Page 10 of Coming Home to Hope Street

Livvy’s face heated up with embarrassment, as if Hannah had been able to read her mind. She realised for all her thoughts she had no choice but to stay. She began to play with the cuff on her jumper.

‘I can still read you well.’ Hannah smiled. ‘Do you need somewhere for longer than that?’

Livvy paused, biting her lip for a moment. ‘I do, please.’

‘Look, I practically live across the cobbles now, anyway. You can stay here as long as you like. It’s our family home, well it was, but that’s a story for another day. I can grab a few of my clothes so you can have my room and Pip can have the spare.’

‘I feel like I’m putting on you.’

‘You came here for my help.’

‘But I don’t belong in Hope Street anymore.’

‘I know it’s essential that you have a roof over your head. I’m not having you heading back to Kieran when there’s a house right here that you can use.’

Livvy wasn’t going to mention she hadn’t been with him for months. That she wasn’t sure where he was staying; that he hadn’t provided any maintenance for Pip. But Hannah mistook her silence as stubbornness.

‘It’s fine,’ she insisted.

‘Won’t Doug mind?’

‘He’ll be fine too.’

‘You’re really into him, aren’t you?’

‘I am. But he’s the first man I’ve had a relationship with in many years. I put my social life on hold for Mum – not that I begrudged her.’ She gave a faint smile. ‘Who would have thought we’d both have been lonely, but not in touch?’

‘I messed up so much,’ Livvy replied.

‘You sure did. But your reasons are your reasons.’

‘Aren’t you angry?’

‘Of course. Well, no, actually. I’d say I’m more curious at the moment. But I know you’ll explain everything when you feel you’re able.’

‘Thank you.’ Livvy’s bottom lip trembled. ‘I wouldn’t have let me stay if I were you.’

‘I couldn’t turn you away. I tried to find you when you were at college.’

‘Did you?’

Hannah nodded. ‘I was told you’d left, but no one knew where you were living.’

‘I – I’m sorry.’

Hannah put up a hand. ‘Livvy, from what I can gather, you’ve done the best you can. Don’t beat yourself up about it.’ Her phone beeped an incoming message.

‘Doug?’ Livvy asked.

‘Phoebe – she lives at number forty-one. I’ll warn you now. You’re likely to get the wrath of her.’

‘She won’t be the only person who’ll want to know why I came back though.’

‘It’s up to you what you tell everyone. I must admit, I’m looking forward to getting to know you again, and my niece.’

Hannah’s warm smile gave Livvy hope. She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting on her return, but this was more than she’d dared to hope.

‘Now, let’s get that pizza out before it burns.’ Hannah turned to the oven, switching it off and grabbing a glove.

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