Page 52 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘I don’t mean as a sub-contractor.’ Doug wiped his mouth with his napkin after putting his spoon down. ‘I mean owning your own company, perhaps running a team of men, and then buying land to build properties on.’

Kieran shook his head. ‘I don’t have the capital to do that sort of thing. I’d need parents who were loaded to give me a handout.’

‘Not necessarily,’ Hannah said. ‘Doug has a successful business with his brother.’

‘It was a family firm to start with,’ Doug admitted.

‘Which grew because of you and Alex,’ Hannah added. ‘You had a much bigger dream than your dad could accomplish.’

‘I guess so.’ Doug looked at Kieran again. ‘From what I can see, you have it in you to do something similar. With the right backing.’

‘And where would I get that from?’ Kieran picked up the beer bottle he was drinking from. ‘I’m forty-two, no spring chicken.’

‘Doug started Peterson Property Developments a few months ago, and yet he’s the big five-O next year.’ Hannah put her hand on Doug’s. ‘An old man!’

‘You’ll be my age one day,’ he answered.

‘I’ll never be as old as you though,’ she teased.

‘It’s not easy to start up a firm doing what I do,’ Kieran said, a hint of bitterness in his tone. ‘I’m a grafter, hands-on. I get the work done, if you know what I mean.’

Livvy, who had been quiet up until now, was keen to change the subject. She could tell Kieran’s mood was changing.

‘Pip, what did you think of the pudding? It’s a family recipe. Your nan used to make it for us all the time.’

‘It’s delicious. Is there anymore left, please?’

‘Of course, pass me your dish.’ Hannah held out her hand.

As she served more pudding to Pip, Kieran stared at Doug who was still eating so didn’t notice. Livvy kicked Kieran under the table. She shook her head when he turned to look at her and mouthed ‘enough’ to him.

Kieran shrugged and knocked back more of his drink.

An hour later, after saying their thanks and goodbyes, they left for home. Kieran had been quiet since the chat with Doug, and Livvy had kept them on neutral territory, purposely talking about the book shop. She hoped no one else had noticed the swift mood change; she could feel the annoyance emanating from Kieran as they walked across the road.

‘That was a lovely meal,’ Pip said, rubbing at her tummy.

‘And it’s late now, time for bed, Pip,’ Livvy told her. ‘School in the morning.’

‘Night, Mum. Night, Dad.’ She kissed them both on the cheek before heading upstairs.

There was no hiding the fact their daughter was happy.

‘Your sister seems okay,’ Kieran said as he flopped down onto the settee. He picked up the TV remote and switched on the set.

Livvy sighed, unsure she could be bothered to talk to him.

‘That Doug’s stuck up his own arse, isn’t he?’ he said next. ‘Telling me what I should and shouldn’t do.’

‘He’s got a fantastic business mind, and he’s a nice man with it.’

‘Not backwards about coming forwards and giving out advice though.’

‘You’d do well to heed it. He’s really wealthy.’

Kieran turned to her. ‘How do you know?’

‘He owns half the houses in Hope Street. He owns this one too. Mum sold it to him, and they rented it off him. It’s going to be the last one they renovate – although it’s nice as it is, really. But I do like what he’s done with the kitchen across the street.’

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