One Step at a Time Read Online Free PDF

because I haven’t had a decent meal all week.’
    Sheila Winslow lived in a charming house in Richmond, right by the river. The place was already crowded when Ben and Howard arrived, and as it was a lovely evening the guests had spilt out into the garden. They had been at university with quite a few of them, so they said hello before going to find Sheila.
    She saw them and came over, arms open wide, to kiss them on the cheek, gushing enough to make everyone turn and watch her. ‘Oh, good, you made it. I couldn’t have a party without my two favourite artists.’
    Ben groaned deep in his throat. For some peculiar reason Sheila seemed to think it was clever to be friends with two struggling artists. Not that he had ever considered her a friend, more of an acquaintance really.
    Howard had managed to keep his smile in place as they gave her their presents.
    Ripping open the packages she held each one up for everyone to see. ‘How quaint. You are such clever boys,’ she simpered. ‘Do go and get yourselves a glass of champagne.’
    Without a moment’s hesitation they headed for the dining room and the food.
    ‘I’d rather have a pint,’ Howard said, still grinning. ‘She’s gone overboard with her dress tonight.’
    Ben eyed her critically as she laughed with a group of her friends. ‘Hmm.’
    ‘It’s the latest fashion. You don’t approve?’
    ‘A bit too glittery and revealing for my taste. I like a touch of mystery about a girl.’
    ‘Like the girl you met today?’
    ‘Yes.’ Ben gazed into space, remembering, and wishing he were back in his studio. Then his stomach growled and reminded him why they were here. ‘Let’s get at the food.’
    The large dining-room table was loaded with all kinds of tempting things, so they grabbed plates and piled them high. For several minutes they just munched away, not speaking.
    When Howard’s plate was nearly empty, he rolled his eyes in appreciation. ‘Mrs Winslow certainly knows how to cater for a party.’
    ‘Well, it is her daughter’s twenty-first.’ Ben eyed the table, trying to decide what to sample next.
    ‘Is it?’ Howard helped himself to another two slices of ham. ‘This is wonderful.’
    They were about to fill their plates again when Mrs Winslow sailed up to them, a tight smile on her face.
    ‘You boys look as if you haven’t had a decent meal for a week.’
    ‘Longer than that, Mrs Winslow.’ Ben smiled with good humour as the woman made a disapproving sound. The way they lived was a fact of life to them,and as long as they could practise their art, then every sacrifice was worthwhile.
    ‘I don’t know what your parents were doing, allowing you to throw away your education and become starving artists.’
    ‘They’ll be proud of us when we’re famous and making lots of money.’ Ben studied his empty plate and thought a large slice of strawberry cake would look good on there.
    ‘You are both living in a dream.’ She almost snorted, but she was far too well brought up to do any such thing. ‘It will never happen. Howard, you come from an affluent family and yet you have cast it all away. And what for? So you can make pots and statues.’
    ‘But they are very good pots and statues.’ Howard was not at all put out by the criticism; he’d heard it all before.
    ‘And you, Benjamin.’ Mrs Winslow turned on him now. ‘What is your poor father going to do? You should be training to take over the family business, not wasting your time painting pictures no one will ever want. You are the only child, so what will happen when your father can no longer work?’
    ‘He said he would sell the shops.’
    She tossed her head in disgust. ‘Neither of you has any sense of responsibility. Well, do carry on eating. I’ll get Cook to make you up a parcel of food to take away with you.’
    As soon as she walked away Howard made a divefor the food again. ‘That’s her act of charity for the day. Feeding two disobedient sons.’
    A huge slice of