Christmas to Come: a heartbreaking coming of age saga set in London's East End by Carol Rivers (first e reader txt) 📕

Ronnie was still lamenting his new situation. But all that would change if Reggie was out soon with good behaviour. Then he would arrange for McNee to get his due rewards!

Feeling satisfied, Micky crawled on top the inert body of the young woman beside him. She was totally out of it, her eyes seeing into some other world. He would have a joint or two with her in a minute and pulling her to him, she roused softly. There was a way-out smile on her face.

Baby, if this was what tripping was all about, he wanted more of it.

Percy had painted the yellow front door of twenty-four Chapel House Street, emerald green. The horseshoe knocker had been replaced with a glinting brass lion's head and the square of grass at the front was neatly tended as was the border of flowers. The Shines had moved in four years ago when Mr Taylor died and Bella knew that although the house was small, it was Dolly's pride and joy.

She had replaced the lace curtains with frilly nets, the old lino with carpet and a new bed for her and Percy. Their expanding family were now all accommodated on bunk beds; the twins and five-year-old April and three-year-old June. Widowed Mrs Taylor, burdened with arthritis, slept on the bed settee downstairs.

Bella dropped the heavy knocker and there were yells of delight from inside. The door swung open and Dolly and two little girls flung themselves forward. The next in line for attention was young Michael, who barely flinched as they clung to his legs. The ten-year-old twins looked shyly out from behind Dolly's plump shoulders.

'Come in, come in,' Dolly beckoned, all frizzy hair and winsome bosom. She pulled Bella inside and kissed Michael on his cheek, much to his embarrassment. 'Tea's ready in the kitchen,' she gushed, urging them down the hall. 'Anne and Irene have made fairy cakes and April and June helped with the custard. Now Michael, go and tell the girls what you'd like to drink and we'll all sit down to eat. April, June, go and wash your hands, please.'

Giggling, the two little girls ran off. The twins escorted Michael out to the kitchen and Bella followed Dolly to the front room. She was surprised to see that Mrs Taylor's chair was empty.

'Mum's gone to Raymond's for a month,' Dolly said by way of explanation. 'It won't be much of a holiday as she has to put up with all his brood. Me and Ray have ten between the two of us!'

Bella sighed. 'And there's me with just one.'

'Don't speak too soon,' Dolly warned as she made herself comfortable on the settee. 'You're only twenty-eight, there's plenty of time yet.'

'I can't see that happening,' Bella replied as she sat next to Dolly. 'I'm beginning to think I'm better off as I am.'

She didn't enlighten Dolly on the way things were going at home with her and Micky. Their most recent quarrel had been over the coffee bar. When she'd told him about Gina's suggestion he'd flown off the handle. Gina was trying to get money out of them to line her own pockets, he'd insisted. When, ill-advisedly, she had tried to explain the potential, he'd told her she was a gullible fool and Gina wasn't getting a penny off him.

'Dolly, I'd like to talk to you about something. I want to ask your advice.'

Dolly's eyes widened. 'Really? That's a first! Wait a minute, I'll send the kids into the garden to play.'

Bella opened her bag and took out the sums she had been doing. When Dolly returned, she passed her the notes.

'What's this?'

'Dolly, I'm thinking about going into business.'

'Never! Who with?'

'Gina. She has a chance to buy the coffee bar and has asked me to go halves. This is a summary of the takings. Could you just glance at them and tell me what you think?'

Dolly examined the paper, a small frown on her forehead. 'I'm no expert on figures, Bella, but even I can see the coffee bar is doing very well.'

Bella nodded. 'Our customers spend as much on coffee as the dockers and labourers used to spend on fry-ups. They like different food though and the bakery delivers most of it. Pastries, fancy breads and quick snacks. Not only have we changed the menu, but our reputation for good coffee has got around. Sometimes there's standing room only. Last Saturday morning we had a queue outside the door - ' she broke off, grinning. 'I'm only seeing the good side, as you can tell. That's why I wanted your advice.'

'What can I tell you?' Dolly chuckled. 'I don't know anything about coffee bars. But I can see you're very enthusiastic.'

'I am.'

'You like working there, don't you?'

'I always did. Even when it was a cafe. But now it's even better. The young people are entertaining and the coffee brings all sorts together. Business began to improve with the Espresso machine and then exploded when we installed the juke box. Teenagers need somewhere to go, to drink coffee and listen to their chosen music. In a way, we are just like a club.'

'A bit of a change to the Docklands, eh?'

'As the kids get older they want something different.'

'I don't know if I'd let my girls go to a coffee bar, though.'

'They're young yet. But you probably won't be able to stop them when they get older.'

Dolly made a face. 'If the girls come in your coffee bar, you can report it straight to me.'

They laughed and Bella tilted her head curiously. 'So do I get the thumbs up? Is this a good idea, do you think?'

'You don't need me to give you approval,' Dolly grinned. 'I think it's a wonderful idea.'

Bella felt excited to have won Dolly's support. All she had to do now was work out the money with Gina. Would the coffee bar be a wise investment? If she didn't give it a try, she would never know!

If Bella had any worries about her new