Kimberley Chambers 3-Book Collection: The Schemer, The Trap, Payback. Kimberley Chambers

with you, Steph. I’ve seen the way he looks at you and it’s more than just friendly glances. I’ve watched him, and sometimes he can’t take his eyes off you. I think he’s actually besotted with you.’

      Stephanie felt her heart pounding in her chest. ‘Barry doesn’t think like that. He’s too much of a gentleman, Mum. Anyway, he knows how much I love Wayne. How could I even think of moving on while I have no idea where my fiancé is or whether he is dead or alive?’

      Pam sighed. She was under no illusion that Wayne was ever coming back. The police had all but said so themselves the last time she had spoken to them. ‘Do you want my honest opinion, love?’

      Stephanie nodded.

      ‘I don’t think Wayne’s gonna be coming home, darling, so if I was you I wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth by turning Barry down. You ain’t got to rush into anything. Just take things one day at a time. Barry’s ever so good with the kids; Dannielle adores him. So why don’t you just take things slowly and see how it goes? Men like Barry don’t come along every day of the week, and he’ll always provide for you, I know he will. Surely that’s better than being a one-parent bloody family in council accommodation, relying on handouts from the social?’

      Stephanie looked at her mum in astonishment. Was she saying what she thought she was saying? ‘Didn’t you like Wayne or something, Mum? And what makes you think he ain’t ever coming back home? Do you know something I don’t?’

      ‘Of course I liked Wayne, but if you want the truth, I never thought that you and him were particularly well suited.

      I thought his fathering skills left a lot to be desired, an’ all, if you want total honesty. He was never there for them