18 stories
Scouse Mate's Mum
Night out in Liverpool with his mate. Mate passes out at pre-drinks. His mum suggests they go out anyway. She shows him the real Liverpool.
The Tattoo Artist
He wants a sleeve. She's the best in town. The session runs late. The shop closes. She offers to finish the piece after hours.
Butlins Redcoat
Family holiday, nothing to do. The redcoat running the evening entertainment is fit, friendly, and looking at him like he's the entertainment.
Bingo Jackpot
He's there with his nan. Her mate wins the jackpot. Celebration drinks. Nan goes home early. Her mate doesn't.
Magaluf Mistake
Lads holiday gone wrong—his mates pulled and left him alone. Two birds adopt him for the night. They share everything.
Caravan Park
He's in the next caravan. Her kids are at the kids' club. She knocks asking to borrow milk. Comes back for sugar. Comes back for him.
Benidorm Balcony
She's on the balcony next door, sunbathing topless. Catches him looking. Invites him over for sangria. The sangria leads elsewhere.
Council House Party
Bank Holiday Monday. Someone's having a house party. Too much booze, too much bass. He ends up in the bedroom with more than one guest.
The Bus Stop
Missed the last proper bus. Night bus doesn't come for an hour. Two birds waiting too, pissed up, loud. They suggest warming up on the back seats.
Mum's Mate Sharon
Sharon's always round their house, drinking wine with mum, being inappropriate. Tonight mum's passed out on the sofa. Sharon finds him in the kitchen.
The Barmaid
Last orders called. Everyone leaves but him. She locks the door, pours them both a drink. Says she's been watching him all night. The pool table's right there.
Benefits Day
Queue at the post office, cashing their giros. They've been eyeing him up for months. Invite him back for a cuppa. The cuppa turns into something else.
The Stepsister's Tracksuit
Mum married some bloke and now his daughter lives with them. She walks around in pink velour, knows exactly what she's doing. Parents are at the pub.
Nan's Best Mate
Brenda's been coming to bingo with nan for years. Tonight nan's not feeling well. Brenda comes round anyway with Lambrinis and stories about what she used to get up to.
Chippie Run
He sees her every Friday night after the pub. She's always there, chips and curry sauce. Tonight she asks for a lift home. Her flat is empty.
The Stepmum From Dagenham
Dad brought her back from a Wetherspoons. Now she's living in their house, walking around in next to nothing, making comments. Dad works nights.
Upstairs Neighbor
She's always stomping around upstairs, music too loud. He goes up to complain. She answers in her dressing gown, fag in hand. Tells him to come in and sort it out properly.
Family Reunion
Dad gets called away from the annual reunion. His stepmom and stepsister have been waiting for this. They've discussed it. Tonight they stop pretending.