The Bright Lights Beckoned

From the first date, a drink in the pub and getting to know each other, they met up every night. He was a little older, lived at home and had a big family, none still living at home. 
Although they usually went to local pubs, often playing darts, if they wanted a night in it had to be at his house. Males were not allowed in the hostel.

Steve's mum was a lot older than Ann's, in fact he had a sister similar age to Ann's mum. He gave her money for food but many times she didn't cook anything and gave him money back to get a take away usually Indian food. 
After a short while Ann offered to make the odd meal and substituted take away with home made Indian food. Usually chicken with spices, rice and chapattis from a recipe in a book she bought. Steve was well known at the Indian restaurant and when they went Ann would chat about the meals she made and they were quite shocked stating they made their chapattis exactly the same way. They were always given a free glass of wine even when ordering take away. 

At weekends his two sisters, Shirley and Carole, nicknamed Billie and brother, Bruce would come with their families. Same routine each time. On a Saturday all the women went to Church Street market, sometimes with the children in tow. Shirley's  husband never stayed around and Bruce sometimes went fishing taking the children with him. Steve and Ann would sometimes join them. Sometimes they went to the market but never went their separate ways.
On Sundays the women all stayed home to cook dinner and the men went to the pub playing darts, Ann went with them. She joined them all for the meal, far better than the hostel food. 

There was another sister living in America. She had gone there on holiday with a friend and stayed, eventually marrying an American man. 

Ann enjoyed the homely, family environment. Although it had it's problems. One niece, Diane, a little younger than Ann was quite obsessed with Steve and her mother, Shirley, wanted treating like a queen. She was the one close to the age of Ann's mum. Then there was Bruce. Ann was informed to keep her handbag in sight, no further explanation until Steve said that he was prone to stealing money!
Steve and Ann often took the other two younger nieces, Kelly and Dawn  and nephew, Matthew, to the park, either Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. A little bit of open space that was a haven from the hustle and bustle! 
Bruce's wife, Val, was a lovely person and Ann warmed to her but she did have a problem. She had to be told to have a bath and the aroma was rather unpleasant! 
It was hectic but fun on those weekends other than times when they tried to interfere in Steve and Ann's relationship. 
Dawn was only young but used to often talk to Steve about his ex girlfriend knowing it was upsetting for Ann. If there had been any hint of words between Steve and Ann his mother would tell them all. The sisters then took Ann aside and informed her she had upset their mother. Nothing was ever said by them to Steve and Ann felt trapped at times having no family close by.

Steve had proposed to Ann after only two weeks and the relationship built. 
It was difficult to have time alone, they had to wait until Steve's mum went to bed. They were then left with the sofa to make love on.
Steve was not her first but this felt right, love making rather than just sex.
They were constantly listening in case his mum came back down for a drink or saying she couldn't sleep.