Page 17 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘And how’s Pip?’

‘Sulking because we have a meeting at Somerley High School this afternoon. They said over the phone they can take her from Monday. If it’s still all right with you that we stay? I know us landing on your doorstep is the last thing you expected, but I’d prefer to get Pip sorted out as soon as I can. Even if it means we stay in Somerley and find somewhere else to live, I need her to settle if possible. She’s been through so much and—’

Hannah held up a hand to stop her. ‘Things aren’t going to be easy for a good while, but do you honestly think I’d throw you and Pip out after a week or so?’

‘I would.’

‘Maybe I should, but I’m not going to. Everyone deserves a second chance.’ She stopped in front of Chandler’s Shoes to admire a pair of heels she’d been coveting for a while. In the window, Sadie, one of the assistants was changing the display. Hannah knocked on the window and smiled. Sadie waved, her brown curls bouncing about around her chin.

‘They did a flash mob from here a couple of years ago,’ Hannah said. ‘I bet you don’t remember old Mr Chandler.’

‘I do vaguely. Is that his shop? I didn’t recognise it.’

‘He died, and his daughter took over. She wanted to sell it but Riley – she’s the manager and lives with her fella Ethan in Hope Street, next door to Phoebe – came up with some brainwave marketing stunts to get the stock selling.’ She pointed to the road. ‘They went dancing along here and out onto the front of the indoor market one Saturday afternoon. We’d all been told something was going on, but not exactly what.’

‘Oh, I wish I’d seen it.’

‘It was genius. It’s on YouTube. I’ll search it out for you later.’

‘Thanks. There’s so much on the high street that’s changed.’ As they walked on past the indoor market, Livvy pointed across the road to Jazz. ‘Do they sell clothes that we’d like?’

‘Yes, they’re quite a good shop.’ Hannah nodded. ‘Ash is the manager and she’s a fashion statement of her own. She’s so trendy it makes my heart bleed. I bet Pip will love it in there. She caters a lot for the teens.’

They turned the corner and came out on to Church Square. In the middle stood a large oak tree that had been there for many years. The flowers were in full bloom as they walked the path through the middle and on to the row of shops. Four triangles of grass at each corner of the square were surrounded by decorative wrought iron fencing.

‘I spent so much time sitting under that tree as a teenager,’ Livvy said quietly as they passed underneath its branches. ‘It brings back memories.’

Hannah touched Livvy’s arm as she spotted tears welling in her eyes. ‘It’s all new again but you’ll feel like you’ve never been away after a week or so,’ she soothed.

‘It’s been nearly twenty years,’ she said. ‘How can you not be mad at me?’

‘I am. I’m just not voicing it yet. Let’s get to know each other first before all the accusations come out.’

Livvy looked at her sharply.

Hannah giggled and nudged her playfully. ‘I’m teasing,’ she admitted. ‘Okay, kind of. It’s going to take a while to get used to each other but I’m actually glad to see you again. Happy to see that you’re alive and well and having a niece is a bonus.’

‘Did you never want children?’ Livvy enquired.

‘I would have liked one or two, but the situation never arose.’ Hannah watched Livvy’s cheeks turn beetroot. ‘Don’t blame yourself for everything, Liv. I did have a mind of my own.’

They stopped in front of a long row of buildings. The Coffee Stop was in the middle, next door to a chiropodist with a dentist further down. A firm of solicitors had taken over a large part of the remainder.

The shop next to the coffee shop had a skip outside it, the sound of drilling coming from within.

‘Didn’t there used to be a café here before?’

‘Yes, that’s right. It was owned by a lovely couple, Bernard and Lily. When Bernard died a few years ago, Lily turned it into a coffee shop. Sadly, a few months later, Lily died too, but the women who were working with her took it on. It’s great to see it doing so well.’

‘What’s happening next door?’ Livvy asked as they walked across the small forecourt and into the coffee shop.

‘That’s my new project.’ Hannah’s face lit up like a child on their birthday. ‘I’m opening a book shop.’

Chapter Twelve

Inside, the sound of the coffee machine fought to be heard over the noise from the building work going on next door. As always Hannah took in its ambience as well as the aroma of freshly ground beans and the hint of a chocolate muffin in the air.

The room was three-quarters full, less than a handful of tables vacant. There were people of all ages, several with small children or babies. Pensioners sat next to groups of teens dressed in school uniform. A lone male sat on his own in the far corner sipping at his drink while he read the screen on his laptop.

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