Winners and Losers by Linda Sole Page A

drinks . . .’
    Tiddy was at the bar. He grinned as Connor came up to him.
    â€˜You were all right, mate. What is she like? Bet she don’t go outside with you later.’
    â€˜I shan’t ask. I like her. She isn’t the sort you take outside for a quickie against the wall.’
    â€˜Getting serious, is it?’ Tiddy leered at him. ‘Wait until she finds out there’s no money. You’ve got no chance. I’m after Jenny Briggs tonight.’ He patted his back pocket. ‘I came prepared. I ain’t going to get caught out. I ain’t ready to get married just yet.’
    â€˜No, well, you please yourself, but I’d rather wait for the right girl.’
    He bought two glasses of lemonade and a beer for Tiddy and then walked back to Sarah. Phyllis had brought her partner over and Ann had accepted an offer for the next dance.
    â€˜Shall we go over to the window and get some air?’ Connor asked. Sarah looked startled and he grinned. ‘I’m not asking you to go outside. I like you, Sarah. If I wanted something like that, I’d know who to ask . . .’
    â€˜Oh!’ Her cheeks went pink. ‘Thanks. I suppose you think I’m a bit old-fashioned?’
    â€˜As a matter of fact I prefer girls like you. I want a girl who thinks something of herself.’ He hesitated. ‘I don’t suppose you would come to the flicks with me one day this week?’
    â€˜Oh . . . I’m not sure . . . Yes, all right, there is a film I want to see. You might not like it – it’s Judy Garland.’
    â€˜I don’t mind what I see if it is with you,’ Connor said and Sarah went pink. ‘Shall we say Friday? I’ll meet you outside at a quarter to seven.’
    â€˜Yes, all right.’ Sarah smiled shyly. ‘It’s the first time I’ve been to the pictures with a man. I usually go with my friends . . .’ She blushed again. ‘You must think I’m silly. I bet you take girls out all the time.’
    â€˜I’ve been out with one or two,’ Connor admitted. ‘But not many – and none of them were as pretty as you, Sarah.’
    â€˜Hey, Connor!’ He turned his head as the band member came up to him. ‘I wanted to ask you a favour . . .’
    â€˜I’m not coming up again tonight,’ Connor said. ‘I’m with someone.’
    â€˜We’re doing a gig next Thursday night in Cambridge and our lead singer is going to be away on holiday. Would you stand in for him? We would pay you, of course – five pounds.’
    â€˜I’m not sure,’ Connor frowned. ‘I haven’t done all your stuff. I might not be any good.’
    â€˜You could learn. You could practise with us this weekend if you like.’
    â€˜I’m not sure. No, I don’t think so. I’m a bit busy.’
    â€˜If you change your mind, give me a buzz.’ Terry thrust a crumpled-looking card into his hand. ‘You’ve got a good voice and you could be a big asset to the band.’
    Connor shoved the card into his pocket. ‘Thanks. I’ll think about it and let you know.’
    Sarah looked up at him as Terry moved away. ‘Why didn’t you say yes? I think Rock ’n’ Roll groups can earn a lot of money.’
    â€˜If they hit the big time,’ Connor said. ‘The Bad Boys are just a local group. I doubt if they get paid much. You heard what he offered.’
    â€˜Five pounds isn’t bad for one night’s work,’ Sarah said. ‘You never know where it would lead.’
    Connor wasn’t going to say so, but the money had been a big temptation. If he’d been on his own when Terry offered, he might just have accepted, but he wasn’t sure he had the time. When Dan got back they would start harvesting and he would probably be asked to help out at neighbouring farms – especially