Page 23 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘That’s not how I see it.’

Hannah put down her cutlery. ‘Oh?’

‘I see two siblings desperate to reconnect but there’s a huge wedge between them at the moment. I think you’ll get to fill it with happier memories. You both need time to adjust, that’s all.’

Hannah paused, thinking on his words. He was right, of course. That’s why she wanted to give Livvy the chance to work with her. It wasn’t just the job opportunity; it was the fact they would have to spend time together. It would make or break them.

‘I was thinking of giving her a month’s trial – five hours a day, Monday to Friday.’

‘What does Kate say about that?’ Doug reached across for the pepper and sprinkled it lavishly on his meal.

‘She said she could use Livvy in the coffee shop while the book shop built up custom.’

‘Would it be a full-time position afterwards?’

‘It might be, if the book shop does well, and we get on, of course. That’s if Livvy stays around long enough.’

‘You’re afraid she’ll leave you again?’

‘No, it’s not—’

He reached for her hand across the table. ‘It’s okay. No one would blame you. I’m not sure a lot of people would have been as kind as you when she turned up out of the blue after so many years away. But that’s what I love about you. Your compassion, your fervour; your ability to see the good in everyone.’

‘I’m a pushover, you mean.’

He shook his head and went back to his meal.

‘I bet that’s what some people think of me. But I could have had a full-blown row with Livvy when she arrived, telling her how I really felt about her turning up unannounced. I could have told her to sling her hook and never come back. I could even have said that there was nowhere for her to stay. Yet, I couldn’t do any of that either. Iama pushover.’

‘You’re not. You’re a people pleaser, who when she’s had enough will tell someone that they’re taking the piss. You’re a caring person who will hold her tongue until it’s the right time to let rip – if it ever comes. I hope it doesn’t, though, because I happen to like Liv and Pip.’

‘You’re right. I’m going to say yes. She can start next Monday – in the coffee shop for now. I’m sure there’ll be plenty for her to do in there.’ Hannah nodded and then, just as quickly, rolled her eyes. ‘I bet Phoebe will be annoyed.’

‘This has nothing to do with her.’

‘I know. I guess I can’t satisfy everyone.’

‘Then stop trying.’ He smiled, the one that made her tummy roll over of its own accord.

‘And you’re sure you don’t mind her not paying any rent for number thirty-four?’

‘Absolutely certain. It’s still your family home, even though technically I own it. That’s my way of helping out.’

Hannah blessed the day Doug had driven his truck into Hope Street and rescued her. If she admitted her thoughts to anyone, she’d sound silly, almost twee, but she’d loved his virility, his eagerness to look after her, and the glow he surrounded her with. From the beginning he had a warm heart, healthy for now after his scare earlier in the year.

And here he was again, offering to help out. It felt incredible to have him on her side.

And to have her sister across the street.

Chapter Sixteen

It was Friday afternoon when Livvy crossed the road to where Hannah was waiting for her. Even then, she couldn’t believe they’d been here since Monday. Time had flown by.

Pip was staying at home for an hour on her own. She was fifteen going on fifty really, capable of looking after herself. Livvy had left her lying on her bed, iPad in hand, watching some music channel. Pip’s eyes had lit up when she’d handed a chocolate bar to her.

She tried to keep her nerves at bay as she drew level with Hannah. Already her palms were sweaty, and she’d only wiped them before she’d come out of the house.

‘Hi, you ready to go?’ Hannah stated the obvious.

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