Page 6 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Just like that?’

‘Yes.’

‘And what did you say? I bet you said she was welcome.’

Hannah sighed. ‘Phoebe, I can’t turn her away. She’s my sister.’

‘She hasn’t remembered that for the past goodness knows how many years. You’re a pushover, Han.’

‘Tell me something I don’t know.’

There was silence down the line. ‘Sorry. I’m just mad on your behalf.’

‘I know. It did seem strange to see her, I must admit. Like seeing a ghost. And she—’

‘What’s she like? Has she changed much?’

‘Of course she has. It’s been twenty years since I’ve seen her. But she looks good with it. I’ve yet to find out why she came back though.’

‘Oh.’

‘We’re meeting to have a chat this evening. She’s staying at number thirty-four. With her daughter.’

‘Oh! How old is she?’

‘Nearly sixteen.’

‘I wonder if Tilly will get along with her.’ Tilly was Phoebe’s fourteen-year-old daughter, and she had a son too, Elliott, who was seven.

‘She seems nice.’

‘And you have no idea why she turned up like that?’

‘Like I said, we’re going to have a chat this evening. I can’t make my mind up if I’m looking forward to it or not.’

‘I would be because I’d rip her head off for leaving you in the lurch and not being in touch. Has she even said sorry for going off like that? I’ve a good mind to go over there and sort her out right now.’ She stopped mid-rant. ‘Does she know about your mum?’

‘Yes.’ Hannah closed her eyes momentarily as Phoebe continued to rant.

‘That’s even worse. Why didn’t she come home for the funeral?’

‘She found out afterwards.’

‘A likely story.’

‘Phoebe, as much as I love you, I really could do without this right now. I’m struggling to comprehend what’s happened.’

‘Sorry, Han.’

She smiled to herself, knowing that Phoebe meant well. She and Phoebe had been friends since they were young children. They’d been through every happy and sad event in their lives together. There was no one else who’d get away with bad-mouthing Livvy, not even if Hannah did agree with most of what she was saying.

‘What time are you meeting her?’ Phoebe asked.

‘Six o’clock. There’s no real food in. I’ll nip round to Somerley Stores and get some shopping in before I go across.’

There was a sigh down the line. ‘You’re doing it again, Han. Livvy can look after herself.’

‘So why has she come back then?’ Hannah couldn’t help but snap in defence.

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