Tom:

We need to get thee invoices sent out pronto, Becks, but a few of ‘em  will need a phone call.

Becky:

What’s that got to do with me?

Tom:

Well you’re better on the phone than I am, especially when it comes to getting the money in.

Becky:

Oh really? What you mean is you want me to soft soap some of the buggers.

Tom:

Nooo. No, just use your feminine charm.

Becky:

You’ve got a bloody nerve Tom! You weren’t so keen last week when I was having a laugh with Will and he doesn’t owe a bloody penny…

Tom:

That were different and you know it!

Becky:

No Tom. God sometimes you’re such a bloody dinosaur. I will make the phone calls because I know damn well that if you get on the phone demanding money … well that’ll be next year’s holiday scuppered as well as this one! Bloody Coronavirus. Bloody 2020!

Tom:

Becks … Becks don’t get upset. It’s only a few phone calls!

Becky:

I’m not upset! Don’t touch me! Well yes I am upset but it’s not just wi you. I don’t know which way is up. You’re so matter of fact, about everything and I’m tryin’ to keep a lid on everything you know Tom but in fact I’m scared to death about everything. Me mum, your Mum and Dad, the kids and this home schooling malarkey, the business, you…..

Tom:

Jesus, Becky. You think I’m not? I’m scared shitless ninety percent of the time and no, I try not to show it because that’s who I am but if you don’t get your treatment sorted on time, my world will literally end.

Becky:

No mine will. You have to carry on.

Tom:

Jesus Becky, don’t say stuff like that! You’re the anchor for this family. For all of us. We all rely on you. I’m sorry I know I was bloody stupid about Dave.

Becky:

Yeah you were. I don’t know why you act like that but I’m sick of it and I’m sick o wearing me pants over me tights

Tom:

Because I bloody love you and I’m scared of losing you, Becky. Can’t you even see that?

Becky:

Well you need to grow a pair Tom because nothing lasts forever. Oh I’m not going anywhere if I can help it. I do actually love you and all this but I can’t be everything to everybody and then you ask me to pretend to be 19 and flirt with the customers? I’m knackered Tom. Get a bloody 19 year old in who needs a job!

Tom:

Christ, Becky, I only … No  you’re right … but they’ll need training and all that.

Becky:

Yeah but there must be loads of people who are over-qualified and desperate for a job. I’ll train em and then if I have to stop working completely … What about Aimee, Jim’s lass? She’s been laid off from hospitality and according to her mother the hotel can’t manage without her, at least that’s her take on it! Give Jim a bell or put an ad online.

Tom:

Yeah, yeah. I’ll give it some thought.

Becky:

No Tom. Today. We need to sort this. I’m not having it rattling around in your head for a month and then dismissed. I’ll make these calls, type up an advert and you can send an email to Jim with a heads up for Aimee. Then I’m going to put the dinner on. Cauliflower Cheese. Deal?

Tom:

Mmmm. I’d rather have Coq au Vin…

Becky:

In yer dreams Casanova! Go on then. Invoices? Keep us afloat.

Tom:

They’ll need to ba able to cope wi…

Becky:

Tom shurrup. Day-dreaming won’t pay the bills. I’ll give you a shout when I’m going to the house. OK?

Tom:

Yeah , yeah babe. Invoices. Advert. Wanted … Secretary … Office Manager … no, no,  er, make it a bit more attractive … but not big money … oh bugger it. Becky….! Becky!

Joan

 

---

Make sure …

M:       I don’t know why you’re being so melodramatic.

D:       Well Marcy it’s a simple choice.  Either you stay in Manchester with your mother and swan around on the buses with your friends, or you keep yourself isolated for a week or two so you can come and stay with me.

M:       No dad it’s not that simple.  I really want to come and stay with you and Bruce and all the cats and the others in the family but I can’t stay in all day everyday.

D:       OH yes it is … Please google COPD and then you’d understand why all of us down here are self isolating.

M:       I already have.  I bet you haven’t given up smoking so why should I worry about giving you Covid you’re killing yourself anyway.

D:       I think you would regret it if I died Marcy and that’s what it boils down to.

M:       I hate you when you are so logical!  How can I win?  I really can’t stay at home all day though.

D:       I know it’s boring being in all the time, we’re finding it tough too.

M:       But there’s more of you.  I’m the only one that’s spoiling mum’s fun.

D:       Hold on what do you mean?

M:       Mum wants to go out but I’m too young to leave home alone especially at night.  So she’s always getting at me.  When she’s home I always seem to be under her feet although I try to stay in my room. She tells me I’m a waste of space that she’s sick of the sight of me.  She even asked grandma if I could go and stay with her.

D:       The bitch!!  She always was vindictive when she didn’t get her own way but I never thought she’d take things out on you.  Is it really that bad?

M:       Oh daddy I’ve been trying not to tell you because I knew you’d be upset but my life is very grim.  I go out just to get away from her.

D:       Right get your stuff together, all your schoolwork too, I’ll be up at … it’s a couple of hours drive, 10.20 now so I’ll be up by lunchtime.  We’ll have to work out how we deal with Covid, but that’s only a maybe while what you are going through is a definite.  Make sure you have a mask to wear in the car love.