Warning: Episode may contain strong language, violence and sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

PREVIOUSLY…

• Ben’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Rebecca, returned to the village.
• Emma discovered that Tom was cheating on his wife, Kate.
• Kate persuaded Carol to let her have her 45th birthday party in The Oak & Vine.
• Neha’s drinking problem began to consume her.
• Julia’s world was rocked by Emma’s arrival in the village, bringing with her the secret that she was Nick’s biological mother.
• Marion doubted Ed’s commitment and loyalty to their marriage.

The Oak & Vine,
Glendale

The Oak & Vine was ablaze with the warm glow of amber lights, echoing laughter, and the clinking of glasses. It was Kate Spencer’s 45th birthday, and the pub, owned by her mother-in-law, Carol Kennedy, was packed to the rafters with friends, family, and regulars alike. The jubilant atmosphere was contagious.

Red, white, and blue bunting, repurposed from last year’s Coronation party, crisscrossed the ceiling alongside twinkling fairy lights; bouquets of brightly coloured balloons took pride of place in every empty corner; and above the bar hung a colourful banner that read, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!” and was handmade by Harry and Noah, Kate’s two young boys. Fifteen-year-old Ava thought it was “cringe” and had refused to participate. The four-piece band, a local group of middle-aged men that still considered themselves teenagers, swayed and bopped their heads in time to the beat of “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison. Kate had found them online and was instantly taken with them when she read that they only did cover versions of 90s pop classics and sounded like her favourite indie band, Bastille.

Return of the mack, there it is
Return of the mack, come on
Return of the mack, oh my God
You know that I’ll be back, here I am

-:-

Emma Blake pushed open the wooden doors and crossed the threshold. A wave of heat, infused with thumping musical beats and the waft of beer, hit her around the face. Harry and Noah chased after twins Oliver and Poppy Granger as the four children ducked and weaved their way through the gathered guests. Emma scanned the crowded pub, and her eyes settled on Kate, the life of the party, who stood at the centre of attention, her infectious smile lighting up the room. She clutched a glass of Moscato, surrounded by loved ones who had come to celebrate with her.

-:-

Marion Atkins, her husband Ed, Pamela Granger, Pamela’s mother-in-law Audrey, and Queenie Baxter occupied a booth in the far corner of the pub, engaging in animated conversation as they watched the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on a TV fixed to the wall, ignoring the hubbub of partying that carried on around them.

“Can you believe it’s time for the Olympics again?” Pamela exclaimed, her eyes glued to the spectacle on the screen.

“It feels like just yesterday that we were watching the last one,” Marion replied, sipping on her near-empty glass of red wine.

“They were only three years ago.” Ed commented rather dryly as he took a final gulp of his stout. “COVID, remember?”

Audrey ignored Ed’s reminder of the pandemic that had rendered her housebound for months and instead looked somewhat dreamily at the impressive visuals playing out on the television. “Time certainly flies, doesn’t it? But I always love the excitement of the opening ceremony.”

Queenie nodded in agreement. “Oh, yes! It’s like a big ol’ party, bringin’ the world together.”

As she looked around the pub, a familiar face caught Marion’s eye. “Look, there’s Emma.”

Emma caught Marion’s wave and made her way over, a smile lighting up her face. “Hey! Mind if I join you?”

“Of course not,” Ed said, pulling out a chair for her. “We were just talking about the Olympics.” He nodded in the direction of the television.

“Bad luck to have a party on the same night as the opening ceremony.” Emma settled into her seat just as Ben Granger, Pamela’s son, and the local farmer Emma had been on a couple of dates with approached with a tray full of drinks.

“’ere ‘e is,” Queenie said, referencing her godson and licking her lips at the sight of the tray of fresh libations.

Emma cocked an eyebrow as she watched Queenie practically down a glass of sherry in one gulp. “I didn’t think you drank, Queenie?”

Queenie let out a satisfied sigh and licked her lips clean of the sweet golden liquid. “I don’t, Lovie,” she said with a sniff as she placed the empty sherry glass down on the table. “Just a milk stout with me dinner every night, sherry for birthdays, champagne at New Year’s, and a Baileys at Christmas.”

“And a wine at bingo,” Audrey reminded her.

“And a wine at bingo,” Queenie repeated, nodding. “Milk stout with me dinner, sherry for birthdays, champagne at New Year’s, Baileys at Christmas, and a wine at bingo.”

“And the whisky,” Pamela added.

“Yes, whisky on Sun-dees.” Queenie nodded and tapped a crooked index finger to her temple as if trying to commit it to memory. “Milk stout with me dinner, sherry for birthdays, champagne at New Year’s, Baileys at Christmas, a wine at bingo, and a whisky on Sun-dees,” she said matter-of-factly. “And brandy at funerals. But other than that, no, I don’t drink, Lovie.”

Emma chuckled to herself and, with a broad smile on her face, shook her head in amazement at her elderly friend.

Ben slid into the booth at Emma’s side. “Hey,” he said, greeting her with a warm smile as he touched her hand. “Can I get you a drink? My shout.”

Emma felt her body flush at his touch. “Maybe just a Shiraz, please?”

“Sure. One Shiraz coming right up.” Ben nodded, his gaze lingering on Emma for a moment longer, before rising from the table and crossing the floor to the bar.

Across the table, Pamela had shifted her focus from the Olympics to the budding romance between her son and the local GP. She gave Audrey a knowing look, lifting her eyebrows up and down and then nodding in Ben and Emma’s direction with a mischievous grin. Audrey nodded in agreement and shot her daughter-in-law a wink, raising her sherry glass in a silent toast before taking a sip.

Emma had noticed the interactions between Pamela and Audrey and felt a warm flush spreading across her cheeks. She turned her attention to the TV, grateful for the distraction of the opening ceremony unfolding on the screen.

“Omigod! Em! When did you get here?” Kate yelled at the top of her lungs, her slightly slurred Welsh voice rising above the loud cover version of “Together Again” by Janet Jackson, as she headed towards the booth, her half-full pint splashing with each step.

Emma rose to her feet and greeted Kate with a hug. “Happy birthday!”

“Aw, thanks, hun,” Kate said, kissing her cheek. “Come. Dance. Come on!” Kate tugged at Emma’s arm.

Emma tried to resist, but it was futile. She could smell the booze a mile off, and the fact that Kate’s eyes were already slightly glassy and misaligned told her that her friend was more than a few drinks in.

“Come on, Emma Memma. Come dance. It’s Janet… Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty.” Kate overlaughed at her own quip, proud of it, but failing to realise she was referencing the wrong song.

Emma sighed and allowed herself to be pulled out into the middle of the dance floor. As she started dancing with Kate and some people she had yet to be introduced to, Emma noticed Nick Harrington-Jones standing next to Ben at the bar and immediately couldn’t take her eyes off him.

Everywhere I go, every smile I see
I know you are there smilin’ back at me
Dancin’ in moonlight, I know you are free
‘Cause I can see your star shinin’ down on me

-:-

Tom Spencer, Kate’s husband, gently clinked his glass with a knife, drawing everyone’s attention. The band stopped. Tom stood tall, his blue eyes sparkling. Kate stood apprehensively at his side with Ava on her left, while Noah clutched hold of her leg, nervous at the sea of eyes staring back at him, and Harry stood next to Tom.

“Everyone,” Tom began, his voice warm and resonant as he read from a pre-prepared speech on a small scrap of paper, “thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate a very special occasion. Tonight, we honour the woman who is the heart and soul of our family. My beautiful wife, Kate.” He wrapped an arm around Kate’s shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

A loud cheer of appreciation and applause reverberated around the pub. Emma watched on, slightly nauseated at Tom’s doting husband act when she knew the truth.

“Kate, you are the epitome of grace, kindness, and strength. For forty-five years, you’ve lit up the lives of everyone around you, especially mine. When we met in line at the HMV on Oxford Street all those years ago, I knew instantly that you were someone extraordinary. Your laughter is contagious, your Welsh accent is adorable – even if you do sound exactly like Stacey from ‘Gavin and Stacey’ – your spirit is unbreakable, and your love is unconditional.”

Tom paused, looking at Kate with eyes filled with admiration. A pang of guilt twisted in his chest, but he pushed it aside. Tonight was about his wife, not his indiscretions.

“You’ve been my partner, my confidant, and my best friend,” he continued. “You’ve supported me through every high and low, and together, we’ve built a beautiful life. Our three incredible children are a testament to your love and dedication. They adore you, as do I.”

A collective “aww” rose from those gathered, and Tom planted a tender kiss on Kate’s lips. Carol, Tom’s mother, dabbed at her eyes and sniffed back a tear, while Emma held her lips tight, frustrated that despite publicly professing such deep love, Tom was privately tossing it all away.

Tom’s eyes briefly met Emma’s, and a fleeting moment of understanding passed between them. Tom looked away and took a deep breath, his smile widening. “But enough from me. Tonight, we have some very special messages from some important people who couldn’t be here in person. Let’s start with a video from Kate’s parents, Owen and Gwen, who are currently enjoying a well-deserved holiday in Australia.”

The crowd turned their attention to the large TV screen as the opening ceremony was replaced with a shakily recorded video, clearly done on a phone. The familiar faces of Kate’s parents appeared with Sydney Harbour as the backdrop. Her mother, Gwen Caddick, with her reddish-brown hair neatly styled, smiled warmly.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” she began in a Welsh accent that was much stronger than Kate’s, if that was even possible. “We wish we could be there to celebrate with you. You’ve grown into such an amazing woman, and we are so proud of you.”

Her father, Owen, grinning beside her mother, added, “You are a wonderful wife, an exceptional mother, and a stellar daughter. We love you dearly, and we hope your day is as special as you are.”

“Happy birthday, sweetheart!” the ageing couple said in unison, raising a glass of champagne each as a kookaburra broke out in laughter.

The screen faded to black, and a heartfelt cheer went up from the crowd. Kate wiped a tear from her cheek, clearly touched by the message. Tom squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“Next,” he continued, “we have a message from your sister, Abi, who lives in New York, for those of you who aren’t aware.”

The screen came to life again, showing Abi Caddick standing in front of a large window that looked out over the New York skyline. “Hey, Katie!” she beamed, looking like Kate’s identical twin except with blonde highlights and her Welsh accent was not as strong. “Happy forty-fifth! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug. You are my rock, my guide, and my favourite person to share secrets with. I miss our late-night talks and your incredible advice. I hope you have an amazing night, filled with all the love and joy you deserve. Love you to the moon and back, Sissie!”

Another round of applause followed, and Kate’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears.

“Now,” Tom said, his voice growing softer, “a message from my sister, Claire.”

Claire Spencer appeared on the screen, her eyes twinkling with mischief and her auburn hair cascading over her shoulders. “Happy birthday, Kate! I still remember the first time we met. You were so nervous about impressing me, but to quote the amazing Renée Zellweger, ‘you had me at hello’. You’ve been the sister I always wanted, and I treasure every moment we’ve shared. From our shopping sprees to our wine nights, you’ve made my life so much brighter. Here’s to many more adventures together, my sister from another mister. Cheers!” She held up a wine glass filled with a yellowish liquid many assumed to be Moscato, Kate’s beverage of choice.

The crowd clapped enthusiastically, and Tom could see Kate’s shoulders shaking with quiet laughter.

“And now, a message from my brother, Dan, who’s out at sea serving in the Navy.”

The screen switched to Dan Spencer, standing on the deck of a ship, the ocean stretching out behind him. It wasn’t lost on anyone how devastatingly handsome he looked in his naval uniform, least of all Jack, Lee, and Emma.

“Hey, Kate! Happy birthday! I can’t believe how time flies. You’re an amazing sister-in-law, and I’m grateful for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I hope my big brother is spoiling you rotten and that tonight is filled with happiness and bucket loads of Moscato. I look forward to celebrating with you when I’m back on land. Take care! Love you!”

The applause was mixed with a few whistles and cheers. Emma hoped it was in appreciation for Dan’s service, although she suspected it was for his strikingly good looks.

Kate looked overwhelmed with emotion and just a dash too much alcohol, her eyes glistening as she glanced around at her loving family and friends.

“Last but certainly not least,” Tom said, his voice tinged with pride, “we have a special message from our three wonderful children.”

The screen showed their three kids, Ava, Harry, and Noah, sitting on the couch at home with Buster, the border collie, at their feet. Ava, the eldest, went first. “Mum, we love you so much. Happy birthday!”

Harry jumped in next. “You’re the bestest mum ever! Thank you for always making us laugh and for all the cookies and the cakes and the awesome bedtime stories.”

Noah, the youngest, grinned widely, showcasing a wide gap in his mouth from his recently lost front tooth. “Happy birthday, Mummy! I love you to the moon and back, and more than all the salt in the sea! Can we have cake now, please?”

The three of them then held up a handmade banner that read, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM! WE ♥ YOU!!” as they said in unison, “love you, Mum!” Buster barked. The screen faded to black, and the crowd erupted into the loudest cheer of the night.

Kate, tears streaming down her face, stood up and embraced Tom, who held her tightly. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “This is the best birthday ever.”

Tom kissed her forehead. “You deserve it.”

Kate turned her attention to her children, kissing each one of them in turn on the cheek. “You guys are amazing!” She grinned at them, full of pride and emotion. “I love you!”

“Oh, and there’s one more special surprise,” Tom announced loudly, his eyes twinkling as he gave Tony Kennedy, his stepfather, a nod.

Suddenly, the lights in The Oak & Vine dimmed and the familiar drumbeat and brass sounds of “Stop” by the Spice Girls began to pump out of a Bluetooth speaker on the bar. A lifelong Spice Girls fan, Kate’s eyes lit up, and she gaped, open-mouthed, as Marion, Audrey, Pamela, Jasmine Atkins, and Queenie appeared from the women’s toilets, each one dressed in costume. Marion was the perfect Posh Spice, with a brown bob wig and a little black dress, her face frozen, besides a slight pout. Ninety-two-year-old Audrey was Baby Spice, in a wig of long blonde pigtails and a blush pink ensemble, and giving the peace sign. Pamela was Scary Spice, in an afro wig and a leopard print jumpsuit. Jasmine was Sporty Spice, wearing a pair of trainers, track pants, an orange crop top, and her hair straightened and pulled back into a tight ponytail. Finally, Queenie was the perfect Ginger Spice, with a Union Jack dress slipped over her outfit, her lips painted in a shock of bright red lipstick, and a ginger wig fixed to her head as she hobbled along at the tail of the group. The crowd cheered and whooped, and Kate was dumbfounded at the effort her friends had put in. The five women made their way to where the band was set up, and as the vocals began, each one mimed with perfect timing.

“Ugh, Spice Girls,” Ava groaned with a roll of her eyes.

“Shut up, you!” Carol tapped her granddaughter playfully. “Girl power!”

“Nana, you do know ‘Girl Power’ was just a corporate slogan cooked up by men in suits and marketed to manipulate and scam young girls out of their money. It was nothing but a gimmick, and you all fell for it.”

Carol shook her head in dismay. “The youth of today. So cynical. So angry.”

The women continued their routine, and as they hit the chorus, perfectly replicating every dance move, it was clear they had spent weeks practicing for Kate’s special surprise.

The tribute act came to an end, and a loud roar boomed through the pub as everyone cheered, hollered, and clapped while Marion, Audrey, Pamela, Jasmine, and Queenie took their bows. As the applause died down, the lights came up, the band began to play “Happy Birthday,” and everyone joined in singing.

Kate beamed, her face radiant with joy as the pub echoed with the heartfelt chorus.

Carol carried out a large, multi-tier cake, its candles flickering brightly. Kate leant over, closing her eyes for a moment as she made a wish before blowing out the candles.

-:-

Kiss me, out of the bearded barley
Nightly, beside the green, green grass
Swing, swing, swing the spinning step
You wear those shoes and I will wear that dress

Under the glow of the lights, Ben and Emma stood by the bar, each nursing a drink and stealing glances at one another.

Ben, tall with a rugged charm, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “So,” he began, suddenly feeling awkward in Emma’s presence, “how are you enjoying the party?”

“It’s great. Kate seems to be living her best life.” Emma smiled. “Those videos were really sweet.”

Ben nodded, his fingers fidgeting with the glass in his hand. “Yeah, they were.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the kind that had grown familiar over their past two dates. Both felt the magnetic pull between them but were too shy to voice it despite sharing a kiss. Ben took a deep breath, gathering courage.

“You look really nice tonight, Emma,” he said, his voice genuine.

Emma blushed; her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink. “Thanks. You look quite handsome yourself.”

“What, this old thing?” he chuckled nervously, pulling at his blue gingham shirt. “Just something I had lying around.”

Around them, the party buzzed with life, but Emma’s attention was constantly drawn back to Nick.

“Say,” Ben began, running a nervous hand through his black hair and thinking Emma was losing interest. “I was wondering if you maybe wanted to go for dinner again? Another date?”

A warm smile broke across her face. “Sure. I’d love to.”

-:-

Amongst the lively crowd at Kate’s party, Brian Granger, Ashwin Patel, Tom, and Tony gathered near the dartboard, drinks in hand, animatedly discussing their shared passion – cricket.

Ashwin, known for his competitive streak, took a swig of his beer and grinned at his mates. “Last weekend’s match against Ightham was something else. We really showed ‘em!”

Tom, who had been the star bowler, nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, that final over was intense. I still can’t believe I managed that hat-trick!”

Brian, the team’s wicketkeeper, slapped Tom, his nephew, on the back. “You were on fire, mate! And let’s not forget Ashwin’s six. That shot was a game-changer.”

Tony, ever the strategist, leant in. “We played well, but we need to be sharp for this weekend’s match against Prescott Downs. They’ve got a strong batting line-up this season.”

“We can take them!” Tom said, full of his usual bravado. “We just need to keep our heads in the game. Ash, how’s the shoulder? Ready for another go?”

Ashwin flexed his shoulder, testing it. “Feels good. I’ve been resting it up, so I’m ready.”

“That’s the spirit,” Tony said. “If we play like we did against Ightham and keep our focus, we’ve got a good chance.”

The group clinked their glasses together, a toast to their team’s future victories.

Say you will, say you won’t
Say you’ll do what I don’t
Say you’re true, say to me, C’est la vie

-:-

Nick leant against the bar, nursing an empty pint glass and waiting to be served. The loud melodies of “C’est La Vie” by B*witched came to an end, replaced a few seconds later by the opening chords to “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls.

Emma approached the bar and stood beside Nick. He looked at her, instantly recognising her as the woman he had awkwardly jogged past several times on his morning runs. Her presence always felt oddly familiar, though he couldn’t quite place why. Emma gave him a tentative smile.

“Not bad, are they?” Emma said, looking over her shoulder at the band in the corner of the pub.

“They’re pretty good,” Nick agreed with a nod as he followed Emma’s eyeline.

“So,” Emma said, her voice wavering slightly as she looked back at Nick. “We seem to keep running into each other.”

Nick let out an awkward laugh. “Yeah, seems like it. Happens when you live in a village.”

Emma nodded, her eyes searching his face. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you, actually. It’s, well, I—”

“What can I get ya?” Carol asked, unaware of the important conversation she had just terminated.

Nick’s attention immediately turned away from Emma, and an unease settled over him at how overly familiar the new village doctor was being. “Two more pints, a rosé and a vodka and Coke, thanks, Carol.”

Carol winked at the handsome young man. “Right you are, sweets. And you, Emma?”

“Another Shiraz, please.”

Carol nodded and walked off to the other end of the bar. Emma swallowed nervously, her mouth dry and her body tingling as she turned to talk to Nick. Her face dropped. With his back turned, he was already deep in conversation with his fiancée, Jasmine, who had joined them at the bar. Emma noticed Jasmine shoot her a quick glance before looking back to Nick, realising they were talking about her.

“It’s giving ‘Baby Reindeer’,” Nick muttered under his breath, although Emma heard every word and he let out a snigger.

Jasmine sucked in her lips and tried to stifle a smile, keenly aware that Emma had her in her eyeline.

The reference was completely lost on Emma, but she could tell from the tone in which Nick had said it and the smirk Jasmine was fighting off that it wasn’t a good thing. A familiar pang of childhood bullying and isolation hit her in the gut.

Carol returned with a tray of drinks for Nick and then placed a full glass of wine in front of Emma.

“Thanks, Carol,” Emma smiled politely before collecting her glass and hastily walking away, leaving her burning humiliation at the bar.

-:-

If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends
Gotta get with my friends
Make it last forever, friendship never ends
If you wanna be my lover, you have got to give
Taking is too easy, but that’s the way it is

Emma returned to the booth in the corner of the pub, carrying her Shiraz, and slipped into her spot on the upholstered bench seat beside Queenie.

“You’ll come, won’t ya, Doc?” Queenie turned to Emma with a slight smile, her wrinkled hand patting the GP’s gently.

Emma hesitated; confusion spreading across her face. She tried to understand what Queenie was referring to whilst also pushing the apparently cruel comment from Nick from her mind. “Where?”

Queenie rolled her eyes. “The W.I. meetin’ on Tues-dee,” she said as if Emma were struck stupid. “We ‘ave it every second Tues-dee in th’ village ‘all, and we thought it might be nice if you joined us. It’s a great way to get to know th’ community.”

A frown settled across Emma’s brow, and her mouth kinked at one side. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, her mind turning to the fact that Judith Bancroft was the local chapter president. “I’ve been so busy settling in and adjusting to my new role. I’m not sure I have the time.”

“Got time for ‘im though.” Queenie nodded in Ben’s direction with a cocked eyebrow.

Pamela, sensing Queenie’s irritation, chimed in. “Oh, please come, Emma. It’s just a couple of hours once a fortnight. We have great discussions, and it’s a lot of fun.”

“When that great ‘ippo Betty Worchester ain’t there!” Queenie interjected with a waspish tongue.

Audrey nodded enthusiastically, and Emma wasn’t quite sure if she was agreeing with Pamela, Queenie, or both. “And there’s always delicious homemade cake. You can’t say no to a nice piece of Vicky sponge and a lovely cuppa!”

Emma laughed away her initial reluctance. “Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse?” Secretly, she relished the opportunity of making Judith squirm, and her surprise arrival at the W.I. meeting would be the perfect way to rattle Judith and let her know that she meant business when it came to the truth about Nick.

Queenie beamed, her face radiating satisfaction and happiness. “Wonderful! It starts at seven sharp. Come an’ get me on th’ way; I’ll walk ya in. Be like a royal visit!”

The heavy wooden doors to the Oak & Vine opened, and Julia Harrington-Jones crossed the threshold, followed by her husband, James, and their brother-in-law, Mark Sinclair, a reluctant third wheel after his wife and James’ sister, Charlotte, was called away to a veterinary emergency. Given the complexity of their tragic history, Mark certainly wasn’t a fan of Julia or her family, but he agreed to keep the peace for one night only, and now he had been abandoned. Irritation bubbled inside him.

“I bloody well don’t believe it,” Queenie said, her mouth agape, as she watched the wealthy trio breeze into the pub and move through the crowd towards the bar. “Queen Julia in The Oak & Vine, as I live and breathe!”

Emma turned in her seat and followed Queenie’s eyeline. She gulped when she saw Julia’s usual golden chignon bun moving through the partygoers. A hot prickle broke across her body.

“I wonder what she is doing here,” Audrey said, knowing there was no connection between Julia and her grandson’s wife, Kate. Taking another sip of her sherry, Audrey’s eyes followed Julia.

The quartet of women, tucked safely away in their booth, watched an increasingly tipsy Kate rush towards Julia and engulf her in a hug that nearly strangled her. Julia pursed her lips and forced a smile, clearly uncomfortable. Holding her at arm’s length, Kate said something to Julia that they couldn’t make out before pulling her in for another hug. Julia stiffened and awkwardly patted Kate on the back.

“Gotta leave that ivory tower sometimes!” Queenie sniffed. “Guess Queen Julia and that toe rag of a ‘usband of ‘ers need a bit of entertainment for the night,” she said and looked at Emma with a roll of her eyes. “Mark’s a good’un though. Quite ‘andsome an’ all.”

Emma couldn’t shift her stare from Julia. There was such a magnetic presence about her that even though she was cold and somewhat terrifying, you couldn’t help but be enamoured with her.

Julia’s eyes swept around the pub and settled on Emma as the two women remained locked in a silent battle.

Don’t stop, never give up
Hold your head high and reach the top
Let the world see what you have got
Bring it all back to you, bring it all back now
Dream of falling in love
Anything you’ve been thinking of
When the world seems to get too tough
Bring it all back to you

-:-

Neha Patel sat alone at a small table in the far corner of the pub, the lively chords of S Club 7’s “Bring It All Back” providing a distant hum in her ears. She stared into her glass of whisky, her fourth of the night.

Around her, friends and family celebrated Kate’s birthday with laughter and joy, but Neha felt isolated. She lifted the glass to her lips and took a long, slow sip. The warmth spread through her chest and momentarily numbed the ache she dare not speak about.

Neha’s attention wandered across the pub, catching snippets of conversations and glimpses of happy faces. She saw Queenie talking animatedly with Audrey, James following Mark to a table, siblings Lee and Jasmine dancing in front of the band while their partners, Jack and Nick, watched on and chatted amongst themselves, and Tom and his mates laughing about something she couldn’t make out. She watched Noah, Harry, Oliver, and Poppy, high on sugar and the recent freedom of summer holidays, dance and jump about as they tossed balloons into the air. The sight should have brought a smile to her face, but instead, it deepened her sense of loss and loneliness.

Ashwin, her husband, approached, concern etched on his face. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Premika, maybe it’s time to go home, yeah?” he said softly, using the Hindi word for “beloved” that he often called her. “I think you’ve had enough for tonight.”

Neha looked up at him, her eyes glassy and defiant. “I’m fine, Ash! Just leave me alone!” She took another sip of her drink. “And don’t tell me what to do!”

“Please, Neha. I’m worried about you.”

Setting her glass down with a clink, Neha stood up abruptly, swaying slightly. “I said I’m fine! I don’t need a babysitter!” she retorted. “I’m going to dance if that’s okay with you.”

Without waiting for a response, Neha turned and made her way towards the band, her steps unsteady but determined. Ashwin watched her go. As Neha reached the dance floor, she forced a smile at Lee and Jasmine and began to move to the music, trying to lose herself in the rhythm and seeking a fleeting escape from the shadows that followed her.

-:-

Ooh-ah, just a little bit
Ooh-ah, a little bit more
Ooh-ah, just a little bit
You know what I’m looking for

Julia, with her air of effortless elegance, stood at the bar as she waited to order drinks for herself, Mark, and James. Her brother-in-law, Mark, chivalrous to a fault, had offered to get the first round in, unlike her husband, but Julia had insisted. “A bottle of your finest champagne, please,” she said with a charming smile, her diamond bracelet glinting in the pub’s warm light as she handed her credit card to Carol.

“Coming right up, sweets,” Carol said and disappeared behind the bar momentarily.

As she waited, Julia’s foot tapped against the wooden floor. She bloody loved Gina G, not that she would ever admit that to anyone. Despite barely knowing the birthday girl, Julia had agreed a few days ago to attend the party when her sister-in-law, Charlotte, a close friend of Kate’s, invited her. Already glammed up for the evening, Julia was miffed when she found out a few hours earlier that her husband’s sister had been called away to a veterinary emergency and wouldn’t be attending. But, knowing that Nick and Jasmine were going to the party, Julia had decided that they should still make an appearance, if only to keep an eye on Emma.

Carol returned with a bottle of chilled champagne and moved a curl of auburn hair behind her ear as she tapped Julia’s credit card. “We don’t see you in here very often.”

“Not really my scene,” Julia said with a forced smile and a tart tone as she looked around, taking in the pub’s décor of worn wooden floors and blue and gold striped wallpaper.

Carol’s mouth tightened as she tried not to take offence. “And how’s it working out with Natalie?” she said, handing Julia the bottle of champagne and returning her credit card.

Julia’s smile faltered just a touch. “Oh, yes, Natalie’s a wonderful help,” she lied, almost choking on the words as she tried to keep her tone casual.

Carol’s expression soured slightly, and Julia noticed. “Be careful of that one,” she said. “There’s something wicked about that girl.”

-:-

Rebecca Williams, exuding confidence, walked into The Oak & Vine, her entrance causing a few heads to turn. Oliver and Poppy, her twins with Ben, raced towards her and latched onto her legs, each greeting her in a strangling hug. She rubbed her children’s backs, and her eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ben, her soon-to-be ex-husband. His face darkened as he pushed through the crowd towards her.

“What are you doing here?” Ben demanded, his voice low and tense. “You need to leave.”

“Can’t she stay?” Poppy asked, her voice raised in a whine. “Please.”

Before Ben or Rebecca had a chance to respond, a drunken Kate spotted her old friend and let out an excited squeal. “OMIGOD! BECCY! YOU’RE BACK!”

Kate rushed over, throwing her arms around Rebecca. “I love you, and I’ve missed you sooo much!” she exclaimed, her words slurring. Without waiting for a reply, Kate grabbed Rebecca’s hand and began dragging her towards the dance floor with Oliver and Poppy in close pursuit.

Rebecca looked back at Ben, a smirk playing on her lips. “Looks like I’m staying,” she said, her voice filled with defiance.

As she was pulled into the swirl of dancing bodies, Rebecca felt a surge of triumph. Kate, laughing and carefree, spun her around, and for a moment, Rebecca allowed herself to get lost in the music and the joy of their old friendship. Ben stood by the bar, watching with a mixture of frustration and resignation as Rebecca danced away, reclaiming another piece of her old life.

“Who’s that?” Emma asked, appearing at Ben’s side as she went to order another Shiraz.

“Bad news,” Ben replied and squeezed Emma’s hand before walking away.

I wanna be the only one to hold you
Protect you from the rain
I wanna be the only one to soothe you
Erase all the pain
I wanna be the only one to love you, love you, over again
I wanna be the only one, the only one, the only one I am

-:-

Julia sat at a small table with James and Mark, sipping her champagne, the bubbles tickling her throat as she scanned the lively crowd. She had asked for Carol’s best champagne, but what she had been given was a mediocre prosecco at best. Julia’s eyes again landed on Emma, who was standing alone at the bar. Emma’s gaze was fixed intently on Nick, Julia’s son, as he danced with Jasmine and Lee; his inhibitions loosened after a few drinks.

There was a longing in Emma’s eyes that caused Julia to bristle, and her eye twitched.

“You okay?” James inquired, feeling the sudden tension emanating from his wife as he placed a comforting hand on her thigh.

“Fine,” Julia lied with a painted-on smile. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

-:-

Marion sat at a table with Ed, Jack, Brian, and Pamela, but as the lively conversation flowed around her, Marion struggled to focus. She had noticed Ed check his phone a few times, and she couldn’t shake the niggling feeling that something was wrong.

Marion heard a vibration and watched on as Ed withdrew his phone from his pocket, the screen alight with what appeared to be a WhatsApp message. Ed glanced at it briefly, then pressed the side button, returning the phone screen to black, before slipping the device back into his pocket without a word.

A knot of suspicion tightened in Marion’s stomach. She couldn’t see who the message was from or any of its contents, but by the way Ed dismissed it so quickly, alarm bells began ringing. Marion forced a smile as she joined in the laughter and chatter, but her mind was now elsewhere, wondering who had been messaging her husband all night.

Tell me why
Ain’t nothin’ but a heartache
Tell me why
Ain’t nothing but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

-:-

In a secluded corner of the pub, hidden behind a moving ocean of tipsy dancers, Lee slipped a banknote into Rebecca’s hand as she provided him with a small baggie of white powder.

-:-

Ben stood at the urinal in the men’s toilets, focusing on the tiled wall in front of him. The muffled thump of the music from the party outside filtered through the door, creating a rhythmic backdrop. He was almost finished when Lee burst in, a grin plastered across his face.

“Hey!” Lee greeted, his voice too loud for the confined space. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small baggie of white powder he had just received from Rebecca. “Fancy a little pick-me-up? The music’s too good not to partake.”

Ben zipped up his jeans and turned to wash his hands, eyeing the baggie with clear disapproval. “No thanks. Not my thing.”

Lee shrugged, undeterred. “Your loss, handsome,” he said with a wink before quickly taking a snort. He wiped his nose, the grin never leaving his face.

“There’s kids here!” Ben shook his head as he dried his hands. “Look after yourself, mate,” he muttered, pushing open the door and stepping into the corridor.

As he exited, Ben almost collided with his cousin, Tom, who was heading towards the restroom. “Whoa! Sorry, Tommy,” Ben said, steadying himself. He leant in, lowering his voice. “Just so you know, Lee’s in there snorting lines. Thought you might want to tell him to pull his head in.”

Tom’s expression shifted, and he nodded. “Thanks, mate. I’ll have a word with him,” he said, patting Ben on the shoulder before entering the toilets.

Ben walked away, the thumping music growing louder as he re-joined the party.

-:-

As the Backstreet Boys cover came to an end, the partygoers clapped enthusiastically. The vocalist took a sip of water as the beats to the Deep Blue Something hit, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”,  began. The night was drawing on, and Audrey and Queenie, both now a few sherries past tiddly, slumped back in their seats and watched the party with bleary eyes.

Ninety-two-year-old Audrey rolled her head to Queenie and looked at her lifelong friend adoringly. “I love you, Queenie Baxter,” she said, her speech slurred and her false teeth slightly dislodged.

Queenie’s lips pursed, and she frowned back at Audrey, unable to focus her eyes. “You gone queer in old age or somethin’?”

Audrey roared with laughter and slapped Queenie’s hand as she sat up in her chair. “Don’t be daft, you silly old cow. You’re my best mate. Over eighty years, we’ve been best mates. Eighty. Years! We’ve seen it all, you and me.”

“Tha’ we ‘ave.” Queenie nodded.

Inebriated tears swelled in Audrey’s eyes. “You’re the bestest best mate a girl could ever ask for, Queenie, and I love you like a sister.”

For a moment, Queenie let the heartfelt words settle over her. She felt the same way. For their whole lives, they had each other’s backs, supported each other through life, love, loss, and tragedy, and Queenie loved Audrey more than a sister. They were more soul mates. “You’re pissed,” Queenie said, never one for sentimentality.

“A bit tiddly.” Audrey closed an eye and held up a hand, her index finger and thumb millimetres apart.

“Makes two of us then,” Queenie smirked, resting a kind hand atop Audrey’s. “Come on, old duck, let’s get us both ‘ome.”

And I said, “What about Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”
She said, “I think I remember that film
And as I recall, I think we both kinda liked it”
And I said, “Well, that’s the one thing we’ve got.”

-:-

Ben found a seat next to Emma and birthday girl Kate, who was clearly feeling the effects of the evening’s drinks.

Kate giggled, her eyes scanning the room. “Where have all the men gone?” she slurred, struggling to focus. “Feels like it’s just the girls and the gays now… oh, and you, Benny.”

Emma laughed lightly, her arm draped over the back of Kate’s chair. “Probably hiding from our dance moves,” she joked, but a flicker of concern crossed her face as she realised Tom was nowhere to be seen.

Kate’s gaze sharpened slightly as she looked around again. “Hey, where’s my my ‘usband? I haven’t seen him in a while.”

“He was in the toilet; last I saw,” Ben replied.

Before Kate could probe further, Rebecca and Jasmine appeared, cackling heartily, sweaty from dancing, and giddy from one too many drinks. Ben glared at Rebecca, whose smile dropped as she returned the favour in kind.

“Come on, birthday girl!” a tipsy Jasmine exclaimed, grabbing Kate’s hand and tugging at her arm. “We need you on the dance floor!”

Kate let out a playful groan but allowed herself to be dragged away, leaving Ben and Emma alone at the table. The music pulsed louder as the trio disappeared into the crowd.

Emma turned to Ben, her expression growing serious. “Everything okay? You seem… off.”

Ben shrugged as he watched Rebecca for a moment with a narrow glare before looking back to Emma and letting out a deep sigh. He leant in, lowering his voice. “I saw Lee in the toilets earlier. He was doing coke.” Although he had no proof, Ben also had his suspicions that his soon-to-be ex-wife had been the one to supply Lee with the drugs.

Emma’s eyes widened, her hand instinctively covering her mouth. “Oh my God, does Jack know?”

Ben glanced across the room to where Jack was chatting animatedly with Marion, oblivious to his husband’s activities. “I don’t think so,” he said quietly. “I don’t think he has any idea what’s going on with Lee.”

-:-

The warm glow of The Oak & Vine’s interior lighting spilt out onto Queen Victoria Street, casting a soft light on the pavement. Mark and Ashwin leant against the brick wall of the building, taking deep drags from their cigarettes as they enjoyed the cool breeze of the summer night. The door opened, and Nick emerged from the pub.

“Nicky boy!” Mark greeted his nephew through marriage with a slightly intoxicated slap on the back and exhaled a cloud of smoke into the air. “So, mate, how’s it feel to be engaged?”

A wide, tipsy grin was moved across Nick’s face. “Bloody fantastic, lads,” he exclaimed, sucking in some fresh air to stop his head spinning. “Jaz is just perfect. She’s something else, you know?”

Ashwin nodded. “She’s a keeper, that’s for sure. You’re a lucky man, Nick.”

Mark took another drag of his cigarette, enjoying his night of freedom as Charlotte had forbidden him from smoking while they were trying to conceive. “When’s the big day?”

“Oh, not for a while yet. But we’re having an engagement party in a few weeks at mum and dad’s. You boys better be there. It’s gonna be one hell of a bash.”

Mark and Ashwin exchanged a knowing glance before nodding in agreement.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Ashwin said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Here’s to love and all that comes with it.” The words hurt, a reminder of his own struggles as Neha fell into an alcohol-filled abyss.

-:-

Show me love, show me life
Baby show me what it’s all about
You’re the one that I ever needed
Show me love and what it’s all about, alright

As the night grew late, the atmosphere inside the pub buzzed with energy. Rebecca, her laughter a touch too loud after going hard and fast on the drinks to make up for lost time, danced with abandon as her head bobbed and her arms flailed, drawing glances and murmurs from around the room. She didn’t care. She loved Robyn, and “Show Me Love” was “an absolute fuckin’ banger.”.

Ben, irritated by his ex’s inebriated display, watched with a mixture of disappointment and embarrassment. He had seen enough. He said goodbye to everyone that mattered, gathered Oliver and Poppy’s things, slung the small backpack over his shoulder, and headed towards Kate and Rebecca on the dancefloor, his tired twins in tow.

“I’m taking the kids home,” Ben muttered to Kate, his gaze fixed on Rebecca’s antics. “Did you want me to take yours for a sleepover?”

Kate tried to focus and looked around the pub. Ava, her eldest, seemed to be having a good time chatting to Emma. Meanwhile, Noah was fast asleep on a bench seat, and Harry sat beside him, his eyelids drooping. “Oh, that would be lush,” Kate said, rubbing Ben’s arm in thanks. “Ava’s fine, but the boys need bed. Thanks, Benny.” She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, a friendly expression of her appreciation, while Rebecca kissed the twins goodbye.

Ben fired off one last disapproving look in Rebecca’s direction before taking his leave.

-:-

Neha, her movements wobbly from too many drinks, steadied herself against the bar as her eyes scanned the crowded pub. They landed on him, and their gazes locked. From across the bar, he raised a glass, his wedding band glinting in the light, and a knowing look passed between them.

With a coy smile, Neha made a slight motion with her head and started to move towards the female toilets. Her heart pounded with a mix of excitement and recklessness. Moments later, he casually followed, slipping away unnoticed and weaving through the crowd with ease.

-:-

Marion approached the table where Emma sat with Ava, who were engrossed in conversation. Her brow was furrowed with concern. “Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Ed? I can’t seem to find him anywhere.”

Emma paused, scanning the crowd with a frown.

“I think I saw him go outside, but I’m not really sure,” Ava replied with a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Marion offered a grateful smile at the teenager. “Thanks, Ava. I’ll go check and see if I can find him.”

-:-

Pamela watched Rebecca like a hawk as the woman who had caused her son so much hurt and heartbreak partied without a care in the world. When Rebecca took a brief respite from dancing to order another libation, Pamela saw her chance. She excused herself from Julia’s company and sidled up to her former daughter-in-law at the bar. “Rebecca, I need to talk to you,” she said, her voice low and her expression grave.

Rebecca, leaning on the bar, ignored her former mother-in-law’s presence. There was little love lost between the two.

“You need to leave Ben alone, and you need to leave Glendale. It’s for the best for everyone.”

Rebecca’s lips curled into a smug grin. “Sorry to disappoint you, Pammy,” she said, her tone dripping with satisfaction as she used the name that she knew Pamela hated more than anything, “but that’s not going to happen. In fact, I have some news for you and Benny Boy. My offer to buy Starling Cottage was accepted today. So I’ll be moving back home. Don’t worry, I won’t bother inviting you to the homecoming party.”

Pamela frowned, and her mouth dropped slightly. Rebecca hated life in Glendale and had left at the earliest opportunity. It didn’t make sense that now, with her divorce from Ben about to settle, she suddenly felt the urge to move back to the village she so despised. Pamela’s heart sank. She knew what this would do to Ben. “You can’t be serious!”

Rebecca’s grin widened as she savoured the look of shock on Pamela’s face. “Oh, I’m deadly serious, Pammy. Looks like I’ll be sticking around in Glendale for quite some time.”

-:-

As Marion stepped out of The Oak & Vine, the pleasant summer night air embraced her, offering a moment of peace from the chaos of the party. Her gaze swept across the village green, and there, illuminated by the soft glow of the Victorian streetlights, stood her husband Ed, engrossed in conversation on his phone.

Marion watched as he paced back and forth, laughter dancing in the air around him and his hand running over his bald head in a gesture of delight. It was too late for a business call, and from the way Ed was talking, he was very familiar with the person on the other end. Marion’s stare narrowed, and, after Ed’s evasiveness earlier in the night around his phone, a flicker of suspicion once again crept into her heart.

-:-

In a cubicle of the female toilets, hidden away from the distant echoes of laughter and the thumping beat of T-Shirt’s “You Sexy Thing” behind a locked door, Neha’s breath caught in her throat as he nibbled and kissed her neck. The encounter, although destined to be brief, was a heady mix of alcohol, passion, lust, and guilt. When his eyes had met hers, in that moment, they both recognised that there was no turning back. Neha knew she wanted him and that he was willing to give himself, all of him, to her.

Willingly pinned against the cubicle wall, Neha dragged the tips of her nails down the back of his shirt with force. She was breathless, her head spinning from the alcohol and fuelled with the burning passion that she wanted him. Would anyone suspect? Would Ashwin realise she was missing? Did she even care? Neha expelled thoughts of her husband from her mind.

His soft hands rubbed roughly over Neha’s silky brown skin as he explored every inch of her. The dim light shimmered off his golden wedding band as his hands slipped over her thighs. Neha’s nerve endings fired a thousand volts of electricity through her body at his desperate touch. She moved her hands to his crouch and could feel his power. She wanted it. His lips met hers in a fervent, desperate kiss. Neha unbuckled his belt, unzipped his trousers, and slipped a hand inside his underwear. She could feel the heat of his body and the aching of desire pulsing in her hand. He tugged on his trousers and underwear, allowing them to slide to his knees. Neha kissed him harder, her tongue telling him that she was ready as she hoisted up her dress. Neha trembled with excitement and anticipation. With a powerful grip, he lifted her and held her up against the cubicle wall. Neha wrapped her legs around his waist for support. He kissed her again and looked into her rich brown eyes. Neha urged him on. With another lustful kiss, they crossed the line. The act was fervent and urgent. Neha groaned with pleasure and kissed him passionately.

Hey, reach the top, don’t stop or drop baby
Rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub, crazy
And show your stuff, be tough enough, baby
Don’t stop
Free your mind so blind be kind baby
Rub-a-dub, rub-a-dub, crazy
Cause I believe in miracles
Chk-Chk ah!
I believe in miracles
Do ya? Do ya? Do ya?
Where you from
You sexy thing, you
You sexy thing
You sexy thing, you

NEXT TIME…

• Julia tries to beat Natalie at her own game.
• Emma struggles with the secret of Tom’s affair.
• Neha’s life continues to spiral out of control.
• James crosses the point of no return.