Girlfriends (2018) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
1 Wasn't that fantastic? I'm sure you all agree our dancers did really well tonight, despite the sea being a bit choppy.
Now before you all leave, where's my mum and dad? Linda and Micky? Stand up.
It was their wedding anniversary Have you enjoyed the cruise? It's been lovely! Bloody wonderful! Dad's pissed.
Sorry, only joking.
Well, happy anniversary from me, from our Ruby, and from the rest of the entertainment team.
We'd like to wish you all a very safe journey home tomorrow, and hope you'll join us again on board the Aztec.
Good night! Are you gonna drink that? It's too strong.
Oh, give it here.
My mam used to sing in a band and all three of 'em hitched down to Greenham Common.
Mm! She fought with police, then they chained themselves to the fence.
Yeah, all right, Ryan.
Amazing.
So, what do you both do now? Oh, not much.
I used to work in printing, but I was made redundant.
So this cruise has been brilliant.
I know you've done a special rate for us, and Dad! No, it has to be said - we could never have afforded it.
Not a balcony room, anyway, so, hey, cheers.
Well, happy anniversary to the pair of you.
Oh, I felt that.
It's a bit choppy tonight, isn't it? I think we better order.
Oh, damn, I forgot my glasses.
I've left them in the cabin.
Do you want me to go? No, I know where they are.
I'll be back in a minute.
He's slaughtered.
When travelling around the ship, please use handrails at all times.
Are you all right, sir? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
Please make sure all balcony doors are securely fastened.
Thank you.
He was a bit nervous of sailing and he got very tense when we did the evacuation drill on the first night.
I told him we did it every trip.
I don't know where he's got to.
I'll go check.
No, it's all right, I'll go.
I bet he's just turned wrong way again when he came out of t'cabin.
I won't be long.
Sometimes when I look at photos of my mam back then, I can't believe she's the same person.
He wasn't in the cabin, but the balcony door was wide open and the chair was on its side.
He's not answering his bloody phone.
Shit! Oh, my God! You don't think something could have happened to him, do you? His cigarettes are on the floor.
His glasses are still here.
Oh, my God.
Think we should put a call out for him.
I think we should sound the alarm.
So, how do you know them? We're best friends, all three of us.
We've known each other for over 40 years.
Longer than I've been alive.
Aren't you the lucky one? I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to see them to God! What have you got it on? Forty volts, same as last week.
I can turn it down a bit if you want.
No, I won't get as good a lift.
I'll get used to it.
Argh! Taro Come on.
Good morning.
Nice to see you.
Hello, love.
Nice to see you.
Hello.
Good morning.
Hello, good morning, all right, hello.
'Morning, Gail, you all right? Yeah, I'm fine.
Is she all right now? Oh, much better now, thank you.
Cheers.
Mum.
Tom.
Tom, Tom, Tom.
So, what are you gonna wear? I can't fit into anything.
I've piled on weight on the cruise.
I'll have to go back to Weight Watchers.
Oh, damn and blast.
What? Oh, damn! Bugger! Oh.
What happened? I can't remember anything any more.
I'm falling to bits.
I ache everywhere, the house is a mess .
.
I've got cat poo on my dressing-gown, and now I've burnt the buns.
It doesn't matter.
We'll make some more.
You're supposed to shit in the litter tray, Florence! Right, so, you need to be in this house between 7pm and 7am, and if you're not, or you tamper with the tag or that box, an alarm'll go off and you'll have me or the police knockin' at your door.
Sign here.
Cheers.
Thanks for the tea, love.
There's your trousers.
Linda was lead vocalist.
Me and Gail were just really, backing.
Where did you all meet? Hall Lane Youth Club.
And this Micky, he was Linda's husband and it's his funeral? Not his funeral, no, because they never found his body.
He died at sea.
Right.
Right.
It's really just a service for him.
That's me.
Can you get it for me? Oh, they're wet! In the bag, yeah.
Quick, darling, otherwise he'll ring off.
Green button.
To my ear, yeah.
Thanks.
Hi, there.
It's Louise.
Um, do you want to put some money in for Stacey's birthday present? Oh, God, why? I don't even like the woman.
Oh, go on, then, £2.
And, er, I thought you should know, she's asked me to forward your contact list to the shared drive.
What? No way on God's earth.
I'm coming in.
All right, erm, come on, get these foils out! Both for you.
How long do I have to leave this tannin' stuff on for? A couple of hours and it should take.
And remember, if anybody asks, you've been selling timeshare in Thailand.
I've never been to Thailand and I know sod-all about timeshares.
Make summat up.
You've told enough lies in the past.
You should know how to do it.
Oh, thanks, Mum.
Well, I didn't wanna tell people you were serving 15 months in Armley Nick for receiving stolen cars, did I Oh, my God.
What is it? Mum? It's my decree nisi.
It's real.
Me and Dave are divorced.
Yeah, well, you're better off without that bastard.
You know, any man who makes a mother choose between her son and him is a bloody loser.
He didn't make me choose, and you could have been nicer to him.
Hello? Are you Ben Drayton's father? Yeah, I'm his dad.
You need to come and collect your son.
He has nits.
Well, what do you want us to do about it? If you could.
Thank you.
Right.
Ben's got nits and they want us to go pick him up from nursery.
I can't.
I've got this stuff all over me.
I've got to get ready for Micky's service and sort your nanna out.
After you've picked him up, can you get some nit stuff from the shop? Thanks, Mum! Cancelled.
Call Louise.
Call Louise.
Call Louise! The name, please.
Call Louise! Hello, Adorable.
Oh! Louise, it's Sue.
Where is she? Is she in John's office? I'm two minutes away.
Don't let her anywhere near my laptop.
Just say you don't know the password.
And don't tell her that I'm coming in, because I wanna see her face when I- Fuck! Shit! I've gotta go, Louise.
See you in five.
Oh, you stupid bloody bitch! - Excuse me, there is no need for that.
- You drove straight into the back of me.
You can't just stop in the middle of a main road for no reason.
Traffic lights, love! Red.
You're supposed to stop.
You don't have to if there's nobody crossing.
Have you got a licence, love? Have you taken your test? Of course, and will you stop yelling at me? I want your insurance details.
And I want to see yours.
I wish you both didn't have to go back.
I'm already dreading being on my own.
I'm gonna ring or text you, wherever we are, even if we're at sea.
Oh, that you, Ryan? Yeah.
What happened at t'solicitor's? Do you remember taking out a life-insurance policy three years ago for £90,000 upon death? Yeah, I think so.
Your dad did it when we sold Grove Road and moved here.
At least that means you can pay the house off.
Yeah, but the solicitor says that if the inquest decides Dad took his own life, then you don't get the full amount, only what you paid in.
What's that? Which is how much? £2,070.
No, that can't be right.
What about the mortgage? You owe £93,000.
Seems like you haven't paid anythin' off.
Yeah, we we definitely paid summat off, but then we went onto interest only when your dad got made redundant.
Believe me, you haven't paid owt, Mum.
I've just been through it with t'solicitor.
He says he's gonna send you a letter to explain everything, but if they decide it's suicide, then you're gonna have to sell the house.
But where will I live? It's just so great, guys.
Thank you so much.
Can I just say something? No, you can't.
It's quite clear to me that anyone who asks an innocent PA to steal a personal contact list I didn't ask her to steal.
I'm speaking.
My personal contact list that I have built up over years and years of hard work and networking, gaining the trust, loyalty and respect of clients Sorry, but you've got It was John's suggestion 'John's suggestion!' He said all contacts made to this company belong to Adorable.
Oh, did he, now? I wouldn't Sue, Sue, but you've got Are you aware that Stacey, the trainee, has asked for my personal contacts list? Keep your voice down and close the door.
I asked you a question.
Sue Just You've got to try and understand that our readership is down 30%.
Oh! I can hear violins playing.
We've got to try My heart is breaking all over again.
I've heard it all before, John.
I am not going to give a trainee my personal contacts file.
Stacey is not a trainee.
She's very bright, she's the average age of our readership, and she's the only one who's brought in any new contracts for the past three months.
Yes.
Because I've given her all the leads.
I've introduced her.
Look.
Nobody is denying how important you are.
That's why I'd like to offer you a consultancy.
What the hell are you talking about? You can work from home a couple of hours a week.
How can I be Features Editor doing a couple of hours a week? I don't know that I'll need a Features Editor any more.
I've never heard anything so ridiculous in all my life! You've got a big birthday coming up, haven't you? Yes, ten days after your very big birthday.
It's different for me.
And why's that? Because I own the company! - We started it, you and me.
- I know you think that, but in reality I don't think it, I know it because it's the bloody truth.
I've been here from the beginning.
Since Adorable was the three of us in an office without so much as a window! I think this role would bemuch less stressful for you.
What are you talking about? I'm not stressed.
Yes, you are.
Look at you, shouting and bawling.
This is making me stressed.
She is causing me stress.
Stacey Know-It-All.
Actually, Stacey is very intimidated by you.
It's her birthday today.
Did you bring her a card? Are you going to join us after work at Gino's to celebrate? No! Because I'm at Micky's service, and you know that.
You're not a team player, Sue.
And you never look happy these days.
Well, that's nothing to do with my work.
That's to do with you and me and the situation.
Well, there's nothing I can do about that.
When Mark finally leaves home Here we go again.
Like when Jason went to university and we were going to re-evaluate.
What happened? Nothing! And when our son went to university, you were going to pay him a monthly allowance.
And you didn't pay him a penny piece! I had to put him through law school all by myself without any help from you! For God's sake, keep your voice down.
Do you think they don't know? Everybody knows you're a shit, John, everybody! Oh, OK, fine, I'm a shit and everybody knows it.
But I have to think what's right for the company.
What do you mean, what's right for the company? This This This 'Second Time Around' feature.
Well, what's wrong with it? What's right with it? Brides-to-be don't want to be reading about second weddings when they're buying into the whole 'marriage is for ever' malarkey.
I know that.
They buy our magazine because that's the dream we sell.
I mean, who is that woman, anyway? She looks like she's pushing 50.
So? She's not even attractive.
I think she is.
You don't think she's attractive because she looks like she's lived.
She's got lines on her forehead.
She's real.
The point is she doesn't look like a bride.
Bridal mags are a young person's business, Sue.
That is utter crap and you know it.
I'm not going to argue with you.
You're in one of those moods yet again.
Look, go, go to your friend's funeral or whatever it is.
Take a few days off and and think about this consultancy.
I'm doing you a favour, honestly.
Sue! Can I just can I just tell you, you've got What? What have I got, Louise? You've got some concealer under your eyes.
Door opening.
It's dinging! Yes, Mum, I'm doing it.
Oh, he's been scratching.
It's just a prick-and-ding, but it's beef stew and dumplings.
You like that.
Right, we've got to go.
God, you're always in a rush.
What about my tea? You haven't started your dinner yet.
Our Tom's home, so he'll be popping round to see you tonight.
Oh, he's no need to bother.
He hasn't visited me in ages.
Not even on my birthday.
I told you he's been away, Mum.
He'd have visited you if he was here.
He was trying to get some money together.
Be my funeral next, and I don't want to go in no furnace when I do.
I want a proper burial, with headstone and flowers.
Yes, you tell me every week.
Right.
You've got your remote, your dinner and your alarm.
So I'll see you later, OK? If I'm still here.
Come on, love.
Let's go.
Oh, is it Gail? Oh, hi, I'm sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush.
We're a bit worried about your mum.
She went to the Black Horse pub last Thursday in her nightie.
Fortunately, the landlord rang us.
She seems to be getting more and more confused and we don't have the manpower here to look after her properly.
So what are you suggesting? Come on, Ben, have some of that.
Good.
Very good.
Now, then Oh, hiya.
I didn't know you were coming.
Yeah, Ryan rang and told me.
Bloody tragedy.
I, er I got the decree nisi through this morning.
Yeah, I got mine.
Didn't have to end like this, Gail.
All I wanted was to be put first once in a while.
I did put you first.
You didn't.
God, you gave all the money we'd been saving for Las Vegas to your Tom.
He needed a van.
He had no work, and he's my son.
What was I supposed to do? Anyway, he was gonna pay me back.
Oh, yeah, right.
He could have bought a van himself out of all the money he made from stolen cars.
He didn't know they were stolen.
Oh, yeah, sure.
You've never liked him, have you? You never gave the lad a chance.
Everybody knows he takes you for a ride and you bail him out time and time again.
Just look at him swanning around, laughing with his mates while you're here holding the baby.
People feel sorry for you, Gail.
Well, they've no need to bother, cos I'm proud of our Tom trying to bring up his son on his own, and if I can help him, I will, and it's nobody else's business but mine and Tom's.
Er, I heard you were selling timeshare in Thailand.
I thought the bottom had fallen out of that market.
Yeah, yeah, well, that was the problem.
The bottom's fallen out of it, so I decided it was time to do one and come home.
So, you still a solicitor? Yeah, yeah, I've been at Fairburn and Lupton's for almost four years now.
I spent a year in Thailand just after I qualified.
Where did you stay? Oh, you know, around and about.
The middle bit, really.
I just have to make sure my mum's all right.
Looks like her dickhead ex is hasslin' her.
It's not been easy the last couple of years, what with my hot flushes and my mood swings.
And you could have put your arm around me once in a while.
I tried, but you always thought I was hankering after summat else.
Mum! Thought you were doing two years.
Dave! They let me out early for good behaviour.
So, where's your girlfriend today? I haven't got a girlfriend.
Couldn't she get time off school? If you're referring to Shelly, she's just a friend and she's at further ed college, not school.
They're here.
Let's get in.
Hello, love.
Hello, Ruby, darling, I'm sorry.
Are you all right? Auntie Gail.
Tom's there.
I'll see you in a bit, Mum, yeah? Oh, I don't know.
I think I'm still in shock.
If there's anything I can do Aw, thanks, love.
It's good your Ruby and Ryan are here for you.
Yeah.
They're still on compassionate leave.
I couldn't have managed without 'em.
But they have to go back soon.
It's a right bloody mess.
He owed money everywhere.
Oh, shit.
And my mam didn't have a clue.
And she's hopeless without my dad.
I don't know how she's gonna manage.
Now I'm back.
I can keep an eye on her, and she's always got my mam.
We thought insurance'd cover t'mortgage, but now we don't even know.
We've gotta wait for inquest and if it's suicide, then we're up shit creek.
I just keep thinking if he did take his own life, he must have been really desperate to do that.
And day after their anniversary Hey.
Let's go in.
The minute Dave started talking to me, that was it.
I started with my hot flush.
Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
I should have warned you Dave was coming.
Our Ryan did all t'ringing round.
I'd have done my hair if I'd known.
Do Do I look all right? You look lovely, but you've got a black trickle running down your forehead.
Oh, my God! Oh, give us it here.
What is it? I tried to cover my grey up with mascara.
But it can't have been waterproof.
Did you invite Sue? Yeah.
Ryan said he rang her mobile.
Excuse me.
I didn't know Micky very well, but I know that Linda sings in our choir and both her children Ryan and Ruby were baptised in this church.
It's always very difficult when someone takes their own life.
We don't even know if it was suicide.
Do you think I should say summat? He might have.
What drove him to it, and could we have done anything to prevent it happening? We surround them with our love and pray for understanding and peace.
We are gathered here in their hour of need.
Oh! I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Yes, yes, come in.
You're welcome.
She always has to make an entrance.
Miss, have a seat.
I didn't think you were coming.
Everything that could possibly go wrong this morning has done and the bloody sat-nav took me to Heckmondwike.
This is Natalie.
.
.
and saviour.
Lovely to meet you, Natalie.
.
.
the next hymn in our order of service Oh, I'm sorry I was late.
Ugh, you wouldn't believe what's happened to me this morning.
At least you got here.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
I think Micky would have wanted us all here.
You look amazing.
I don't know how you do it.
I look a mess.
I was rushing.
Oh, but it's so lovely to see you both, and the pair of you look fabulous, too.
I put on half a stone on the cruise.
I feel like shit.
I got divorced today.
Oh, sorry.
Well, anyway, this must be your gorgeous little grandson.
This is Ben.
Ben.
Hello.
Hello.
What a little poppet.
You've grown since I saw you last.
Would you like a grown-up flower? That's for you.
Is Ben's mother still in .
.
rehab? No, she's out, and with some other lad, and basically doesn't want to know.
Unbelievable.
I bet you spoil him.
I don't have the money to spoil him.
I'm lucky if I have enough to pay the bills.
Tell me about it.
It's so lovely to see you.
It's been ages.
I kept trying to get us all together, but you were always so busy.
I sent you a text but you never got back to me.
It's ridiculous.
It's, erm, just life's been so hectic.
Thanks for coming.
Mum.
I'll just take them outside.
Yeah, I'll come with you.
Is that your car? Yes, we traded the Beemer in for the Merc it must be two years ago now.
Well, I think you better move it.
I did have a little incident on the way here.
Yes.
Natalie's nice.
Mum.
I didn't say a word.
It's just lovely to see you with someone.
Right.
She's very attractive.
I take it you didn't see the invite.
'No flowers.
' Well, everybody loves some flowers.
I'll just take them to the house.
Linda will love them.
Is that all you're gonna eat? I don't do wheat or dairy.
They make me bloat.
You look stick-thin to me.
Spanx.
Debenhams, or go online.
I decided after 50 I couldn't hold it in any more.
Haven't you got another birthday coming up? Yes, Gail, thanks for that.
You're still a baby in comparison to me and Linda.
I'd rather not think about it.
Aren't you going to celebrate? No, I'm not! I'm going to book myself in for a face-lift and go into hiding.
But you look amazing.
I look like my mother.
I look in the mirror and I have absolutely no idea who's staring back at me.
What I need is a large G& and a cigarette.
You don't still smoke, do you? Don't lecture me.
I've tried everything.
Vapes, patches, chewing gum, nasal sprays, none of them work.
I have a lot of stress running the magazine, meeting deadlines.
It's the only thing that does it for me.
I wish I had your life.
It sounds so exciting.
Look at you.
You've got a career.
I'm a lollipop lady.
You've got Tom and you've got that sweet little boy.
I wish I had a grandchild.
It must be lovely.
I keep waiting for Andrew to tell me he's getting hitched.
I'd love to plan a wedding for him.
Every time I mention it, he just tells me to stop interfering.
I think he's terrified of commitment.
Does he ever see his father? Good God, no.
Listen, I'm I'm gonna get a drink and a fag outside.
I won't be long.
Hi, Gail.
Hiya.
I'm thinking of having a surprise party for Mum.
Really? She just told me she didn't want a do.
It's not really a do.
Just family and a few close friends.
No cards with numbers on them.
All right, love.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.
Are you OK? I think so.
How you doin'? I don't know.
I keep looking round thinking someone's missing.
Then I realise it's Micky.
I thought the service would make me feel better, but I feel worse.
I just feel guilty, like I've really let him down.
No, you didn't, don't be daft.
Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, if I could just have your attention for one minute.
I'd like to thank you all for coming along today.
I've been going through a few of my dad's things, trying to decide what to keep and what to chuck out.
He'd been keeping himself busy on a couple of projects in his beloved shed.
So this one I think I'd like to share with you.
I know it's your wedding day, Linda.
Oh, my God! Oh, look at you! Oh, it's me! .
.
it doesn't say anything in the etiquette book about bridesmaids making an arse of themselves.
But we thought But we thought we'd do it anyway! There she is, look! Do you remember your moves? No! I've seen it all now.
Which way are you going? Oh, that one, remember that one? Oh, that's Micky! We were so young.
Can you remember it? Ain't no mountain high enough Oh, bless you, Mum.
.
.
keep me from you It gets better, as well.
It gets better.
Wait for it.
There's an exciting bit.
Wait, this is it.
Go on, Mum! Hey, it's my dad when he was thin.
Oh, no! No, he can't! What's the matter? Mum? You all right? It's all right, isn't it? It took me ages to get all that together.
Is she all right? What's going on? Tell me.
My PA's texting me.
He's making Stacey Know-It-All Features Editor.
Who's Stacey? Who are you talking about? Nobody.
Nothing.
She's a trainee.
I thought you were Features Editor.
Bastard's trying to get rid of me.
He wants me to consult a couple of hours a week.
Consult? It's your magazine.
A couple of hours a week is good.
He's not answering.
Not if she doesn't want to drop her hours.
She's worked as hard as he has to build the business up.
She deserves to be treated better.
Absolutely.
Answering machine! He might be doing this for you.
I mean, none of us are getting any younger.
You speak for yourself, I do facial Pilates, mindfulness, and I take a million supplements every day.
But you can't keep going at the same rate.
You've got to slow down.
I don't want to slow down! I know what this is.
I did an article about second-time-around marriages and he hated it.
Did he actually say that to you? Brilliant idea.
When I married Dave, I had no idea what to wear.
I remember trailing round town with not a clue in my head.
He said bridal mags were a young person's business and there was no room for middle-aged women.
He can't say that.
It's against the law.
No way! Well, he did.
That's exactly what he said.
I mean, I think he was actually referring to the model, but I got the impression he meant me.
Want me to speak to him? God, no! I wouldn't say who I was.
No! I don't want you involved.
Oh, God.
Look, Linda, I'm sorry.
I'll I'll ring you.
Are you OK? He does it to her every time.
I fucking hate the man.
She's given up everything for him and that bloody magazine.
I think she always thought I know what she thought.
She was obsessed with him.
You've no idea what she's sacrificed for that man.
She wouldn't listen to anyone.
She thought he would leave his wife, and that was never gonna happen.
Course it wasn't.
And now he thinks he can just chuck her on the rubbish heap? Well, he's not going to get away with it.
I'll take the bastard to court.
You can't do that, love.
He's your dad.
No, he's not my dad! I never had a father.
You have to earn that title.
I don't even know the man.
I wanted to ring you.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it weren't fair.
Look, I've got a kid and I owe people money.
I just wanted to go get myself straightened out.
So you thought you'd bugger off to Thailand instead.
I had to find out from your mam.
You never text, Facebook, nothing.
I'm sorry.
And all that stuff about not telling anyone we were seeing each other, it was It was like you were ashamed of me.
No.
It wasn't that.
I was just tryin' to deal with Corrine and get custody of Ben.
I have never been ashamed of you.
Ruby.
Come here.
You've no idea how much plastic surgery she's had.
Really? Yeah.
Oh, well, stand by your beds.
I thought you'd taken the day off.
I didn't want to miss the party.
So, what are we all drinking? Oh, mojito.
Stacey? It's all right, I'll get these.
What are you playing at? I'm not playing at anything.
I'm doing what you asked.
I'm socialising with the staff.
Can I have another jug of mojitos, please? Of course.
I'll bring it over.
Cheers.
I told you to take a couple of days off so you could think things over.
- Yeah, and I've thought, - and I don't want the consultancy.
I'm very happy being Features Editor, thank you very much.
Features Editor is not an option.
Why not? Is this because of the Second Time Around article? Or is it because you've already offered it to Stacey? Oh, don't be ridiculous.
Don't lie to me, John.
This is me.
Do you remember us? How we were? Of course.
Yes, of course I do.
Look I think you should go, and we'll talk about this later.
Later when? Tonight? Right, so, er, if we're staying, shall we get some tapas? Have a look through the menu.
We'll order as many as you like.
John? John! I'm told the sardines are nice.
Why can't I be Features Editor any more? I don't want to discuss this right now.
Well, I'm not leaving until you do.
I'll have the mushrooms and the calamari.
Right.
I have given 30 years of my life to this company because I believed in it and I believed in you.
So I think you owe me an explanation.
A jug of mojito.
Great.
Thank you.
I have no hobbies, no life outside of the company apart from our son! Why don't you just give the man a break? It's OK, Stacey.
I think Susan's a little emotional Oh, my God! You two are screwing.
Excuse me? Ignore her.
No, I That's why you want me out of the way and why you promoted her.
Please, Sue, you're embarrassing yourself.
No, this is embarrassing myself.
Oh! Ah! I want your stuff out of the flat tonight.
I think you'll find it's my name on the lease.
And Features Editor is no longer an option because you're not in touch with our readers any more.
You're no longer relevant, Sue.
Susan, darling, what a lovely surprise.
How are you? You look I'm fine, I'm just It was Micky's service today.
Gosh, you do look washed out.
Come through.
Look who's come to see us, Frank.
Huh? Oh, well, well, this is a rarity.
Hi, Frank.
Come in, come in, sit down.
Have you eaten? Can we get you anything? She's been to her friend's memorial.
Remember, I told you Micky was Linda's husband.
Oh, yes, yes.
Dreadful business, poor girl.
They were in a pop group together.
Ah! Yeah, it wasn't a pop group.
We played at Greenham.
Ah.
So, what have you been up to, then, my dear? Very busy juggling things, as usual.
I thought I might take a little break.
Oh, good for you.
Anyway, never mind me, what about you? Oh, you know, the usual.
Hospital visits, whist evenings, all very boring.
Oh, your mother does have one piece of really rather nice news to tell you.
Frank proposed to me on my birthday.
How sweet.
I thought I ought to make an honest woman out of her.
Are you sure you won't stay to supper? We hardly ever see you.
No, I've gotta go now.
Are you angry about something, darling? Actually, Mother, I'm really confused.
About what? About why you're marrying that man.
He's ten years younger than you and it was bad enough that you let him move in without consulting either me or your grandson.
But if you marry him and anything happens to you, he will inherit this house, and it's been in our family for generations.
But Andrew doesn't want this house, and you have your own life and your own flat in York.
It isn't my flat, and, actually, I was thinking about moving back in for a couple of months, but clearly I wouldn't be welcome in your cosy little set-up.
Of course you'd be welcome.
Don't be silly.
Do you actually have sex with him? No, don't answer that.
I don't want to know.
Susan! I've been robbed of my inheritance, my career, my flat, the man I have devoted over 30 years of my life to, the man I thought I'd grow old with.
The man I love.
Yes, I still love him, the bastard.
I made a fool of myself in front of everyone.
And to top it all I have pranged my car and I've got nowhere to live.
Not a good day, then, love.
I'm really, really lonely.
I've got no-one.
I'm in the wedding business and I've never been a bride.
It's sad.
My mother's been married.
She's getting married again and she's in her 80s.
It's just not fair.
Do you want to get married? Not really, no, but it'd be nice to be asked.
I wouldn't bother.
It's not all it's cracked up to be.
We hadn't had sex in ten months.
Why not? I just didn't feel attractive.
Lines on my face, my skin, my hair.
My knee is killing me.
I just want to feel like I used to feel.
I just want to feel wanted, desired Like you were young again.
Yeah.
Like I'm alive.
I didn't think for one minute he'd go through with the divorce.
And now it's all over and it's all my fault.
Maybe I'm just a sex-starved, jealous, old bat.
Sex-starved and jealous maybe, but not old.
We have to strike that word from our vocabularies, girls.
Yeah, we're valuable members of society.
Yeah, too right.
The years we've spent on this Earth have given us a profound wisdom.
Like never taking a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
No, I I won't go there.
Anyway, it's not all over, not yet.
You've still got six weeks and a day before it's final.
Really? Who says? If you read your decree nisi properly, it'll tell you.
I remember this from helping Andrew revise his law exams.
Six weeks? And a day.
So if you don't want it to be all over, you better do something.
I will! I just don't know what.
I just keep thinking about Micky and what my life's going to be like.
Come on, love, try not to think about it.
Put it out of your mind.
You're not on your own.
No, you're not.
We're here for you.
Do you know, I You know something? You two are my closest friends, and I feel like I've neglected you.
Oh, you've been busy.
No, that's not good enough.
Come on.
Let's not get maudlin.
To good friends.
Good friends.
Good friends.
Oh, bloody hell.
Is there a Thomas Drayton at this address? What do you want him for? Who is it? I think they want your Tom.
He's broken his curfew bail conditions, love.
Oh, shit.
Tom! Tom! Tom, where are you? Tom! Tom, where are you? Tom! Tom! What do you You should be at home! Right, mate, you've broken your bail conditions.
What time is it? Get out! How could you be so stupid? I'm sorry, I just forgot I'm sorry! I'm sorry! You can't just take him away.
Where are they taking him? What the hell is going on? It's a misunderstanding.
Oh, love.
Darling, I'm at Linda's and I'm staying here, so you don't need to worry about me.
I want you to come to the office tomorrow afternoon.
I think we should bring an Age Discrimination Action against John What? No! No, you can't do that.
Why not? I can't let you do that! You have to do it, Mum.
You owe it to every other woman that's been dumped on the rubbish heap because of her age.
No, Andrew! Andrew! Glad you're all right.
No, I can't let you do that! I'll ring you tomorrow.
'Night, Mum.
No, Andrew So, you're going to bring a court action against your biological father? My mother is.
Are you sure it's about her and not you? Yeah.
Yeah, I'm sure.
And I've decided that if it really is all over between them .
.
I'm going to tell her about us.
I thought we could all go to her birthday party together as a family.
I didn't know which side you slept on.
Left.
I should warn you, I snore sometimes, particularly if I've had a drink.
Did you ring Andrew? Yes, he He wants me to take John to some kind of tribunal.
Well, he'd know best, being a lawyer.
You might get some compensation.
Yeah, but it's not about the money, Linda.
It's about everything I've worked for.
All the worrying, sleepless nights.
The elation when the job went well.
And him, John, in the middle of it all.
I did it for him.
Who the hell's that at this time? Oh! Florence! Oh, are you trying to break my neck? Mm.
Linda Hutchinson? Yeah.
Who are you? My name's Carole Hardcastle.
Micky was talking to me on his mobile when you pushed him overboard.
Now before you all leave, where's my mum and dad? Linda and Micky? Stand up.
It was their wedding anniversary Have you enjoyed the cruise? It's been lovely! Bloody wonderful! Dad's pissed.
Sorry, only joking.
Well, happy anniversary from me, from our Ruby, and from the rest of the entertainment team.
We'd like to wish you all a very safe journey home tomorrow, and hope you'll join us again on board the Aztec.
Good night! Are you gonna drink that? It's too strong.
Oh, give it here.
My mam used to sing in a band and all three of 'em hitched down to Greenham Common.
Mm! She fought with police, then they chained themselves to the fence.
Yeah, all right, Ryan.
Amazing.
So, what do you both do now? Oh, not much.
I used to work in printing, but I was made redundant.
So this cruise has been brilliant.
I know you've done a special rate for us, and Dad! No, it has to be said - we could never have afforded it.
Not a balcony room, anyway, so, hey, cheers.
Well, happy anniversary to the pair of you.
Oh, I felt that.
It's a bit choppy tonight, isn't it? I think we better order.
Oh, damn, I forgot my glasses.
I've left them in the cabin.
Do you want me to go? No, I know where they are.
I'll be back in a minute.
He's slaughtered.
When travelling around the ship, please use handrails at all times.
Are you all right, sir? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.
Please make sure all balcony doors are securely fastened.
Thank you.
He was a bit nervous of sailing and he got very tense when we did the evacuation drill on the first night.
I told him we did it every trip.
I don't know where he's got to.
I'll go check.
No, it's all right, I'll go.
I bet he's just turned wrong way again when he came out of t'cabin.
I won't be long.
Sometimes when I look at photos of my mam back then, I can't believe she's the same person.
He wasn't in the cabin, but the balcony door was wide open and the chair was on its side.
He's not answering his bloody phone.
Shit! Oh, my God! You don't think something could have happened to him, do you? His cigarettes are on the floor.
His glasses are still here.
Oh, my God.
Think we should put a call out for him.
I think we should sound the alarm.
So, how do you know them? We're best friends, all three of us.
We've known each other for over 40 years.
Longer than I've been alive.
Aren't you the lucky one? I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to see them to God! What have you got it on? Forty volts, same as last week.
I can turn it down a bit if you want.
No, I won't get as good a lift.
I'll get used to it.
Argh! Taro Come on.
Good morning.
Nice to see you.
Hello, love.
Nice to see you.
Hello.
Good morning.
Hello, good morning, all right, hello.
'Morning, Gail, you all right? Yeah, I'm fine.
Is she all right now? Oh, much better now, thank you.
Cheers.
Mum.
Tom.
Tom, Tom, Tom.
So, what are you gonna wear? I can't fit into anything.
I've piled on weight on the cruise.
I'll have to go back to Weight Watchers.
Oh, damn and blast.
What? Oh, damn! Bugger! Oh.
What happened? I can't remember anything any more.
I'm falling to bits.
I ache everywhere, the house is a mess .
.
I've got cat poo on my dressing-gown, and now I've burnt the buns.
It doesn't matter.
We'll make some more.
You're supposed to shit in the litter tray, Florence! Right, so, you need to be in this house between 7pm and 7am, and if you're not, or you tamper with the tag or that box, an alarm'll go off and you'll have me or the police knockin' at your door.
Sign here.
Cheers.
Thanks for the tea, love.
There's your trousers.
Linda was lead vocalist.
Me and Gail were just really, backing.
Where did you all meet? Hall Lane Youth Club.
And this Micky, he was Linda's husband and it's his funeral? Not his funeral, no, because they never found his body.
He died at sea.
Right.
Right.
It's really just a service for him.
That's me.
Can you get it for me? Oh, they're wet! In the bag, yeah.
Quick, darling, otherwise he'll ring off.
Green button.
To my ear, yeah.
Thanks.
Hi, there.
It's Louise.
Um, do you want to put some money in for Stacey's birthday present? Oh, God, why? I don't even like the woman.
Oh, go on, then, £2.
And, er, I thought you should know, she's asked me to forward your contact list to the shared drive.
What? No way on God's earth.
I'm coming in.
All right, erm, come on, get these foils out! Both for you.
How long do I have to leave this tannin' stuff on for? A couple of hours and it should take.
And remember, if anybody asks, you've been selling timeshare in Thailand.
I've never been to Thailand and I know sod-all about timeshares.
Make summat up.
You've told enough lies in the past.
You should know how to do it.
Oh, thanks, Mum.
Well, I didn't wanna tell people you were serving 15 months in Armley Nick for receiving stolen cars, did I Oh, my God.
What is it? Mum? It's my decree nisi.
It's real.
Me and Dave are divorced.
Yeah, well, you're better off without that bastard.
You know, any man who makes a mother choose between her son and him is a bloody loser.
He didn't make me choose, and you could have been nicer to him.
Hello? Are you Ben Drayton's father? Yeah, I'm his dad.
You need to come and collect your son.
He has nits.
Well, what do you want us to do about it? If you could.
Thank you.
Right.
Ben's got nits and they want us to go pick him up from nursery.
I can't.
I've got this stuff all over me.
I've got to get ready for Micky's service and sort your nanna out.
After you've picked him up, can you get some nit stuff from the shop? Thanks, Mum! Cancelled.
Call Louise.
Call Louise.
Call Louise! The name, please.
Call Louise! Hello, Adorable.
Oh! Louise, it's Sue.
Where is she? Is she in John's office? I'm two minutes away.
Don't let her anywhere near my laptop.
Just say you don't know the password.
And don't tell her that I'm coming in, because I wanna see her face when I- Fuck! Shit! I've gotta go, Louise.
See you in five.
Oh, you stupid bloody bitch! - Excuse me, there is no need for that.
- You drove straight into the back of me.
You can't just stop in the middle of a main road for no reason.
Traffic lights, love! Red.
You're supposed to stop.
You don't have to if there's nobody crossing.
Have you got a licence, love? Have you taken your test? Of course, and will you stop yelling at me? I want your insurance details.
And I want to see yours.
I wish you both didn't have to go back.
I'm already dreading being on my own.
I'm gonna ring or text you, wherever we are, even if we're at sea.
Oh, that you, Ryan? Yeah.
What happened at t'solicitor's? Do you remember taking out a life-insurance policy three years ago for £90,000 upon death? Yeah, I think so.
Your dad did it when we sold Grove Road and moved here.
At least that means you can pay the house off.
Yeah, but the solicitor says that if the inquest decides Dad took his own life, then you don't get the full amount, only what you paid in.
What's that? Which is how much? £2,070.
No, that can't be right.
What about the mortgage? You owe £93,000.
Seems like you haven't paid anythin' off.
Yeah, we we definitely paid summat off, but then we went onto interest only when your dad got made redundant.
Believe me, you haven't paid owt, Mum.
I've just been through it with t'solicitor.
He says he's gonna send you a letter to explain everything, but if they decide it's suicide, then you're gonna have to sell the house.
But where will I live? It's just so great, guys.
Thank you so much.
Can I just say something? No, you can't.
It's quite clear to me that anyone who asks an innocent PA to steal a personal contact list I didn't ask her to steal.
I'm speaking.
My personal contact list that I have built up over years and years of hard work and networking, gaining the trust, loyalty and respect of clients Sorry, but you've got It was John's suggestion 'John's suggestion!' He said all contacts made to this company belong to Adorable.
Oh, did he, now? I wouldn't Sue, Sue, but you've got Are you aware that Stacey, the trainee, has asked for my personal contacts list? Keep your voice down and close the door.
I asked you a question.
Sue Just You've got to try and understand that our readership is down 30%.
Oh! I can hear violins playing.
We've got to try My heart is breaking all over again.
I've heard it all before, John.
I am not going to give a trainee my personal contacts file.
Stacey is not a trainee.
She's very bright, she's the average age of our readership, and she's the only one who's brought in any new contracts for the past three months.
Yes.
Because I've given her all the leads.
I've introduced her.
Look.
Nobody is denying how important you are.
That's why I'd like to offer you a consultancy.
What the hell are you talking about? You can work from home a couple of hours a week.
How can I be Features Editor doing a couple of hours a week? I don't know that I'll need a Features Editor any more.
I've never heard anything so ridiculous in all my life! You've got a big birthday coming up, haven't you? Yes, ten days after your very big birthday.
It's different for me.
And why's that? Because I own the company! - We started it, you and me.
- I know you think that, but in reality I don't think it, I know it because it's the bloody truth.
I've been here from the beginning.
Since Adorable was the three of us in an office without so much as a window! I think this role would bemuch less stressful for you.
What are you talking about? I'm not stressed.
Yes, you are.
Look at you, shouting and bawling.
This is making me stressed.
She is causing me stress.
Stacey Know-It-All.
Actually, Stacey is very intimidated by you.
It's her birthday today.
Did you bring her a card? Are you going to join us after work at Gino's to celebrate? No! Because I'm at Micky's service, and you know that.
You're not a team player, Sue.
And you never look happy these days.
Well, that's nothing to do with my work.
That's to do with you and me and the situation.
Well, there's nothing I can do about that.
When Mark finally leaves home Here we go again.
Like when Jason went to university and we were going to re-evaluate.
What happened? Nothing! And when our son went to university, you were going to pay him a monthly allowance.
And you didn't pay him a penny piece! I had to put him through law school all by myself without any help from you! For God's sake, keep your voice down.
Do you think they don't know? Everybody knows you're a shit, John, everybody! Oh, OK, fine, I'm a shit and everybody knows it.
But I have to think what's right for the company.
What do you mean, what's right for the company? This This This 'Second Time Around' feature.
Well, what's wrong with it? What's right with it? Brides-to-be don't want to be reading about second weddings when they're buying into the whole 'marriage is for ever' malarkey.
I know that.
They buy our magazine because that's the dream we sell.
I mean, who is that woman, anyway? She looks like she's pushing 50.
So? She's not even attractive.
I think she is.
You don't think she's attractive because she looks like she's lived.
She's got lines on her forehead.
She's real.
The point is she doesn't look like a bride.
Bridal mags are a young person's business, Sue.
That is utter crap and you know it.
I'm not going to argue with you.
You're in one of those moods yet again.
Look, go, go to your friend's funeral or whatever it is.
Take a few days off and and think about this consultancy.
I'm doing you a favour, honestly.
Sue! Can I just can I just tell you, you've got What? What have I got, Louise? You've got some concealer under your eyes.
Door opening.
It's dinging! Yes, Mum, I'm doing it.
Oh, he's been scratching.
It's just a prick-and-ding, but it's beef stew and dumplings.
You like that.
Right, we've got to go.
God, you're always in a rush.
What about my tea? You haven't started your dinner yet.
Our Tom's home, so he'll be popping round to see you tonight.
Oh, he's no need to bother.
He hasn't visited me in ages.
Not even on my birthday.
I told you he's been away, Mum.
He'd have visited you if he was here.
He was trying to get some money together.
Be my funeral next, and I don't want to go in no furnace when I do.
I want a proper burial, with headstone and flowers.
Yes, you tell me every week.
Right.
You've got your remote, your dinner and your alarm.
So I'll see you later, OK? If I'm still here.
Come on, love.
Let's go.
Oh, is it Gail? Oh, hi, I'm sorry, I'm in a bit of a rush.
We're a bit worried about your mum.
She went to the Black Horse pub last Thursday in her nightie.
Fortunately, the landlord rang us.
She seems to be getting more and more confused and we don't have the manpower here to look after her properly.
So what are you suggesting? Come on, Ben, have some of that.
Good.
Very good.
Now, then Oh, hiya.
I didn't know you were coming.
Yeah, Ryan rang and told me.
Bloody tragedy.
I, er I got the decree nisi through this morning.
Yeah, I got mine.
Didn't have to end like this, Gail.
All I wanted was to be put first once in a while.
I did put you first.
You didn't.
God, you gave all the money we'd been saving for Las Vegas to your Tom.
He needed a van.
He had no work, and he's my son.
What was I supposed to do? Anyway, he was gonna pay me back.
Oh, yeah, right.
He could have bought a van himself out of all the money he made from stolen cars.
He didn't know they were stolen.
Oh, yeah, sure.
You've never liked him, have you? You never gave the lad a chance.
Everybody knows he takes you for a ride and you bail him out time and time again.
Just look at him swanning around, laughing with his mates while you're here holding the baby.
People feel sorry for you, Gail.
Well, they've no need to bother, cos I'm proud of our Tom trying to bring up his son on his own, and if I can help him, I will, and it's nobody else's business but mine and Tom's.
Er, I heard you were selling timeshare in Thailand.
I thought the bottom had fallen out of that market.
Yeah, yeah, well, that was the problem.
The bottom's fallen out of it, so I decided it was time to do one and come home.
So, you still a solicitor? Yeah, yeah, I've been at Fairburn and Lupton's for almost four years now.
I spent a year in Thailand just after I qualified.
Where did you stay? Oh, you know, around and about.
The middle bit, really.
I just have to make sure my mum's all right.
Looks like her dickhead ex is hasslin' her.
It's not been easy the last couple of years, what with my hot flushes and my mood swings.
And you could have put your arm around me once in a while.
I tried, but you always thought I was hankering after summat else.
Mum! Thought you were doing two years.
Dave! They let me out early for good behaviour.
So, where's your girlfriend today? I haven't got a girlfriend.
Couldn't she get time off school? If you're referring to Shelly, she's just a friend and she's at further ed college, not school.
They're here.
Let's get in.
Hello, love.
Hello, Ruby, darling, I'm sorry.
Are you all right? Auntie Gail.
Tom's there.
I'll see you in a bit, Mum, yeah? Oh, I don't know.
I think I'm still in shock.
If there's anything I can do Aw, thanks, love.
It's good your Ruby and Ryan are here for you.
Yeah.
They're still on compassionate leave.
I couldn't have managed without 'em.
But they have to go back soon.
It's a right bloody mess.
He owed money everywhere.
Oh, shit.
And my mam didn't have a clue.
And she's hopeless without my dad.
I don't know how she's gonna manage.
Now I'm back.
I can keep an eye on her, and she's always got my mam.
We thought insurance'd cover t'mortgage, but now we don't even know.
We've gotta wait for inquest and if it's suicide, then we're up shit creek.
I just keep thinking if he did take his own life, he must have been really desperate to do that.
And day after their anniversary Hey.
Let's go in.
The minute Dave started talking to me, that was it.
I started with my hot flush.
Yeah, I'm sorry about that.
I should have warned you Dave was coming.
Our Ryan did all t'ringing round.
I'd have done my hair if I'd known.
Do Do I look all right? You look lovely, but you've got a black trickle running down your forehead.
Oh, my God! Oh, give us it here.
What is it? I tried to cover my grey up with mascara.
But it can't have been waterproof.
Did you invite Sue? Yeah.
Ryan said he rang her mobile.
Excuse me.
I didn't know Micky very well, but I know that Linda sings in our choir and both her children Ryan and Ruby were baptised in this church.
It's always very difficult when someone takes their own life.
We don't even know if it was suicide.
Do you think I should say summat? He might have.
What drove him to it, and could we have done anything to prevent it happening? We surround them with our love and pray for understanding and peace.
We are gathered here in their hour of need.
Oh! I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Yes, yes, come in.
You're welcome.
She always has to make an entrance.
Miss, have a seat.
I didn't think you were coming.
Everything that could possibly go wrong this morning has done and the bloody sat-nav took me to Heckmondwike.
This is Natalie.
.
.
and saviour.
Lovely to meet you, Natalie.
.
.
the next hymn in our order of service Oh, I'm sorry I was late.
Ugh, you wouldn't believe what's happened to me this morning.
At least you got here.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
I think Micky would have wanted us all here.
You look amazing.
I don't know how you do it.
I look a mess.
I was rushing.
Oh, but it's so lovely to see you both, and the pair of you look fabulous, too.
I put on half a stone on the cruise.
I feel like shit.
I got divorced today.
Oh, sorry.
Well, anyway, this must be your gorgeous little grandson.
This is Ben.
Ben.
Hello.
Hello.
What a little poppet.
You've grown since I saw you last.
Would you like a grown-up flower? That's for you.
Is Ben's mother still in .
.
rehab? No, she's out, and with some other lad, and basically doesn't want to know.
Unbelievable.
I bet you spoil him.
I don't have the money to spoil him.
I'm lucky if I have enough to pay the bills.
Tell me about it.
It's so lovely to see you.
It's been ages.
I kept trying to get us all together, but you were always so busy.
I sent you a text but you never got back to me.
It's ridiculous.
It's, erm, just life's been so hectic.
Thanks for coming.
Mum.
I'll just take them outside.
Yeah, I'll come with you.
Is that your car? Yes, we traded the Beemer in for the Merc it must be two years ago now.
Well, I think you better move it.
I did have a little incident on the way here.
Yes.
Natalie's nice.
Mum.
I didn't say a word.
It's just lovely to see you with someone.
Right.
She's very attractive.
I take it you didn't see the invite.
'No flowers.
' Well, everybody loves some flowers.
I'll just take them to the house.
Linda will love them.
Is that all you're gonna eat? I don't do wheat or dairy.
They make me bloat.
You look stick-thin to me.
Spanx.
Debenhams, or go online.
I decided after 50 I couldn't hold it in any more.
Haven't you got another birthday coming up? Yes, Gail, thanks for that.
You're still a baby in comparison to me and Linda.
I'd rather not think about it.
Aren't you going to celebrate? No, I'm not! I'm going to book myself in for a face-lift and go into hiding.
But you look amazing.
I look like my mother.
I look in the mirror and I have absolutely no idea who's staring back at me.
What I need is a large G& and a cigarette.
You don't still smoke, do you? Don't lecture me.
I've tried everything.
Vapes, patches, chewing gum, nasal sprays, none of them work.
I have a lot of stress running the magazine, meeting deadlines.
It's the only thing that does it for me.
I wish I had your life.
It sounds so exciting.
Look at you.
You've got a career.
I'm a lollipop lady.
You've got Tom and you've got that sweet little boy.
I wish I had a grandchild.
It must be lovely.
I keep waiting for Andrew to tell me he's getting hitched.
I'd love to plan a wedding for him.
Every time I mention it, he just tells me to stop interfering.
I think he's terrified of commitment.
Does he ever see his father? Good God, no.
Listen, I'm I'm gonna get a drink and a fag outside.
I won't be long.
Hi, Gail.
Hiya.
I'm thinking of having a surprise party for Mum.
Really? She just told me she didn't want a do.
It's not really a do.
Just family and a few close friends.
No cards with numbers on them.
All right, love.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.
Are you OK? I think so.
How you doin'? I don't know.
I keep looking round thinking someone's missing.
Then I realise it's Micky.
I thought the service would make me feel better, but I feel worse.
I just feel guilty, like I've really let him down.
No, you didn't, don't be daft.
Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, if I could just have your attention for one minute.
I'd like to thank you all for coming along today.
I've been going through a few of my dad's things, trying to decide what to keep and what to chuck out.
He'd been keeping himself busy on a couple of projects in his beloved shed.
So this one I think I'd like to share with you.
I know it's your wedding day, Linda.
Oh, my God! Oh, look at you! Oh, it's me! .
.
it doesn't say anything in the etiquette book about bridesmaids making an arse of themselves.
But we thought But we thought we'd do it anyway! There she is, look! Do you remember your moves? No! I've seen it all now.
Which way are you going? Oh, that one, remember that one? Oh, that's Micky! We were so young.
Can you remember it? Ain't no mountain high enough Oh, bless you, Mum.
.
.
keep me from you It gets better, as well.
It gets better.
Wait for it.
There's an exciting bit.
Wait, this is it.
Go on, Mum! Hey, it's my dad when he was thin.
Oh, no! No, he can't! What's the matter? Mum? You all right? It's all right, isn't it? It took me ages to get all that together.
Is she all right? What's going on? Tell me.
My PA's texting me.
He's making Stacey Know-It-All Features Editor.
Who's Stacey? Who are you talking about? Nobody.
Nothing.
She's a trainee.
I thought you were Features Editor.
Bastard's trying to get rid of me.
He wants me to consult a couple of hours a week.
Consult? It's your magazine.
A couple of hours a week is good.
He's not answering.
Not if she doesn't want to drop her hours.
She's worked as hard as he has to build the business up.
She deserves to be treated better.
Absolutely.
Answering machine! He might be doing this for you.
I mean, none of us are getting any younger.
You speak for yourself, I do facial Pilates, mindfulness, and I take a million supplements every day.
But you can't keep going at the same rate.
You've got to slow down.
I don't want to slow down! I know what this is.
I did an article about second-time-around marriages and he hated it.
Did he actually say that to you? Brilliant idea.
When I married Dave, I had no idea what to wear.
I remember trailing round town with not a clue in my head.
He said bridal mags were a young person's business and there was no room for middle-aged women.
He can't say that.
It's against the law.
No way! Well, he did.
That's exactly what he said.
I mean, I think he was actually referring to the model, but I got the impression he meant me.
Want me to speak to him? God, no! I wouldn't say who I was.
No! I don't want you involved.
Oh, God.
Look, Linda, I'm sorry.
I'll I'll ring you.
Are you OK? He does it to her every time.
I fucking hate the man.
She's given up everything for him and that bloody magazine.
I think she always thought I know what she thought.
She was obsessed with him.
You've no idea what she's sacrificed for that man.
She wouldn't listen to anyone.
She thought he would leave his wife, and that was never gonna happen.
Course it wasn't.
And now he thinks he can just chuck her on the rubbish heap? Well, he's not going to get away with it.
I'll take the bastard to court.
You can't do that, love.
He's your dad.
No, he's not my dad! I never had a father.
You have to earn that title.
I don't even know the man.
I wanted to ring you.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realised it weren't fair.
Look, I've got a kid and I owe people money.
I just wanted to go get myself straightened out.
So you thought you'd bugger off to Thailand instead.
I had to find out from your mam.
You never text, Facebook, nothing.
I'm sorry.
And all that stuff about not telling anyone we were seeing each other, it was It was like you were ashamed of me.
No.
It wasn't that.
I was just tryin' to deal with Corrine and get custody of Ben.
I have never been ashamed of you.
Ruby.
Come here.
You've no idea how much plastic surgery she's had.
Really? Yeah.
Oh, well, stand by your beds.
I thought you'd taken the day off.
I didn't want to miss the party.
So, what are we all drinking? Oh, mojito.
Stacey? It's all right, I'll get these.
What are you playing at? I'm not playing at anything.
I'm doing what you asked.
I'm socialising with the staff.
Can I have another jug of mojitos, please? Of course.
I'll bring it over.
Cheers.
I told you to take a couple of days off so you could think things over.
- Yeah, and I've thought, - and I don't want the consultancy.
I'm very happy being Features Editor, thank you very much.
Features Editor is not an option.
Why not? Is this because of the Second Time Around article? Or is it because you've already offered it to Stacey? Oh, don't be ridiculous.
Don't lie to me, John.
This is me.
Do you remember us? How we were? Of course.
Yes, of course I do.
Look I think you should go, and we'll talk about this later.
Later when? Tonight? Right, so, er, if we're staying, shall we get some tapas? Have a look through the menu.
We'll order as many as you like.
John? John! I'm told the sardines are nice.
Why can't I be Features Editor any more? I don't want to discuss this right now.
Well, I'm not leaving until you do.
I'll have the mushrooms and the calamari.
Right.
I have given 30 years of my life to this company because I believed in it and I believed in you.
So I think you owe me an explanation.
A jug of mojito.
Great.
Thank you.
I have no hobbies, no life outside of the company apart from our son! Why don't you just give the man a break? It's OK, Stacey.
I think Susan's a little emotional Oh, my God! You two are screwing.
Excuse me? Ignore her.
No, I That's why you want me out of the way and why you promoted her.
Please, Sue, you're embarrassing yourself.
No, this is embarrassing myself.
Oh! Ah! I want your stuff out of the flat tonight.
I think you'll find it's my name on the lease.
And Features Editor is no longer an option because you're not in touch with our readers any more.
You're no longer relevant, Sue.
Susan, darling, what a lovely surprise.
How are you? You look I'm fine, I'm just It was Micky's service today.
Gosh, you do look washed out.
Come through.
Look who's come to see us, Frank.
Huh? Oh, well, well, this is a rarity.
Hi, Frank.
Come in, come in, sit down.
Have you eaten? Can we get you anything? She's been to her friend's memorial.
Remember, I told you Micky was Linda's husband.
Oh, yes, yes.
Dreadful business, poor girl.
They were in a pop group together.
Ah! Yeah, it wasn't a pop group.
We played at Greenham.
Ah.
So, what have you been up to, then, my dear? Very busy juggling things, as usual.
I thought I might take a little break.
Oh, good for you.
Anyway, never mind me, what about you? Oh, you know, the usual.
Hospital visits, whist evenings, all very boring.
Oh, your mother does have one piece of really rather nice news to tell you.
Frank proposed to me on my birthday.
How sweet.
I thought I ought to make an honest woman out of her.
Are you sure you won't stay to supper? We hardly ever see you.
No, I've gotta go now.
Are you angry about something, darling? Actually, Mother, I'm really confused.
About what? About why you're marrying that man.
He's ten years younger than you and it was bad enough that you let him move in without consulting either me or your grandson.
But if you marry him and anything happens to you, he will inherit this house, and it's been in our family for generations.
But Andrew doesn't want this house, and you have your own life and your own flat in York.
It isn't my flat, and, actually, I was thinking about moving back in for a couple of months, but clearly I wouldn't be welcome in your cosy little set-up.
Of course you'd be welcome.
Don't be silly.
Do you actually have sex with him? No, don't answer that.
I don't want to know.
Susan! I've been robbed of my inheritance, my career, my flat, the man I have devoted over 30 years of my life to, the man I thought I'd grow old with.
The man I love.
Yes, I still love him, the bastard.
I made a fool of myself in front of everyone.
And to top it all I have pranged my car and I've got nowhere to live.
Not a good day, then, love.
I'm really, really lonely.
I've got no-one.
I'm in the wedding business and I've never been a bride.
It's sad.
My mother's been married.
She's getting married again and she's in her 80s.
It's just not fair.
Do you want to get married? Not really, no, but it'd be nice to be asked.
I wouldn't bother.
It's not all it's cracked up to be.
We hadn't had sex in ten months.
Why not? I just didn't feel attractive.
Lines on my face, my skin, my hair.
My knee is killing me.
I just want to feel like I used to feel.
I just want to feel wanted, desired Like you were young again.
Yeah.
Like I'm alive.
I didn't think for one minute he'd go through with the divorce.
And now it's all over and it's all my fault.
Maybe I'm just a sex-starved, jealous, old bat.
Sex-starved and jealous maybe, but not old.
We have to strike that word from our vocabularies, girls.
Yeah, we're valuable members of society.
Yeah, too right.
The years we've spent on this Earth have given us a profound wisdom.
Like never taking a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
No, I I won't go there.
Anyway, it's not all over, not yet.
You've still got six weeks and a day before it's final.
Really? Who says? If you read your decree nisi properly, it'll tell you.
I remember this from helping Andrew revise his law exams.
Six weeks? And a day.
So if you don't want it to be all over, you better do something.
I will! I just don't know what.
I just keep thinking about Micky and what my life's going to be like.
Come on, love, try not to think about it.
Put it out of your mind.
You're not on your own.
No, you're not.
We're here for you.
Do you know, I You know something? You two are my closest friends, and I feel like I've neglected you.
Oh, you've been busy.
No, that's not good enough.
Come on.
Let's not get maudlin.
To good friends.
Good friends.
Good friends.
Oh, bloody hell.
Is there a Thomas Drayton at this address? What do you want him for? Who is it? I think they want your Tom.
He's broken his curfew bail conditions, love.
Oh, shit.
Tom! Tom! Tom, where are you? Tom! Tom, where are you? Tom! Tom! What do you You should be at home! Right, mate, you've broken your bail conditions.
What time is it? Get out! How could you be so stupid? I'm sorry, I just forgot I'm sorry! I'm sorry! You can't just take him away.
Where are they taking him? What the hell is going on? It's a misunderstanding.
Oh, love.
Darling, I'm at Linda's and I'm staying here, so you don't need to worry about me.
I want you to come to the office tomorrow afternoon.
I think we should bring an Age Discrimination Action against John What? No! No, you can't do that.
Why not? I can't let you do that! You have to do it, Mum.
You owe it to every other woman that's been dumped on the rubbish heap because of her age.
No, Andrew! Andrew! Glad you're all right.
No, I can't let you do that! I'll ring you tomorrow.
'Night, Mum.
No, Andrew So, you're going to bring a court action against your biological father? My mother is.
Are you sure it's about her and not you? Yeah.
Yeah, I'm sure.
And I've decided that if it really is all over between them .
.
I'm going to tell her about us.
I thought we could all go to her birthday party together as a family.
I didn't know which side you slept on.
Left.
I should warn you, I snore sometimes, particularly if I've had a drink.
Did you ring Andrew? Yes, he He wants me to take John to some kind of tribunal.
Well, he'd know best, being a lawyer.
You might get some compensation.
Yeah, but it's not about the money, Linda.
It's about everything I've worked for.
All the worrying, sleepless nights.
The elation when the job went well.
And him, John, in the middle of it all.
I did it for him.
Who the hell's that at this time? Oh! Florence! Oh, are you trying to break my neck? Mm.
Linda Hutchinson? Yeah.
Who are you? My name's Carole Hardcastle.
Micky was talking to me on his mobile when you pushed him overboard.