Starlight on the Palace Pier: The very best kind of romance for the Christmas season in 2018. Tracy Corbett

en suite facilities and separate living areas. It was situated in a prime location on the seafront. And although there were still two rooms unfurnished, the place was normally full, even during the winter months. ‘But without extra rooms, you won’t be able to expand if demand picks up.’

      ‘The Carpenter’s Room and the Floral Suite are available.’

      ‘Which are both single rooms. You need at least another double.’ Becca filled the kettle, trying to be useful. ‘What’s going on? Is there something wrong?’

      ‘There’s nothing wrong.’ Her mum was a terrible liar.

      She tried again. ‘Are you having money problems? Is that it?’

      Her mum turned to face her. ‘I’m fine, sweetheart. Really. There’s nothing for you to worry about.’

      Becca recognised the expression on her mum’s face; it was the one she wore herself when trying to convince the world she was okay about her dance career being over. A brave façade concealing the pain lying beneath. Well, she wasn’t fine. And neither, it seemed, was her mother.

      But further delving would have to wait, as her cousin appeared in the kitchen. Becca rushed over and threw her arms around her. ‘It’s so good to see you!’

      Jodi hugged her back, and then pulled away. ‘What the boggin’ hell have you done to your hair?’

      Becca grinned. ‘Like it?’

      Her cousin studied Becca’s blue-tipped hair tied into high bunches. ‘On anyone else it would look bonkers. On you it looks ridiculously cool…even if you do resemble a Smurf.’

      Becca laughed. ‘Talking of hair.’ She fluffed up Jodi’s mass of black curls. ‘What happened to the cornrows?’

      ‘Too high-maintenance. I decided it was time to embrace the ’fro.’

      ‘I like it. It’s bang on trend.’

      Jodi laughed. ‘Listen to you, Gok Wan.’

      ‘When you’re stuck working in a newsagent’s booth at Waterloo station all day there’s not much else to do other than flick through magazines. The natural look is in, you’ll be pleased to know.’

      Jodi laughed. ‘Yippee, fashionable, at last.’

      Becca slipped her arm through Jodi’s. ‘I hope you don’t have plans tonight, because we have some serious catching up to do. You up for a night on the town?’

      Jodi raised an eyebrow. ‘Does the Pope wear a silly hat?’

      Becca laughed. ‘Excellent. I was thinking the Gin Tub. They have a tasting event.’

      ‘Sounds suitably inebriating. I could do with getting obliterated.’

      Becca gave her a questioning look. ‘Didn’t the interview go well?’ She knew her cousin’s efforts to find a job were proving hard work.

      ‘Actually, it went okay. But it’s only a temporary position. I should hear tomorrow.’

      They were interrupted by a screech. Maude had appeared and leapt into the air when the steam from the oven startled her.

      Jodi intercepted and grabbed the cat, dangling her in front of Becca. ‘Fancy a cuddle?’ she said, enjoying an opportunity to tease her cousin.

      Becca backed away. ‘No, thanks.’

      ‘She’s just being friendly.’ Jodi stroked the cat’s orange fur.

      ‘I’m serious, Jodi. Don’t you dare let her go. She’s out to get me.’

      Jodi looked down at Maude. ‘Is Becca being a tinsy-winsy bit paranoid?’

      When Jodi pretended to throw the cat, Becca ran over and hid behind her mum. ‘Mum, tell her!’

      ‘I’m not getting involved,’ her mum said, laughing. ‘Honestly, it’s like having a pair of teenagers in the house again. Give Maude to me,’ she said, taking the cat. ‘Now, will you troublemakers be wanting dinner later?’

      ‘No thanks. We’ll grab something when we’re out.’ And then Becca had a thought. ‘You’re welcome to join us, if you want?’

      Her cousin did a double-take.

      ‘That’s sweet of you, but Maude and I are happy staying in and watching Corrie. Aren’t we, Maude?’ The cat hissed. ‘Manners, young lady. Come on, let’s put you outside so I can finish lunch… And don’t forget your key,’ her mum called back from the doorway. ‘I won’t be happy if I have to get up in the early hours to let you girls in like last time… And don’t drink too much.’

      Becca winked at Jodi. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be good.’

      ‘Well, that’ll be a first,’ her mum shouted from outside.

      Jodi raised an eyebrow and followed Becca upstairs. ‘What was that all about?’

      ‘How do you mean?’

      ‘Inviting your mum to join us? You’ve never done that before.’

      Becca shrugged. ‘I thought maybe she needed cheering up.’

      Jodi stopped walking. ‘Why? Has something happened?’

      ‘I was hoping you’d tell me. She seems a little…off. You know, sad. She looks tired and she’s lost weight. She says she’s fine, but I think she’s hiding something.’

      ‘I hadn’t noticed.’ Jodi looked stricken. ‘I’m a terrible niece.’

      ‘No, you’re not. And it’s always easier to spot something when you’re not around all the time.’ Becca followed her cousin into The Beach Room. The turquoise room was huge and sea-facing, with white shutters and a large ceiling fan to keep it cool during the height of summer.

      Becca kicked off her boots and opened the double-slated doors leading to the built-in wardrobe. ‘What do you fancy for tonight, bohemian chic, or racy reggae?’

      Jodi sat on the bed and unlaced her Converse trainers. ‘Don’t care. Nothing too revealing. Last time I spent half the night with my boob hanging out and not realising until the barman handed me a bulldog clip.’

      Becca laughed. ‘I’d forgotten about that.’ She flicked through Jodi’s meagre collection of clothes. Mostly jeans, a few summer dresses, some nice items from the local boutiques in Brighton that her mum had bought her for various Christmases and birthdays. And then something caught her attention. She pulled out an orange tunic emblazoned with the words Pho-King Good on the front and laughed. ‘Why on earth have you still got this?’

      Jodi didn’t reply, but her cheeks flushed.

      Becca immediately stopped laughing. ‘Oh, God, you’re still working there, aren’t you? I’m sorry, I didn’t realise. Why didn’t you tell me?’

      ‘Because it’s embarrassing?’ Her cousin looked mortified. ‘It’s not great as jobs go, but Mr Pho trusts me and I’m earning money, even if it’s minimum wage. It’s better than being unemployed.’

      Becca went over and squeezed her hand. ‘It’s so unfair that no one will give you a job. You have so much to offer.’

      Jodi shrugged. ‘That’s the way it is. You know the worst part?’

      Becca shook her head.

      ‘When the judge sentenced me to six weeks in prison, I didn’t think it was such a big deal. I’ll do my time and make amends, I thought.’ Tears appeared in her eyes. ‘When I was released, my probation officer told me I’d been given a second chance. I’d paid my debt to society and it was up to me whether I continued with a life of crime, or resisted reoffending and turned things around.’

      ‘And you have, Jodi.’

      ‘As far as everyone else is concerned,