Page 78 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Is there anything I can do?’

‘I need to look for Livvy. I’ve just said I’d make a hot drink and wait for her here but can I bring Pip to you while I go and look for her? She won’t be far, I’m sure.’

‘No, you take care of Pip and I’ll find her.’

‘What about the kids?’

‘Tilly will watch over Elliot. They’ll be fine. I’ll have a walk around and let you know if I find her.’

There was a pause down the line before Hannah spoke again.

‘This isn’t gossip I’m trusting you with. You’re to tell no one what I’ve said.’

‘I’m not that bad! There’s petty gossip, and there’s confidential gossip. Either way, I wouldn’t betray anyone’s confidence.’

‘I know, sorry.’

Phoebe could picture Hannah pacing up and down in the kitchen. ‘You stay there, and I’ll call you later.’

‘Okay, if you’re sure. Thanks.’

She disconnected the call and went through to the living room. Tilly and Elliott were sitting either end of the settee, their heads both in their iPads. ‘I’m popping out. I won’t be long. Will you two look after each other until I’m back?’

‘If we must,’ Tilly joked.

‘You must.’ Phoebe’s tone was sharper than she’d meant it be.

Tilly frowned. ‘Is everything okay, Mum?’

‘Yes, love, it’s fine. I won’t be long.’ She kissed the top of Tilly’s head.

Phoebe stepped out into Hope Street, fastening her jacket as she walked. The wind was blowing a cold breeze but at least she knew where she was heading. It was the first place Hannah had suggested she look but she would have gone straight there, regardless.

Guilt tore through her as she went over what Hannah had told her. She’d given her a shortened version of what had happened, no doubt because Pip was in the background. There were so many things she wanted to know but realised this was not the time to dwell on finding out.

But that arsehole. How could Kieran steal their money and do a runner? She’d been half right about the two of them: he’d come to see what he could get, even though Livvy obviously hadn’t.

She slowed her pace a little. She didn’t want to take her anger out unintentionally on Livvy after telling Hannah everything would be fine.

On the high street, she passed by Somerley Stores, just closing for the night. Phoebe could never do the hours that Ellen and Gray worked. The shop was a credit to them both. Even though she loved being the manager at Hope Street Hair, it was good not to have sole responsibility for it. And even if the owners, the Helton’s, left her to everything, she still didn’t pay the bills, nor run the business side of it. All she had to do was keep it stocked with products and customers and her wages were paid on the dot every month. She couldn’t begin to imagine how she’d cope in a shop with its busy-and-not-so-busy moments, cashflow problems, and forecasts.

She turned into Church Square, a gust of wind almost knocking her from her feet. Ahead she could see a forlorn figure sitting under the tree. Livvy had her hands wrapped around her knees, her chin resting on top of them. Phoebe tapped out a quick message to Hannah and then ran over so she could get out of the wind.

‘Livvy?’ she spoke softly before sitting down.

‘I’m fine,’ Livvy replied, a tremble to her voice.

‘No, you’re not. I know what’s been going on.’ When Livvy looked up in distress, she continued, ‘Well, not everything but I know about Kieran and the money from the community centre.’

‘Please leave me alone,’ Livvy said. ‘I don’t need a lecture. I feel bad enough as it is.’

‘Look, I know we didn’t see eye to eye when you came back but that’s all over now. You’ve proved you belong here, and you’ve been—’

‘I don’t belong here,’ Livvy interrupted. ‘I don’t belong anywhere at the moment, but it certainly isn’t here. I’ve made such a mess of things.’

‘No, you haven’t. You’ve just been taken in by a selfish twat-face. Kieran was out for what he could get, and from what Hannah has told me, you’ve been protecting Pip against finding out that truth since forever. It takes huge guts to do that, making yourself unhappy for someone you love. I know I couldn’t do it. When Travis left, although I still loved him, it was good riddance. I didn’t want to try again with him after he’d been with another woman. But you, you never quit. That’s commendable.’

‘No, it isn’t. It’s bloody stupid. I was a pushover.’

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