Page 40 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘That’s a good street to live in.’

Pip said nothing, not sharing his sentiment yet.

‘It’s a damn sight better than the estate I live on,’ he added. ‘It’s behind the high school.’

‘The Mountford Estate?’ Pip had heard of it. A few of her new friends lived there too.

‘That’s the one. It’s okay, but I’d rather be living somewhere like Hope Street. Sometimes it can be quite rowdy.’

‘How long have you been working with Doug?’ she asked.

‘A few months. I like it. He’s a great boss. You’re still at school though, aren’t you?’

‘Yes, unfortunately.’

‘How are you finding Somerley High? I went there too.’

‘School’s school no matter where you are. It’s boring, but okay.’

‘I used to hate it. I spent more time out of it than in the classroom. Gave my mum no end of trouble that I regret now. That’s why I was working with Robin. He runs his business helping skill up disruptive kids, so we don’t miss out entirely. It’s worked well for me. My mum thought I’d be in prison by now, but I proved her wrong. Is your dad not around?’

Pip looked away for a moment. ‘He left a few months ago. There’s just me and my mum now.’

‘Same here, but my old man’s been gone years. Good riddance, I say.’ Dylan wiped the crumbs from his hands. ‘I best be getting back to work. Doug isn’t half a slave driver.’

Pip grinned. There was so much affection in his tone.

‘See you,’ she said as he stood up.

‘I do hope so.’

Pip watched him as she walked away. Now he was definitely worth hanging around Somerley for. Sure, she didn’t fancy him, but he was bound to have some friends.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It had been fun getting all the final touches in place the night before the book shop opened. Hannah and Doug had been joined by Kate and Will. There had been songs on the radio as they’d set out the cupcakes, in boxes for now.

They’d downed one of many bottles of champagne. Kate had bought a few balloons and acongratulationsbanner which they hung over the doors between the two rooms. The promotional goodies were scattered around to take. Livvy had ordered a large cake too, in the shape of three books piled on top of one another. She couldn’t wait to see that. Kate had suggested one of their suppliers and she was bringing it round in the morning.

‘It’s just perfect, isn’t it?’ Hannah said to Kate as they stood staring at what everyone had been creating, while the men sat chatting in one of the windows. ‘Are you sure you’re going to be up to this so soon after Reuben’s birth?’

‘Absolutely.’ Kate waved the comment away. ‘I’m only going to be doing a few hours here and there in either shop. You know I’ve been dying to get back downstairs properly, and I’m only overseeing really, when you’re not around. And I was missing all the customers and…company, I guess.’

‘You’ll probably be wanting to sit in a dark quiet room after a week back again.’ Hannah giggled.

Kate snorted. ‘At least we have Livvy to help out. How does it feel to have your sister back, as well as a brother after being on your own for so long?’

‘Strange, I can tell you.’ Hannah picked up her glass. ‘It’s like having a brand-new family. It’s certainly been a strange year. So much has happened to me. Lost my mum, bless her, found this one here’ – she nudged Doug playfully as he came to join them – ‘met up with my sister and brother, and am now opening a book shop!’

‘And you turned forty, don’t forget,’ Doug teased.

‘At least I’m not fifty next year.’

‘Ouch.’ Doug grimaced. ‘Don’t remind me. Let’s change the subject and have a toast.’ Will came over to him and he refilled everyone’s drink.

‘Here’s to The Book Stop!’ They all raised their glasses in a toast.

‘Let’s hope it’s not as stressful as the day we opened The Coffee Stop,’ Kate said. ‘We were all set and then we woke up to a power cut.’

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