‘Hi, you two,’ she greeted them.
‘Those stairs are a killer.’

‘You can say that again,’ Sammy
said as Eddie pecked her and Pat on the cheek.

‘I won’t be late home, Jane.’ He
kissed her and turned to Sammy. ‘She’s a bit down at the moment. See if you can
cheer her up.’

‘What’s wrong, Jane?’ Pat asked,
closing the door.

Jane shook her head.
‘Everything!’ Her lips trembled and she burst into tears.

‘Have you two had a row?’ Sammy
put her arm around Jane’s shoulders.

‘No, nothing like that,’ she sobbed.
‘I’m so tired and I don’t feel very well. Everything’s getting on top of me and
now Ed will probably be away all week,
every
week. I have to look after Jonny and go to work, and, oh God, Sam, I wish I was
single again.’

‘You don’t mean that,’ Sammy said.
‘You love Ed to bits, you know you do. Come on, sit down.’ She led Jane to the
sofa and sat beside her.

‘It’s not Ed, it’s Jonny,’ Jane
said. ‘He’s such hard work. We hardly ever have any time to ourselves. He’s
always climbing into bed with us. I know he’s had an awful upheaval for a
little lad, but he’s coming between us in more ways than one.’

‘Can’t Ed’s mum have him to stay
occasionally?’ Sammy said.

‘She has him all day, so it’s not
really fair to ask her. She’s getting on a bit and he wears her out.’

‘Well, what about Carl and Tina?
They enjoy baby-sitting and it gives them somewhere to do their courting.’

Jane sighed. ‘It’s not just the
baby-sitting. I want Ed to myself. I know it’s selfish of me. Poor little
Jonny’s not even three until next month. It’ll be years before he leaves home.
Listen to me. I’m a rotten stepmother, aren’t I?’