Page 18 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘We’ll grab drinks and then we can talk? I know Mum has a way of revealing shocking secrets in letters, so I bet you have a lot of questions.’

‘Not really,’ Livvy replied, as they walked towards the counter. ‘I’m just sad that I was stupid enough not to find out the truth before I left. Is James nice?’

‘He is. He’s doing well – I’m sure you’ll be able to meet him soon, if you like?’

‘Perhaps not for a while. I’d rather get to know you again first, if you don’t mind.’

‘Of course not. James is happy to wait until you’re ready to see him and his family. Let’s take each day as it comes.’

‘I must admit, it was quite a shock though. I’d totally got the wrong idea about who his father was. I thought for all these years that Mum had had an affair.’

Hannah’s mouth dropped open but before she had chance to reply, she heard her name.

‘Hannah!’ A tall woman with long auburn curls came through from the kitchen carrying a tray of drinks. ‘You’re just in time. I’ve made coffee for the rabble next door. Do me a favour and dish them out while I get your order ready.’

‘Sure will. What would you like, Livvy?’

‘Cappuccino sounds good.’

‘Two cappuccinos it is, please.’

‘Coming right up. Is this your sister?’

‘Yes.’ Hannah turned to Livvy. ‘This is Chloe. She’s the co-owner of The Coffee Stop and a miracle worker. She will never realise how much a slice of carrot cake and a large cappuccino make you feel once you’ve been in here.’

Chloe laughed. ‘Welcome to the mad house,’ she said to Livvy.

Livvy smiled. ‘It’s such a lovely place.’

‘It is! Thanks.’

Hannah lifted the tray and turned to Livvy. ‘Follow me.’ She walked towards the large hole in the wall.

‘Coffee for the workers!’ she cried as she stepped over the threshold into next door. She tried not to panic at the state of things, wondering if it would be finished in time. The walls had been re-plastered and new skirting board was being attached. The storeroom off a door at the back had been fitted with shelving and given a lick of paint and rewiring the electricity had been necessary throughout. Laminated flooring was stacked in boxes ready to be laid.

‘Ah, just what the doctor ordered.’ Doug wiped his hands and gave Hannah a kiss before reaching for a mug.

‘I’ve brought Livvy for lunch.’

Doug beckoned Livvy forwards. ‘Want to see Hannah’s pet project?’

‘You make it sound as if I don’t know how to run a business,’ Hannah pouted.

‘You don’t, do you?’ Doug teased.

‘Actually, you’re right, but I know a man who does.’

From the back of the room, two young men downed their tools and came over to join them. Dressed in work trousers with a million pockets, black boots, and T-shirts with Doug’s company logo splashed across them, they looked of similar age.

‘This is Dylan.’ Hannah pointed to the one who was tall with dark hair. ‘Dylan has been working with Doug since he started Peterson Property Management a few weeks ago.’ Then she indicated the smaller one, his hair a mousy brown, shorn at the sides. ‘Kyle started as an apprentice about the same time, I think. This is my sister, Livvy.’

‘Oh, no.’ Dylan pulled a face. ‘One slave driver is enough, never mind another one.’

‘Why, you cheeky git.’ Hannah punched him playfully on the arm. ‘Just because I’m fussy about where I want everything to go. If it was left to you, it would look like a shop rather than a place to rest and read a book.’

‘It’s a library?’ Livvy asked, confused.

Dylan raised his eyebrows and his shoulders. ‘You see?’

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