Page 51 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Because.’ Pip shrugged.

Livvy leaned forward and popped a kiss on her forehead. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll see.’ She stood up. ‘As long as there are no more surprises.’

Pip let out a sigh of relief and lay back on the bed. That hadn’t been as bad as she thought it would be. A small smile emerged.

Perhaps her mum would mellow to the idea of him coming back for good once her dad been home for a few days.

Chapter Thirty-One

Even though she’d told Pip it was going to be okay, Livvy had been thinking of the evening ahead for most of the day. She wasn’t sure how it would go, no matter how hopeful she was that everyone would get on. And although Kieran was only staying for a week, she wanted Hannah to like him. She wanted someone to be proud of her staying power, even if he was a loser.

Kieran was beside her, and Pip in front. She took in a deep breath as she knocked on Doug’s front door. Either Kieran would charm the pants off them both and she would end up looking like an idiot for not being with him anymore, or else he’d wind them up and make a fool of himself.

‘Hello, everyone!’ Hannah cried as she opened the door. ‘Come on in.’

After introductions were made, Livvy joined her sister in the kitchen. It was much bigger now than it had originally been. Doug had extended out into the yard, making room for a separate dining area, which housed a table and a small settee. The table was set for five and looked extremely inviting. Livvy heard her stomach rumble.

‘What’re you cooking?’ she asked. ‘It smells delicious.’

‘Beef in ale pie, with new potatoes or chips, or both.’

‘Ooh, nice.’

‘How are you doing? Did you get chance to talk to Kieran?’

‘I was right. He says he only came to stay for a few days, just to see Pip.’

‘So how do you feel about that?’ Hannah turned to her sharply. ‘Do you believe him?’

‘I don’t know but I’m hoping he might not last long after sleeping on the settee.’

‘Ohhh. I guess you’ll have to take it day by day then. How are you and him?’

Livvy shrugged. ‘Pussy footing around each other like we’re the best of mates.’

‘He’s made no passes at you?’

Livvy shook her head, lowering her eyes and praying she wouldn’t blush. After he’d kissed her that once, Kieran had kept his lips to himself.

‘I’m glad really,’ she added, ‘because I’m not sure my heart would be able to resist him.’

‘But what if this was the time he had changed for good? Would you risk your heart for that?’

‘I know you believe in giving people second chances,’ Livvy teased. ‘But he’s had ample times to sort himself out and he hasn’t. I have to be realistic, not an old romantic like you.’

Hannah gave a blissful sigh. ‘I never thought I’d find anyone like Doug, I must admit.’

‘And why’s that, my love?’ They turned to see him in the doorway. ‘Because I’m one of a kind? Because I love you with all your faults.’

‘You see?’ Hannah laughed. ‘Not romantic at all.’

They sat down to eat the meal. Kieran and Livvy sat opposite Hannah and Doug, Pip squeezing in at the end of the table. The chatter was as good as the food, the wine flowed, and before long they were on to pudding.

Livvy wasn’t surprised when Kieran had everyone in tears of laughter, herself included, as he regaled tales of his times on the construction sites when he played tricks on some of his colleagues. Doug had his fair share of mishaps to tell them about too. It was a lovely evening until Doug asked Kieran one thing.

‘Have you never wanted to work for yourself?’ he’d questioned. ‘Be your own boss?’

‘I am my own boss,’ Kieran replied. ‘I’m self-employed.’

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