Page 55 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Know what?’

‘That Doug’s a millionaire. Did you tell Livvy?’

‘Not in so many words.’

‘Then he can’t feel threatened by him, unless he found out from someone else. And I know news travels fast around Somerley but not that speedy. Has Kieran been in the Hope and Anchor?’

‘How do I know?’

‘I’m just asking, jeez. Chill out, woman.’

‘I can’t, I’m so angry.’

‘Why on earth are you mad?’

‘Oh, I don’t know.’ She let out a huge sigh.

‘What’s Kieran like?’

‘Loud, funny; smiley. But there’s something about him I don’t like.’

‘Maybe he was edgy, out to impress?’

‘Maybe.’

‘How was Livvy around him?’

‘Nervous but okay.’

‘Well, I hope they both know they’re lucky to be living rent free in your home.’

‘Oh, don’t start.’

‘I’m not but—’

‘I feel I have to defend Livvy against everyone. She came back for my help.’

‘Pushover.’ Phoebe’s tone was one of jest.

But Hannah wasn’t in the mood for joking. ‘That’s not helping.’

‘You could have been more annoyed with her when she arrived. She’s walked into a home, a job, and now she’s moved her fella back in with her.’ Phoebe paused. ‘Ohmigod.’

‘What?’

‘Nothing.’

‘Phoebe, tell me what you’re thinking.’

There was a slight pause down the line.

‘They’ve set you up, haven’t they?’ she said, eventually.

‘In what way?’

‘You said yourself that Livvy had nowhere to go. Don’t you see? They’ve cooked this up together. They’ve come here because they can live rent free, maybe get some money from Doug. Don’t be taken in by them, Han. Doug is right, something is off.’

Hannah hadn’t even thought of that. Would Livvy do something so callous? Take advantage of her good nature? Perhaps she was annoyed that she couldn’t claim half the house as it wasn’t hers to sell?

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