For those of you who knew about this one and offered ideas (CK, MsE, JG) sorry it took so long (erm� over six months *blush*) to get finished � life kept getting in the way!
Set before things started to go wrong�.
* * *
June was curled up on the sofa dozing, Toto a warm presence on her lap purring contentedly.
Brrrrrrrrrring
June jolted awake and rubbed her eyes. The doorbell.
"Sorry mate," she said as she gently lifted a protesting Toto from her lap, lovingly placing him on the sofa next to where she had been sat. She tickled his ears before leaving the room.
Padding barefoot through to the hall she could see the outline of a tall brunette through the frosted glass. She pulled the door open quickly and smiled as she took in the tall women standing in front of her.
"Alison," she smiled as the woman stepped forward and threw her arms around her, "I didn't realise what time it was, think I fell asleep. You were meant to ring me from the station anyway. I was supposed to come and pick you up."
"Yeah I know, but I managed to get an earlier train than I set out for. Well one that was running late but left before the one I was meant to catch. When I came out of the station there was a taxi there so I jumped in it and here I am. It's so good to see you again."
June embraced her tightly and kissed her cheek.
"It's been too long Ali," she smiled. "We've got a lot of catching up to do. Get in before you catch a cold."
Alison bent down to pick up the weekend bag that was at her feet. June laughed. "Some things never change � and you Ali will never learn to travel lightly."
Alison blushed, "You know me too well. But in my defence there are all sorts of pressies and goodies in there for you. Photos of the kids, you name it� oh and of course a couple of bottles of wine for a good old girlie night in!"
"Stick your coat up there," June replied gesturing to the coat rack in the corner, "I'll go and get some wine glasses. We can dial out for a take away later."
Closing the door behind her, Alison dropped her bag down onto the floor and shrugged off her jacket. Hanging it up on a vacant hook she bent down to remove her shoes from her tired feet.
"Erm, June�" she shouted.
"Yeah."
"Come here a tick."
"What is it?" June said wandering through, a wineglass in each hand and a large bag of crisps under her arm.
"I think you've got some explaining to do," Alison smiled gesturing at the shoes on the floor by the door. "Now unless your feet have suddenly grown, I'd say someone's got herself a man and not told me about it."
June blushed and looked down at the floor.
"June?" Alison prompted.
June smiled. "Can I deny it from that evidence?"
"So do tell. You're still a dark horse after all these years."
"Come on through," June replied, "Get comfy � it's a long story."
***
June dumped the wineglasses and crisps on the coffee table.
"Sorry Toto," she said as she picked him up and moved him to a chair, "We need the sofa more than you do� Ali? Where are you?"
"Coming�"
Alison finally appeared in the doorway with the wine. She blushed as she waved it at June. "Erm, I couldn't quite find it amongst all of my stuff."
"Oops." June laughed. "Come on take a seat."
"Thank God for screw cap bottles," Alison commented, opening the wine and pouring a generous amount into each glass before passing one over to June. She sat down on the sofa next to June and curled her legs up under her, imitating June's position like a bookend.
"Toto doesn't look too happy," she commented.
"Nah, he'll be fine, I've just uprooted him from the sofa. He'll be over here nosing soon enough, wanting to know who you are."
Alison sipped at her wine. "I like this place June," she commented, "It's so light and airy. Just like I'd imagined from how you'd described it."
"Yeah. You haven't seen it since just after I moved in, have you? It was a lot of work but I'm really happy here. Been here, what? About 7 years now� since the fire�" she trailed off.
"Yep I guess it would be. Seven years eh? I'm not leaving it so long before I come down again. It seems like forever. I mean I know you've been up to see us a few times, but I really miss London and need to come back every now and then. I'm sorry I couldn't stay with you longer back then but what with the kids and everything�"
"Hey I know you had commitments," June interrupted. "But seeing you for even those few days helped me out. It was a bad time I admit, but I got through it, like I always do. You were always at the end of the phone line for me."
"But I wasn't here in person was I?"
"You live at the other end of the country. You've got a family, commitments. I could have made the effort to come and see you. Anyway you�re here now."
"I sure am," Alison smiled. "And you've got a lot of explaining to do."
June laughed and sipped at her wine.
"So how long have you known him?" Alison prompted.
June blushed and smiled.
"What? Don't tell me you met him last week and moved him straight in?"
"Not exactly� I've known him a while� going on for 20 years or so."
Alison spluttered on her mouthful of wine.
"Twenty years or so?" she questioned.
"Yeah, give or take," June smiled. "Since his first day on the beat. I puppy walked him and he's been a really good friend ever since."
"But twenty years? You guys don't rush do you? So what's his name and do I know him?"
"You probably know of him, Jim Carver, was a PC for a few years, then ended up in CID, then a PC again when his tenure came up. Works with me in CSU now. I'm sure I've mentioned him."
"Yeah, the name sounds familiar. I sometimes wish I was still in the job but I'd never have coped with doing that and running the house and dealing with the kids."
"You wouldn't swap Mike and the kids for the job though would you? You'd be crazy to do so."
"I wouldn't swap the girls for anything. Sometimes I just wonder what would have happened to me, and what the other girls from Hendon are up to now."
"Yeah, I hear from one or two of them occasionally, like you do. Most have got families by now, some are still in the job."
Alison topped up her glass and waved the bottle at June, who held out her glass.
"So how long have you two been together then?"
"Well not twenty years," June laughed as she sipped her wine, "Since July I think, but it'd been in the air since around the time of the riots and the fire back in April. Things were up in the air for a while but it was about July before we got our acts together. You know me, I never commit myself to anything before thinking things through."
Alison laughed. "So not long then really? But I have to say this June, you are looking fabulous. Love certainly does you good. You look so happy and relaxed and you've got that twinkle back in your eye. It was missing last time I saw you."
June blushed.
"You got him moved in pretty quickly then?" Alison giggled.
"Yeah I guess so, he brought his stuff over about a month or after we got together properly though he'd have moved in from day one. Was over here enough that he might as well have been," she laughed, "It was so odd when I think back, took us so long to get together, then he moved in almost straight away. No one at the station knew about it until fairly recently. Well apart from one person�" she trailed off.
"Ooh you are dark horse! Still at least you had a confidant down here."
"Erm, not exactly," June sighed, "Tony kinda well caught us in act almost, well after the act really. Came round, I answered the door in my dressing gown just as Jim came down the stairs in his."
"Oops," Alison laughed, "What a way to come out of the cupboard, so to speak. "
"Yeah, then of course we had to get him to keep quiet, didn't want him announcing it, and given that him and Jim had recently fallen out it wasn't easy. But you've not heard the best yet," June said. "About how the rest of the station found out. That's another story entirely."
"Well I'm not going anywhere. Dish the dirt."
June sipped her wine. "Jim had wanted to tell everyone from the start but I was really cagey about it all � what with me being a sergeant, him a PC and after all my past disastrous relationships I guess, well I know, I was afraid to commit. Things got a bit dodgy between us; I actually denied the relationship to Tony in front of Jim, which really upset him. In the end I was afraid I might lose him. We'd had a bad day at work, I'd told Jim off a couple of times and in the evening there was a party � a couple of officers from the relief were getting engaged. Anyway, as the night progressed Tony kept pressing me, telling me if I loved Jim I'd tell the world� even tried to make a move on me."
"What?"
"Yeah, he was really drunk. Anyway that spurred me on even more. I found Jim apologised to him, next thing I know I'm dragging him onto the dance floor and kissing him in front of the entire station."
"June Ackland!" Alison gasped.
"I know, I could hardly believe it myself. Of course lucky Jim had the next day off work so I had to face all the sniggering and laughing behind my back. The worst bit was when I walked into the canteen and it fell silent apart from some laughter. I'd had enough, told them me and Jim were together and they should all grow up."
"He's certainly made you feistier."
"I dunno what was going on that day. But you've not heard the best, you know the new inspector, Gina Gold? The one who replaced Andrew after he died, well her and me, we've never really got on, and we�re complete opposites I guess. Anyway, she'd been making snide comments about me looking tired. So when she asked where Jim was, I told her he was all shagged out. The entire canteen heard and fell silent. Then I asked her how her own love life was, before stomping out." June blushed.
"Oh dear, are you sure you're the same person I know and love. Quiet June, keeps herself to herself, has no luck with men?"
"Well I guess things change," June smiled. "More wine?" she said reaching over to the coffee table and topping up her own glass then Alison's.
"Anything else to tell me then? So what took you so long to get him to yourself? The fire was what - back in April? But you didn't end up getting together 'til July?"
"Another long story," she chuckled. "Jim and I have always been mates, worked together the whole time, I guess I've always had my eye on him but I never wanted a relationship with anyone in the job after last time."
"Understandable."
"Around the time of the riots things were pretty stressful and we started getting closer. Jim had been kidnapped and they'd threatened to kill him, then all the race trouble started off and Mr Conway was killed. Jim and I went to the funeral together and there. Mr Conway's mother thought we made a good couple. He looked so good in his suit that day; I fell for him totally but didn't do anything about it. Well I invited him back for coffee but he declined."
"Oh that old trick�" Alison mocked.
"Now now." June smiled. "The day of the fire I got myself in a bit of trouble, was paired up with Jim we got separated and I was taken hostage. Jim found me and was so worried cos I'd been knocked out. He beat the men to a pulp. Back at the station there was something in the air between us. We'd been dealing with a sweet little kid who'd been so nice to me, living in total poverty with his Nan. It was a pretty emotional day, lots of things up in the air. We were in the sergeants' office writing up the reports when the power went off. Instead of investigating what was going on we ended up kissing. If he hadn't made that move on me we'd both have been dead � caught up in the fire bomb."
"Oh my, I didn't realise you were that close to being killed."
"It didn't dawn on me 'til later. I was the one who had to tell all the families that they'd lost people. The bloody men left me to it. I pushed Jim away, couldn't deal with it. My emotions were all over the place."
"I wish I'd been there for you. I know from what you told me on the phone it was hard for you."
"Jim was always there for me but I couldn't take it in. I kept pushing him away and he kept coming back to me. I was awful to him at times. Anyway he kept pushing for a relationship, I kept pushing him away. I wanted him but couldn't admit it to myself let alone him. I even tried to stop him getting into CSU cos I didn't feel I could face being in an office with him all the time without my feelings getting the better of me. But in the end I screwed up, there was a woman who I thought was attention seeking but wasn't and Jim used that to blackmail me into getting him into CSU. Things got really bad between us for a while, then we starting getting friendly again."
"So what changed then?"
"Well we started getting on again and went out for a drink one night and suddenly he told me he loved me. I was shocked, flattered, you name it, but of course I hid it from him. I told him I couldn't have a relationship with him because he was in the job. Then they thought they'd won the lottery and he told me he'd quit for me. We ended up talking about things and I eventually agreed to give it a go as long as we kept it separate to work."
"So you gave in, in the end?"
"Yeah, I couldn't deny things any more. Anyway the next day we went to the pub, I'd tricked him and Tony to get them there and try to get them to make up. Jim turned up with a single red rose and my heart melted. Him and Tony argued, he was upset, we talked, he walked me home�."
"And�"
"And I invited him in, well took his hand and led him in." June looked at the floor and blushed.
Alison giggled. "What has happened to you? Dragging men into your house."
June smiled. "Well he didn't protest. The next day I sent him home with my keys and you pretty much know the rest."
"So he was that good then?"
"Erm, no comment," June blushed grinning widely. "Make what you want of that. Any more wine? This one's empty," she said waving the bottle.
Alison picked up another bottle from the floor beside her. "That went down well," she commented. "Uh oh, this one needs a corkscrew."
"Two secs," June said getting up. She wobbled, grabbing at the sofa arm to steady her self. "That's gone straight to my head."
She wandered through to the kitchen opening the drawer to reach for the corkscrew. Padding back to the lounge she heard the rustling of the crisp packet.
"I'd forgotten about them," June smiled, "Looks like you're enjoying them though."
June picked the bottle up off the coffee table and proceeded to open it, deftly pouring two glasses before curling up on the sofa once more.
"Hey I haven't eaten since before I left Manchester. Glad to see some things never change though."
"What do you mean?"
"You're still a lightweight where alcohol is concerned."
"True," June said. "Truth is I don't tend to drink much these days. Jim had a drink problem a few years ago. He doesn't mind me drinking in front of him but I don't tend to do it much, still makes me feel a bit uncomfortable."
"So when do I get to meet the man of the moment. I've heard so much about him I just have to meet him. Find out what it is about him that's made you sparkle so much."
"Well he's away tonight. Staying with some mates. Gone to watch the match and that. He really wants to meet you but said he'd give us some space to catch up first. He'll be back sometime tomorrow. I've been so excited since you told me you were coming down, never stopped talking about you. He feels like he knows you already I think but he still wants to meet you."
"Hope you've not told him anything bad about me?"
"Would I?"
"Probably." Alison laughed.
"Nah, there's nothing bad I could tell him is there? So enough about me what have you got to tell me? How's Mike and the kids?"
"The kids are great. Been asking about their Auntie June. They've sent you a pressie. It's in my bag. I'll get it for you later. Can't move right now," she smiled.
"And Mike?"
Alison grimaced and glanced over at June, "Things with Mike are a bit up and down, you know how relationships go."
June smiled sympathetically, "I sure do, and there was me going on about domestic bliss, sorry."
"You deserve domestic bliss after all this time." She gulped down the remainder of her wine and refilled both glasses.
"Anyone would think you were trying to get me drunk," June laughed.
Alison smiled sipping gently at her wine.
June looked over at her, noticing the glint in her friend's eye. She thought back to the days when drunken girlie nights were all too common occurrences, suddenly feeling very nostalgic. "I've missed this you know," she said softly. "You and me and a bottle of wine, or three. We used to have some fun didn't we?"
Alison nodded, "Yeah I've missed you too. Specially with me and Mike being a bit distant at the moment."
"How are things between you?"
"Not good. We just seem to be arguing all the time, over silly little things, can't agree on anything anymore. We're keeping a lid on it for the sake of the kids but to be honest I don't know how much more I can take. That's partly what urged me to come down here this particular weekend; I needed to put some space between us. And I know you're a great shoulder to cry on."
"Hey I'm here for you whenever, you know that."
"You've always been there for me June, whatever problems I've had in life. I can only hope I've been the same for you."
"You're my best friend Ali, remember what we said at Hendon, we'd always be there for each other, no matter what life threw at us. It's just that we live at opposite ends of the country now, thank god for telephones and emails. It goes some way to make up for not seeing each other regularly."
"It's odd to think back to our Hendon days, how things have changed. Me: married and unhappy and out of the job, you: a sergeant finally finding your man after all these years. Do you remember how we used to talk about the future, what it held for us? God how things have changed."
June leant forward and grabbed the wine bottle, pouring its contents into the glasses. "Oops another empty one," she laughed. "Do you have more or shall I go and see what I can find?"
"Erm I dunno how many I brought with me. Go see what you can find."
June stood up slowly. "Head rush," she said steadying herself on the doorframe as Alison watched her and laughed.
***
In the kitchen June opened the fridge and saw a cold bottle of Chardonnay lying on the shelf. She'd bought it 'specially that morning. She thought for a second before wandering over to one of the cupboards and opening it. Moving around the contents she found what she was looking for. "Gotcha," she muttered, grabbing at a dusty bottle of vodka which had barely been opened. Padding back over to the fridge she grabbed a bottle of lemonade and returned to the lounge.
***
"Whatcha got there?" Alison said as she watched June wander back into the room.
June brandished the bottles in front of her as well as the two tall glasses she'd grabbed on the way out of the kitchen, "Vodka and lemonade. There's Chardonnay too if you fancy it but we used to have more fun on the stronger stuff didn't we? And I can't remember the last time I was even remotely tipsy so I might as well go the whole hog tonight. For old times sake of course."
Alison grinned. "Vodka is good. Time to make Ms Ackland remember what it's like to really drink."
June grimaced at Alison's comment as she put the bottles down on the coffee table and watched as Alison poured a generous slug of vodka into each glass before adding a dash more and topping it up with lemonade. As June sat down she handed her the glass before collapsing back onto the sofa cushions her own glass in hand. She watched as June took a sip.
June spluttered. "Are you sure there's some lemonade in here Ali?"
"Just like the good old days." Alison laughed watching as June took a long sip of the drink in her hand before copying her motion.
"You never lost you're drink-making skills girl." June added. "Though why was I always the one to end up on the floor paralytic with a hangover from hell the next day, while you were looking as fresh as a daisy?"
Alison smiled an enigmatic smile. �Some of us are just built to be bad I suppose.�
June raised an eyebrow, �And some people were never supposed to be good.�
"Hey watch what you're saying June," Alison laughed gulping down another mouthful of her drink, "I can tell many a tale about you that would make Jim's hair curl."
June placed her glass on the table and turned to face her friend, �It won't work with me you know. Just because your brown curls and bond girl curves have turned a few heads in their time doesn�t mean I�ll succumb, I know you madam remember, I even witnessed a few of your choice exploits and you seem to forget you�re the one slouched on my sofa with flushed cheeks and unfocused eyes.�
�I�ve been thinking about the good old days quite a bit recently,� Alison continued, added. �Especially now the kids are older. And sitting here on the sofa with you and a bottle brings it all back.�
�It's amazing how things change.� June muttered.
"For you maybe," Alison said her head suddenly clearing, �I mean you're in a steady relationship finally, you sure had your days at Hendon girl you can't deny it. Me: I'm still the same, stuck in an unhappy relationship, because I'm afraid of change, sound familiar?" she asked pouring a generous slug of vodka into her glass and knocking it back.
June nodded slowly, �They were good times, the freest I�ve ever been I think. Do you remember the trip to Reading?�
�How could I forget!� Alison laughed, �I leave the room for a couple of minutes and come back to find you on the bed with both our dates."
�We weren�t doing anything!�
�So you�ve always claimed.�
�Well nothing much, and anyway you always fail to mention what happened next. I passed out didn't I? Came round and you and the men were nowhere to be seen. So who's the wicked one of the pair then?�
�True. Guilty as charged Sarge," Alison laughed. �But you knew my room was only next door� Oh there�s something else that never changes though, the ability of alcohol to give me the smallest bladder on the planet.� She observed ruefully, �Toilet?�
�Top of the stairs.� June answered, �You okay?�
Ali nodded, �Oh I think I�ll make it there and back in one piece, however if I�m not back in thirty minutes you can send out the search parties.�
June watched her friend as she ambled a little unsteadily out of the door and sunk back against the sofa; leaning forward she poured a generous amount of vodka into her glass and downed it in one. Pausing only to refill her own glass and that of Alison. She giggled out loud as the kick of the vodka hit her and more memories of their shared past flooded back.
"What's so funny?" Alison asked staggering into the room and collapsing on the sofa next to June. "Ooh more vodka," she added noticing her now full glass and picking it up.
"I was just thinking about the good old days." June sighed. "And Jim's face if he were to wander in now and see us in this state."
Alison leaned her head on June's shoulder, making herself comfortable on the sofa. "You girl are smitten. I could see that as soon as I walked in. This Jim must be one hell of a man to have this effect on you. Like I said before you had two men to yourself in Reading and still managed to fall asleep."
"I passed out, and anyway that was your fault; you and a couple of bottles of vodka if I remember correctly," June laughed. "Jim doesn't know about my wild past," she added quietly. "Dunno if he could cope with finding out about that one, might ruin his view of me�"
"He can't know you well then," Alison interrupted sharply.
"What do you mean," June replied coyly. "He knows I'm all sweet and innocent."
"As if. I was the one with the room next door to yours remember, the person with the bags under her eyes. You June Ackland have always been insatiable." June laughed loudly as Alison continued. "I mean which one of us found an extra-curricular use for the handcuffs?"
"You say anymore and I might have to kill you." June said, a wicked glint in her eye.
"So how many pairs have you nicked from the station and got hidden here then?"
June spluttered. "I haven't nicked any from the station I'll have you know."
"So you're not denying their existence then?"
"I'm saying nothing because you'll just twist it!"
"Who me? There's no need to twist anything where you're concerned � I know all about you and your goodies."
"Which were all presents from you I might add. I was a nice sweet girl til I met you and you introduced me to vodka."
"Blame me as always. I know you too well June remember."
"We don't need toys anyway," June said boldly swigging her neat vodka.
Alison coughed. "So the vodka finally sets in and June tells all. Wondered how long it would be. So you can't keep your hands off each other then?"
"Sit up a mo Ali, " June said reaching forward to refill their glasses. She collapsed back on the sofa, her head lolling onto Alison's shoulder. "You've been trying to get the conversation there all night, admit it."
"Well something's keeping you glowing and looking young, and I can't see you in the gym. And he must be some man to keep June Ackland's goodie drawer firmly shut." She laughed and swatted June's arm.
"I'll have you know I do go to the gym young lady � we've even got one in the station since the refurbishment." June laughed. "And besides who said it was firmly shut. Just not very necessary anymore."
"That may be the case but I know what sort of aerobics you prefer � the bedroom variety."
"Hey," June feigned offence. "What you need is a toy boy like me."
"He's younger than you? You little minx! No wonder you're not getting any sleep."
June laughed. "Six years younger."
"So that's where I went wrong then. The older man is so not the way to go."
"Depends on how enthusiastic you like them."
"Takes a lot to keep June Ackland satiated � and to his credit he appears to be achieving it. Bet you weren't joking when you told your inspector he was shagged out."
"No comment," June laughed blushing. "Why do you think he hardly went home after that first night and I moved him in so soon."
Alison smiled. "You girl are in love. Anyone can see that. Surprised they didn't guess sooner down at the station."
"We were very discreet I'll have you know. Only almost got caught kissing once�" she trailed off and sighed.
"What is it? You've gone quiet?"
"I never told him I loved him til that night of the party the other week. Can you believe that? It took me to almost losing him to admit it. I don't think I could be without him now though." She wiped at her eyes.
Alison sat up and turned June to face her and wiped away her tears. "Alcohol still makes you soppy then?" she asked before embracing her.
"Yeah," June sniffed hugging her back. "Thanks." June untangled herself from Alison's arms and stood up gingerly. "I'm off to the bathroom," she announced before wobbling out of the room. "Help yourself."
***
June tottered back into the lounge and collapsed on the sofa beside Alison, groaning at the site of more alcohol in the glasses on the table.
"There's mixer in this time," Alison declared, "And it's the last of the vodka."
"We can't have drunk it all," June sighed, "Can we? The bottle was practically full when I brought it through."
Alison nodded. "Oops, not to mention the wine."
"Anyway," June interrupted. "Enough of all my deepest secrets. Tell me about you and Mike."
"What's there to tell?" Alison said sadly. "It's pretty much over I think. We hardly ever talk these days, let alone anything else. Think we're only staying together for the sake of the girls. And now that they're older, I dunno how much longer we can keep it up. I needed a break, chance to reassess things, so I came to you. I know I can talk to you and you'll give me a rational answer."
"Of course I will, well, as best I can."
"I just don't know what's worse, us staying together like we are now, or us splitting up and the kids suffering. It can't be doing them any good to see us like this." She stopped and sniffed. "They even wanted to come down with me this weekend, but I told them no."
June looked sadly at her friend, and leant forward to pick up the box of tissues from the coffee table. "Here you go," she said handing one over.
"Thanks."
"Come here," June said pulling Alison towards her and putting her arm round her shoulder. Alison's head came to rest against June's shoulder and she cried gently.
"Alcohol makes me emotional too." Alison sniffed.
June rested her head on Alison's and held her tightly. "I'm here for you Ali," she said gently. "Whatever happens, I'm here for you."
After a few minutes Alison's sobbing stopped and she fell silent. Her breathing slowed and she began to snore gently.
"Typical." June smiled to herself craning her neck to look at Alison. "You always have to go and fall asleep on me don't you?" She rested her head against that of her of friend and soon was asleep too.
***
Jim whistled happily as he walked down the street approaching the house he shared with June.
"Odd," he muttered as he looked over the hedge to notice the lounge curtains still shut. He looked at his watch, "1pm?"
He strode up the path and opened the door. The house was in darkness, apart from a crack of light escaping from under the lounge door. Gently removing his jacket, he dumped his overnight bag next to Alison's bulging holdall. Opening the lounge door slowly he stepped inside.
His face broke into a broad grin as he surveyed he sight before him. "So that's what you get up to when I'm not around," he thought, as he saw empty wine bottles on the floor by the sofa, an empty vodka bottle on the coffee table and several glasses and tissues strewn around the area.
June and Alison were still asleep on the sofa, their heads resting against each other. Jim was torn between leaving them in peace, waking them up noisily, or grabbing his camera and taking a photo for posterity. Remembering how June could be first thing in the morning he decided to leave them as they were and quietly padded through to the kitchen to make coffee for when they did wake.
***
A while later he popped his head into the living room from the kitchen, he noticed June stir on the sofa. He watched her smiling as she slowly cracked open her eyes and groaned.
"Afternoon love," he whispered.
June groaned once more. "What time�" she trailed off.
"Half one."
June gingerly moved on the sofa, gently pushing Alison up to give her enough room to free her body, Alison shifted gently, made herself comfortable against a cushion and continued sleeping.
June stood up slowly. Her hands running through her hair and before returning to support her head.
"Urgh," she groaned gently. "I think I'm dying," she muttered as Jim looked on smiling. "I've got a brass band in my head and my stomach�"
She retched and ran through to the kitchen, just making it to the sink in time. She vomited several times before turning on the tap. Standing with her hands either side of the sink she tipped her head down and sighed. "Sorry," she muttered.
Jim stood and watched before pouring her a glass of water from the fridge and placing it beside her. He rubbed her back gently.
"Thanks Jim."
"No problem," he laughed. "I won't ask if you had a good night."
June cautiously made her way to the kitchen table and sat down, placing the glass of water in front of her, as she placed her head in her hands.
"I'm never drinking again," she declared weakly, "Ever."
Jim laughed as he sat down beside her. "Yeah yeah."
"No seriously I feel like hell. It's Alison's fault, we got talking about the old days."
"Blame her when she can't defend herself."
"She'll wake up looking as fresh as a daisy, I'll bet you anything. It always used to be like this. She never got a hangover whereas I� well you can see what happens to me."
Jim got up and walked over to the fridge. "So what's for lunch?" he asked.
June retched, holding her hand over her mouth until her stomach settled.
"Please," she said. "Erm, I didn't get to do any shopping last night so there's not much in. I feel asleep on the sofa straight after work then the next thing I knew Ali was ringing the doorbell. Can you pour me a coffee love, strong and black?"
"Already made," he smiled as he poured it. "When I walked in and saw the pair of you, I thought it might be necessary." He kissed her on the forehead as he handed it over.
"Thanks. You're wonderful."
"I know."
"You're meant to deny it."
"But it's the truth so I can't," he said emphatically. "And now I'm going to the supermarket to get some food for later� well, when your stomach settles."
June could only smile as Jim grabbed the shopping list off the fridge, kissed her on the cheek and wandered out of the house grabbing his jacket and car keys on the way.
June sipped at her coffee as Alison appeared, bleary eyed in the doorway. "Did I miss him?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Yep, he's just nipped to the supermarket."
"What's for breakfast?" Alison asked pouring herself a coffee.
"How can you think about food? Besides it's afternoon dear."
"Oops, we slept in that late? Anyway, I've not eaten since yesterday lunchtime, and we never quite managed the take out did we?"
June shook her head.
The cat flap banged shut loudly and June winced as Toto wound his way around her feet.
"Someone else is hungry," she noted, gingerly standing up and walking over to the fridge. "Lay off Toto," she muttered almost falling over him for the fourth time.
She opened the fridge door and retrieved the open tin of cat food before retching as the smell hit her. She dropped it down on the work unit and retched once more, rushing over to the sink.
"Want me to June?" Alison asked.
"Would you mind? I just can't face the smell at the moment."
Alison laughed. "Still suffer from hangovers from hell then?" She asked as she spooned food into Toto's bowl and placed it down on the floor.
"You know me and alcohol too well. I thought things might improve over the years but it didn't. That's another reason why I don't drink much these days. You're a bad influence on me. I haven't been ill off alcohol for such a long time."
"Typical! Well if it makes you feel better I'll let you blame me. Go and get yourself a shower, you'll feel better for it. Leave me to make friends with Toto."
"Thanks," June mumbled. "I won't be long."
She padded gently out of the kitchen and slowly climbed the stairs. She wandered into the bedroom grabbing her dressing gown before walking into the bathroom and turning the shower on full and hot, just as she liked it. Removing her clothes she stepped under the powerful stream of water, tensing her muscles momentarily as the hot water hit her, before relaxing as the flow of water washed away her aches and pains.
***
"Feeling better?" Alison asked as June wandered into the living room rubbing her hair with a towel.
"Kinda, my head's still banging and my stomach's still doing strange things though. I see you and Toto made friends then?" she said remarking at the way he was curled up on Alison's knee as she stroked his head.
"What's not to love about me?" she asked innocently before smiling broadly. "I'm going for a shower if that's ok?"
"Of course. I've put some clean towels in the bathroom for you."
"Cheers."
Alison gently dropped Toto onto the floor as she stood up and made for the bathroom.
***
June heard the key in the door and looked up from the newspaper as Jim staggered in weighed down under numerous bulging shopping bags. She watched as he dumped them on the kitchen table in front of her, then returned to shut the door.
"Alison awake?" he asked as he took off his shoes and jacket.
"Yeah she's in the shower."
"Present for you," he said tossing a small box over to June.
She caught it and read the label. "Alka-Seltzer? Brilliant." She kissed him on the cheek as he approached her. "You are so considerate."
"Nah, I've just been there before. I've got you some painkillers too," he said handing over another box before starting to unpack the shopping.
Dropping a tablet into her glass of water, she watched as it fizzed loudly before downing it in one. "Urgh," she shook her head. "I hope this actually does something."
***
"Jim, meet Alison," June announced as her friend walked into the kitchen.
Jim turned round suddenly and beamed at her. "Hiya, so you're the infamous Alison then?"
Alison looked around. "Infamous? Me? I guess I would be. And I've been hearing a lot about you too." She grinned at June and winked.
"Uh oh," Jim replied. "Hope it wasn't all bad."
"Look what Jim brought us," June said waving the boxes at Alison, "Are you in need of any?"
"Just a couple of painkillers I've got a bit of a headache."
"What did I tell you Jim, she's fine and look at me."
Jim laughed handing Alison a glass of water.
"Cheers." She threw the tablets into her mouth and drained the glass as she dropped down into a chair opposite June. "He's as thoughtful as you said," she added, grinning as Jim blushed. "And in answer to your question, she's not said anything bad, in fact much the opposite."
Jim blushed and looked at June. "I don't think I need to ask if you girls had a good night?"
June smiled weakly. "Ask me again when the pain relief kicks in."
"We had a great time," Alison said emphatically. "It was so good to catch up, amazing how much you can miss in a few years. Not to mention the stuff she never even told me about on the phone. Got the shock of my life when she told me about you last night."
Jim huffed. "She never told you about me. I'm offended." He glanced over at June who looked worried before laughing. "Bet it came as a shock to you though � June settling down at last."
Alison looked at Jim as he stood behind June, his hands on her shoulder. She nodded. "Yep� and you two look good together� Jim you're good for her. You've certainly brought out that old sparkle in June. It was missing for quite a while you know."
"Ali." June blushed. She lifted her hand to her shoulder resting it on that of Jim's. "I think we've got her seal of approval. You should be proud. Takes a lot to impress Ali."
Jim chuckled as Alison continued. "Well it had to be said. I've known her for a long time remember? Seen her go through a lot, as I guess you have, but I haven't seen her this happy in years. I feel so damn guilty sometimes for living so far away."
Jim bent down and kissed the top of June's head. "I haven't been this happy in years either."
June sniffed and then blushed as both Jim and Alison laughed.
"She still gets emotional when she's drunk," Alison laughed, "You should have seen her last night, not to mention when she was younger, spent half her life in tears."
"So half her life drunk then?"
"I am still here you know," June interrupted.
"Yes we know," Jim replied, "But I wanna know what Alison has to say about you. Bet you haven't told me half of what you got up to at Hendon. You like to keep that mysterious air about you."
"But�" June protested.
"It's really not my place to say," Alison smiled. "There's a bond between best girlie mates you know, and not even a man can come between that. However special he is. I don't think there's much to tell anyway, June doesn't seemed to have changed that much from what she was telling me last night. She still seems to enjoy having a lot of fun." She stressed the last word of the sentence slightly and raised her eyebrows at June.
Jim didn't catch the hint and looked bemused as Alison and June giggled. "So are you two always like this when you are together."
"Yep," Alison smirked. "Good job for you I don't live any closer."
"Good job for my liver," June sighed. "Can't believe how much I drunk last night. And it was all your fault."
"I didn't force it down your neck did I?"
"Not this time," June smiled.
Jim rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I really don't think I want to know."
"You don't�Really you don't," she stressed.
"You must remember what it was like in your Hendon days Jim?" Alison smiled.
"Yeah I do," he laughed, "and that's why I think June's Hendon days are better left buried."
June smiled. "See he likes me as I am, doesn't want to know about the skeletons in my closet� not that there are any of course. I've always been good."
"Yeah right." Jim and Alison said at the same time.
"I don't know what you're talking about," June said innocently.
"Well there was the time that�"
"Erm, I'm just nipping upstairs," Jim interrupted making a swift exit from the room.
"Ali�" June glared before laughing at the innocent expression on her friend's face.
"I won't say anything, 'specially cos I don't know how much he knows about things. You've gotta admit, it's fun teasing him though."
June laughed. "It certainly is. And anyway," she added changing the subject, "where are these photos of the kids and the present you promised me."
Alison rose from the table slowly, returning dragging her bag behind her. She lifted it cumbersomely and dumped it on the table with a thud as June laughed. "Just what have you got in there?"
"Nice things for you," Alison smiled, lifting out two presents, nicely wrapped in gold paper. "From the girls for their favourite godmother. Ooh and look what I found," she added lifting out a bottle of wine.
June groaned at the sight of the bottle as she unwrapped the presents. "These are gorgeous," she said picking up the etched glass picture frame and matching vase. "They've got such good taste � must have inherited it from their mother. And I think I know just what can go in here."
"Gonna get Jim to buy you some roses?"
"Well I actually meant in the frame." June smiled. "But that's not a bad idea actually. He should buy them for me more often shouldn't he?"
"I should buy what for you more often?" Jim questioned as he walked back into the kitchen.
"Nothing dear," June smiled looking at Alison.
"You're talking about me again?" he sighed as he grinned at the women in front of him.
"Of course. Why wouldn't we?" Alison laughed.
"Thought my ears were burning."
"That should have been last night."
"So that's what the earache was last night. I just thought the TV in the pub was on too loud. But I don't think I want to know what was said between you."
"Jim," June said loudly. "Look at what Ali's kids have sent for me. Aren't they lovely?"
"They certainly are." Jim replied. "You just need something to go in them now."
June and Alison laughed loudly.
"What?!" Jim said looking bemused. "What did I say? You just need a nice photo to go in that frame�"
"And�" June interrupted.
"Ah," Jim blushed, "The vase."
June grinned at him and walked over to him. "I wasn't complaining about him was I Ali?" she said as she hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Did you hear me complain at all last night?"
Alison grinned wickedly. "Well now you come to mention it." She winked at June. "No, to be fair I didn't hear one complaint or bad word come out of her mouth last night. In fact totally the opposite, anyone would think you were perfect Jim. Or at least a Saint."
Jim and June laughed loudly.
"What have I said?" Alison asked looking confused.
"Saint June is one of June's nicknames around the station. 'Specially by Inspector Gold." Jim laughed.
It was Alison's turn to laugh. "Saint June? That's the funniest thing I've heard all day."
"Really?" Jim asked, his eyes lighting up. "Do tell?"
"I couldn't possibly divulge that information. But from what I know about June and what you know about June she ain't as saintly as she makes out is she?"
"Well when you put it like that," Jim grinned broadly at Alison. "Though I do dread to think what she's been telling you."
"Hey you two, I'm still here you know." June said as she slapped Jim playfully on the arm. "Stop ganging up on me. It's not fair." She laughed as she looked from Alison to Jim. "Can't a girl have any secrets anymore?"
"Nope." Alison and Jim said at the same time before laughing at the bemused _expression on June's face.
"Well I'm glad to see you two are getting on so well." June smiled. "Though ganging up on me isn't fair." She grinned.
"Did you honestly think you had to worry about us getting on?" Alison asked. "I can get on with anyone. And we're not ganging up on you � just getting to know each other aren't we Jim?"
"Erm, yep, I think so." Jim stuttered, wondering what he had got himself into. "Are you two always like this when you're together?"
"Yep," June smiled. "You should have seen us last night. Well actually it's probably better that you didn't."
"Pull the other one June. I can't see his rose tinted glasses. He has to know what you're really like. But yeah that was a side of June you don't see too often." Alison added. "Usually comes when she is paralytic on the sofa. A June I know well but haven't seen for a long time."
"Well my rose tinted glasses were ripped off a while ago." Jim said looking at June. "Around the time she dragged me into the house."
"I didn't hear you complaining."
"Did I say I was?" he grinned.
"Well no, but you aren't as innocent in all this as you're making out. I'm not the bad girl in this." She paused as Alison laughed. "Who made the first move and did all the chasing?"
"Well yeah." Jim blushed.
Alison laughed. "Listen to the pair of you. No wonder it took you nearly twenty years to get together. Are you always pussyfooting around each other like this?"
Jim and June looked at each other before laughing.
"Us?" Jim smiled. "Never."
"I can see what you mean now, looking back." June said smiling at Jim. "If it was left to me we'd still be in the same place."
"You took some bloody chasing woman." Jim laughed.
"You didn't give up though did you?"
"I came close at times, there's only so much rejection a man can take."
"Well I'm glad you didn't. I can only hope I've made up for it since," June said winking at Jim, and noticing Alison catching her eye.
"You most certainly have. Well put it this way. I'm still here aren't I?"
"As am I," Alison laughed. "Don't say anything too incriminating will you? I have a great memory, as I'm sure June is only too aware."
"I bet you know it all anyway." Jim blushed.
"No comment." Alison winked at June. "Wouldn't you like to know what I know?"
"Now now," June interrupted. "Anyone would think I had a sordid past?" She looked over at Alison who coughed loudly.
"I'm not asking." Jim said firmly. "Knowing her like I do, I can only begin to imagine any kind of sordid past she might have. Not that I want to know of course." He grinned.
June blushed as he turned to her. "Oh dear, I think getting you two in the same room could be a bad idea. I think all of my secrets are about to come out."
"Thought you didn't have any secrets June?" Alison questioned.
"I don't," she said innocently. "I just know how you can twist things to make me look bad."
"Who? Me? Never." Alison replied.
"Yeah right." June laughed. "Anyway, what does anyone fancy for lunch?"
"I can see the painkillers have kicked in finally," Jim smiled. "June's thinking of food again."
"Too right," June smiled. "Poor Ali hasn't eaten since yesterday lunchtime, we got a bit distracted last night and never got round to ordering take out."
"Better things to do than eat?"
"Well yeah," Alison answered. "We were drinking and chatting and having a laugh�"
"Then she fell asleep on me."
Jim laughed.
"Made a change though," Alison interrupted. "I seem to remember you June were always the one who fell asleep drunk when we were younger. That girl could fall asleep anywhere doing anything when alcohol was involved you know Jim."
"Remind me never to get her drunk then," he chuckled. "Unless I want her to fall asleep on me."
"Hey," June feigned offence. "Like you'd want that to happen."
"Depends on whether or not you're nagging me at the time."
"Listen to the pair of you." Alison declared. "You sound like an old married couple. Sure sign of a healthy relationship."
June smiled. "She's right you know Jim. Listen to the pair of us."
"You complaining?" Jim questioned.
"Not at all." June smiled in reply.
"You two are too soppy." Alison laughed as her stomach rumbled. "Now guys please can I have something to eat before I pass out. It might go some way to absorb some of this alcohol from my system."
"What can I get you?" Jim asked.
Alison looked bemused. "He cooks too?" she questioned.
"Yep he sure does," June smiled.
"He doesn't have a brother does he?" Alison laughed.
June smiled. "Hey you're married remember."
"Only just," Alison replied. "He's certainly a catch."
"Well," Jim interrupted. "Someone has to. Have you ever eaten her cooking?"
"Oi," June exclaimed.
"Fair point," Alison agreed. "Cooking was never one of her strong points. I think she single-handidly kept the take-aways round Hendon in business when we were there."
"Ooh, do you remember that pizza place just outside?" Jim questioned. "That made the best pizzas in the area. The queue was always outside the door."
"Yep," Alison replied. "Myself and Ms Ackland were two of the best customers if I remember right."
"That's actually true." June conceded defeat on that point. "I admit I'm not the best cook. But then again, why would I need to be when I have my own Jamie Oliver in the house."
"What did you do before me?" Jim asked.
"Take away? Ready meals?" Alison questioned.
"Well the freezer was full of them when I moved in." Jim grinned looking over at June.
Alison laughed. "Some things never change."
"Stop it you guys. I can't be good at everything you know." June smiled. "Would you like to place an order with the chef Ali? Or shall we take pot luck."
"Ooh I don't know. What do you think June?"
"We'll have some sandwiches please Jim for starters. What time is your train back Ali? You are staying for tea aren't you?"
"I've got an open return June, so I can go whenever."
"Great," June exclaimed happily.
"I did promise to call in at my sister's though on the way back � she's living on the other side of London now. Said I'd try to spend tonight at hers. But I will come back and see you soon. Or you can come to us."
"We'd love to have you again." Jim smiled. "But a weekend away sounds good too."
***
As Jim busied himself making lunch, June and Alison continued chatting merrily. Alison delved into her holdall once more returning with a packet of photos.
"These are some copies of photos of us lot for you. I bet you won't recognise the girls at all," she commented as she passed them over.
"I bet I don't."
June opened the packet and removed the photos.
"Oh my word. They've grown up so much. Hannah looks so much like you did at that age. Not that I knew you then but I can see so much of you in her."
"Everyone says that you know. Claire's got Mike's looks I think."
"Yeah I can see that. But I can see a bit of both of you in both of them."
"I should hope so," Alison laughed. "I am their mother after all."
"Well yeah." June blushed. "Stupid comment for me to make really."
"I know what you mean though. You can't always see it in the kids can you."
June continued leafing through the pile of photos.
"Mike hasn't changed much since I last saw him. A bit greyer maybe but still the same. Ooh cute kitten. What've you called it?"
"Tigger. She was a birthday present for Claire a few months ago. She's ever so sweet though."
"She looks it. Reminds me a lot of Jasper when he was alive." June said sadly.
"He was a sweetie too."
"Yeah he was." June nodded.
"Sandwiches ladies?" Jim said approaching the table with a plate piled high with sandwiches. "For you we have ham, cheese, and chicken. Do help yourselves." He laughed.
"Can I take him home with me? Pretty please. He might teach Mike a thing or too."
June laughed. "Sorry I'm going to have to pull rank on that one. I'm not sharing him with anyone, not even you."
"Darn." Alison smirked. "Makes a change though." She muttered, winking at June.
"Dig in then ladies," Jim announced. "Want anything to drink?"
"I'm fine thanks Jim." Alison looked over to June. "Is he always like this?"
"More or less yep." she nodded in reply.
"Well they certainly broke the mould after they made him, he's one of a kind."
"Thanks� I think." Jim blushed and concentrated on his sandwich as June beamed at him.
"Aww, we should stop embarrassing him June."
"Yeah� but if we do that then you'll end up embarrassing me instead."
"Sounds good to me." Jim smirked looking up.
"It would." June scoffed.
"Well isn't that the whole point of Alison being here June? To tell me all your secrets?"
"Nope, not all Jim, she's here to see me aren't you Ali?"
"Can I stay out of this one please?"
"Ever the diplomat." June laughed.
"It's great to be here and see you again June." Alison sighed. "And to meet you of course Jim. I wish I lived down here again. I miss it so much."
"Come down whenever you want to Alison," Jim said smiling. "I know June would love that and I'd like to get to know you better too. And it's sure been good for June having you here, I can see it just looking at her."
Alison sniffed. "Thanks Jim. Well with the way things are going at home, I guess you never know what'll happen."
Jim looked confused and turned to June. She shook her head as she took Alison's hand in her own. "We're here for you Ali� both of us."
"Thanks." Alison gripped June's hand before standing up. "I'm just nipping to the bathroom."
As Alison climbed the stairs Jim turned to June once more. "What is it?"
"Her marriage is on the rocks. She's in a mess but trying to put on a brave face. She hasn't said much but it's written all over her face.
"Poor thing."
"I don't know what to say or do for the best� she hasn't said much at all, kept changing the subject to talking about me last night. I managed to get a bit out of her but not much."
"Do you want me to leave you two alone again?"
June shook her head. "Let's play it by ear for the moment. I don't think she's ready to talk yet. Maybe just being away for the weekend will help to sort her head out. All I can do is tell her I'll be here for her. She�ll talk when she's ready."
Jim nodded as he heard Alison's footsteps on the stairs.
"You left me some sandwiches then?" she commented.
"I rescued them from his grip for you."
"Hey," Jim barked. This is all muscle you know." He stroked his stomach.
"Yes Jim," June said patting his hand. "You keep believing that." She looked over at Alison and they both burst out laughing.
"Now now you two."
"Sorry Jim," Alison smiled wiping tears from her eyes. "You walked right into that one. I'd have thought you'd be getting quite enough exercise though."
"Ali!"
"What? I meant being a policeman and chasing all those villains. Who's got a filthy mind eh Jim?"
"That's so true about June you know." Jim deadpanned. "She's really corrupted me since I got to know her."
"Like I needed to do that." June smirked.
"She's a terrible influence isn't she Jim? She did the same thing to me back at Hendon. I used to be sweet and innocent til I met her."
"Oi! You two stop it." June giggled. "I think Hendon was the other way round madam. All that alcohol pickled your brain? I was an innocent Catholic girl til she moved in next door. Never been the same since."
"Ok I admit that one." Alison conceded. "But I never heard you complain."
"True, meeting you at Hendon was a turning point in my life. She really brought me out of my shell."
Jim looked from one woman to the other taking it all in.
"You were a quiet thing when I first met you June. Could hardly believe you had the guts for the job. You proved me wrong though I'm pleased to say."
"That's all down to you Ali. You kept me going when I wanted to quit. Plied me with alcohol when I was down. Dragged me out to face the world when I wanted to hide."
"That's true. But you did the same for me too."
"You were the sister I never had Ali and I'll always love you for that."
"Yep, we kept each other going didn't we? Shame we never got to work together."
"Sure is. Though I doubt we'd have got much work done."
"That's true. You need to be total professionals like me and Jim."
Alison nodded knowingly. "Yes June." She smiled warmly at her friend.
"I don't want to know." Jim smiled as if trying to convince himself of that fact. "Really I don't."
"No Jim you don't." Alison looked at June and the two women giggled. "Trust me."
"Is that your mobile ringing Ali?" June said suddenly as the quiet tones of a phone could be heard coming from the front room.
"Yeah sounds like it, do excuse me a minute." She got up quickly from the table and made her way through to the lounge room and her phone.
"She really brings out the best in you, you know." Jim commented.
"Thought that was your job."
"Well�" He grinned. "No seriously you look so happy when you're with her. You bounce off each other so well."
"That's what she says about us you know."
"Really?"
"Yep, my two best friends in all the world." She reached out and squeezed his hand.
"Two best friends? Thought I was your one and only?" Alison sniffed and laughed as she walked back into the room.
"Ali!" June laughed. "One bloke, one girl � I'm sorted for life."
"I should hope so, can't have you trading me in for a younger model." Alison laughed.
"Nor me."
"Well you never know Jim." Alison winked at him. "She likes her younger models, as you well know."
"Yeah but I don't think she could go for someone much younger without being done for cradle snatching."
"Oi you two." June laughed. "Stop picking on me."
"Anyway enough picking on June, that was Angela on the phone, that's my sister Jim," Alison interrupted. "Wants to know what time I'm going to arrive at her place because the kids want to see me before they go to bed. And she wants to know whether or not to make tea for me. You know what she's like June."
"She never changed then?"
"God no, could you ever see that happening."
"She still you're opposite then?"
"My opposite and my nemesis but I love her to bits for it. Anyway, basically I think she was hinting for me to get over there sharpish or don't bother."
"Since when has Angela ever been polite Ali?" June laughed.
"Ok so maybe she changed slightly over the years. She still bosses me around though."
"Always has done, always will do I think."
"Yep."
"Anyway, sorry to break up the party but I should get round there."
"Before she grounds you?" Jim quipped.
"Yeah, sure you don't know her?"
"Nah he's just a sarcastic bugger." June laughed.
"Oi." He rose from his seat, crossing the room to stand behind her, massaging her shoulder and pretending to strangle her. "What was that again?"
"Nothing, nothing�" June laughed as Alison looked on. "You're going to leave me with this mad man?"
"I think you can sort him out." Alison smiled. "Besides it's been a long time since I've seen Angela too. It's been a great weekend though. Don't suppose you can point me in the direction of the nearest tube station."
"I'll drive you Alison." Jim grinned. "Don't think she's in any fit state to be behind a wheel."
"Hey." June looked up at him and swatted his arm. "But you're probably right. I'm coming with you though."
"She doesn't trust us on our own Jim."
"It's not that I don't trust you � it's more like the fact that I know what the pair of you are like."
"She doesn't trust us." Alison and Jim chorused.
"Now you two," June laughed. "It's a good job you live so far away Ali, the two of you together too often and I'd have no chance. It's been really good to see you though � don't leave it so long again."
"I won't and you know you're both just as welcome up at mine."
"We might just take you up on that. A weekend out of the city sounds pretty good." Jim grinned.
"You mean a weekend out of one city and in another one?" June corrected him.
"That too. God, you two are ganging up on me now." Jim shook his head. "What are you like?"
"Right, I'm going to pack my stuff together � think I've passed on everything I had to give to you June."
"Well it should certainly be a lot lighter." Jim chuckled. "Think you drank most of the contents of it last night."
"Very true." Alison smiled. "I'll leave you two alone for a while � don't do anything I wouldn't�." She slinked out of the room casting a sly wink in June's direction.
June looked up at Jim. "That leaves us with plenty of scope!"
***
"So when do I see you guys again?" Alison smiled lifting her bag out of the car.
"Can we get back to you on that one. You know what it's like trying to get time off � 'specially both of us at the same time."
"We'll do our best though." Jim chipped in.
"I'm going to miss you." June sniffed throwing her arms around Alison. I know if was only a weekend but it was just like the old days."
"It was wasn't it." Alison laughed. "Now you keep hold of him, you've got yourself a good one." She whispered into June's ear.
"I'll try." June whispered back.
"Talking about me again ladies? Or do you want me to give you some time out."
"Just a little girl talk Jim. We're all done now." Alison laughed, approaching him. "Gis a hug then!"
Jim stepped forward and engulfed Alison in a bear hug. "Nice to meet you."
"And you. Look after her for me."
"Of course I will."
"Glad to hear it." Alison looked up and kissed his cheek. "Now I really have to be going."
"Send my love to Angela won't you?"
"I will June." Alison picked up bag up from the floor and kissed June on the cheek.
"One more hug!" June threw her arms around Alison. "Ring me when you get there, let us know everything's ok."
"Will do. Bye guys and thanks again." Alison turned away and headed to the steps leading down to the tube station, waving one last time before descending into the depths.
June waved back before wiping a tear from her eye and walking her way over to Jim who slipped his arm around her shoulder.
"Time to get you home I think," he smiled kissing her forehead. "You really are a big softie aren't you. Never really seen this side of you before."
"Guess not seeing your best friend for all these years has this effect on you." June sniffed as they walked towards the car. "Mind you, it's probably a good job for my liver."
"You still suffering?"
"A little." She sighed resting her head on his shoulder. "Time for another dose of painkillers I think."
"Your wish is my command. Painkillers and black coffee ma'am?"
"Tea I think, had enough of a coffee boost this morning. Besides I do want to be able to sleep tonight and I know what your triple strength coffee is like � no wonder you have so many sugars."
"Well I need something to keep me awake these days � don't always get a full night's sleep do I?"
"Never heard you complaining before."
"I'm not complaining,� he laughed unlocking and opening the passenger door for June.
"Glad to hear it." June smiled throwing herself back into the car. "Oh I forgot to ask, did you have fun with the lads last night?"
"I certainly did. Tony was very much in the same boat as you this morning; feeling rough, banging headache, which I took great pleasure in making worse this morning with a little clattering around. Still he will support the team that always loses and then go out and drown his sorrows."
"You're evil Jim."
"But you love me for it?"
"Of course I do." She settled back in the seat glancing over at Jim as he started the engine and slowly pulled out into the flow of Sunday traffic.
"Right answer." He grinned "And for that I shall get you home and make you better." He looked across at her as they pulled up at a set of traffic lights. "Get some sleep if you want to, I'll wake you up when we get back."
"Thanks I could do with that." She closed her eyes. "We should think about getting a new sofa, that one's bloody uncomfortable."
"If you say so. Sure it's not sleeping sat up whilst drunk that made you ache� June?"
He looked over at her again; her eyes were closed and breathing slow as she dozed in the seat beside him. He chuckled to himself as the traffic lights changed and he pulled away into the slow moving stream on Sunday shoppers returning home. "I'll take that as a yes shall I?"
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