Wild Oats by Henry Veronica

Author:Henry, Veronica [Henry, Veronica]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing
Published: 2004-06-24T23:00:00+00:00

17

By nine o’clock that evening, the Drum and Monkey at Tidsworth was stifling, rammed with hot bodies and smelling of spilled beer and fags and sweat. To Rod, it felt like heaven. He hadn’t been anywhere like this for years; this would have been absolute anathema to Bella, who liked designer purity, clinical minimalism, wipe-clean chic. Not earthy, raw, peasant fun. There were no poseurs in here, just people who knew how to let their hair down and didn’t mind making fools of themselves.

As a Shania Twain tribute, Tanya had her own serious following; die-hard fans who turned out dutifully to every gig. As well as that, line-dancing clubs often had coach trips to see her. She was bloody good; she could belt out the tunes in a faithful reproduction of her tribute, she had a rapport with her audience, it was obvious she revelled in being on stage and showing off. And she looked great; she worked hard to keep in shape for her figure-hugging stage costumes. Tonight she was in a black lace body stocking, lace-up stiletto boots and a huge belt with an eagle’s head for a buckle, her hair in wild, snaky ringlets that had taken Nolly hours with a pair of curling tongs. She looked sensational; she’d have put Shania herself to shame.

To Rod, coming to the Drum and Monkey was a bit like coming home. Nothing had changed since he was last here, not even the bar staff. He nodded to people he knew, and was gratified that many of them slapped him on the back in genuine pleasure at seeing him there. He felt guilty that he hadn’t turned out to support his sister more often. He felt someone tickle him just above his waistband and turned to find Foxy Marsden peering up at him through her peroxide fringe.

Foxy’s eyes were small and black, but so alive – they snapped and crackled with vivacity and mischief. Her mouth was permanently twisted into a naughty little grin. She never seemed to take anything seriously; life was one long party. She was wearing hot-pink bondage trousers and a tight white leather biker jacket with her name emblazoned in rhinestones on the back. She was drinking Dirty Diesel – Guinness with a Vimto top – and it clearly wasn’t her first. It was hard to believe that by day she worked in a local solicitor’s office, dressed demurely in a navy-blue skirt and white blouse, dealing with people’s queries politely and efficiently.

‘Rodders! Long time no see! Tanya said you were going to be here, but I didn’t believe her.’ Foxy was genuinely delighted to see him. She checked him out with a mischievous grin. ‘You’re looking gorgeous.’

Rod ruffled her hair.

‘So are you.’

Pre-Bella, Tanya, Foxy and Rod had been a bit of a threesome, going out on the town, driving to clubs in Shrewsbury and Worcester and Hereford where they’d danced the night away. Rod had been their minder, and made sure Tanya and Foxy didn’t get

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