Page 86 of Coming Home to Hope Street

Knowing Kieran, he would be neither.

‘He wished me a happy birthday by text this morning,’ Pip admitted.

‘You didn’t have to keep it from me.’

‘I wasn’t going to send a message back. I’m done with him.’

Livvy’s heart almost melted with love for the child who was now, almost in a role reversal, willing to protect her. But she had to make Pip realise that it was okay if she did want to hear from Kieran.

‘You can get in touch, you know. I don’t mind if you want to speak to him.’ She was lying but Pip wasn’t to know.

‘No, it’s better if he isn’t here.’ Pip put a hand in Livvy’s. ‘And I’m really fine with that, Mum.’

Livvy drew her daughter into her arms. ‘Let’s have a quiet few mother-and-daughter seconds, before going in.’

‘Are you mad?’ Pip grimaced, but it quickly morphed into a smile. ‘I must have a ton of presents waiting for me in there.’

Livvy squeezed her so tight. She didn’t want to let her go, knowing that she only had a few precious years before Pip would be off to do her own thing. But whatever that thing was, Livvy would support her. It was important to follow your dreams.

They opened the doors to the community centre to a loud cheer from inside. It had been Hannah’s idea to hold it in the main hall. There were people Livvy vaguely knew from all over Somerley, who had taken it upon themselves to help her set up the party. She felt as if she would burst with happiness. Everyone who knew what Kieran had done had kept it to themselves.

As a crowd engulfed Pip, she stepped back and went to find her sister. Hannah was holding two glasses when she got to her.

She handed one to Livvy.

‘Cheers.’ Livvy clinked it with her own and gazed around. There were more balloons, with flower decorations on each table, set around the edge of the room. The middle had been left to ensure a makeshift dance floor. DJ Dave was set up to go in half an hour, music playing low for now. Over by the far wall, the buffet was spread out. A two-tiered cake took pride of place in the centre of it.

All around them were people she knew. Kate and Will were talking to Riley and Ethan, Will bouncing Reuben up and down in his arms. Sean and Emily were sitting down, baby Marco flat out in his pushchair besides them.

Ellen and Gray from Somerley Stores had come bustling in a few minutes ago. Beth and Mark from the indoor market were there, along with Beth’s daughter, Charlie, and Beth’s friend Sophie who owned the fruit stall.

Alf was sitting down next to Thelma. They were giggling about something, the look on Alf’s face mischievous as usual. Harry and Alma sat across from them. Mr and Mrs Chan were standing at the bar, next to Bev and Steve.

Livvy was so happy. These were her new friends, and her family. Her community. But even so, she was waiting for one person in particular.

Chapter Fifty-Four

The party was already in full swing, despite the early hour, yet the music was still on low enough for decent conversations to be spoken rather than shouted.

Livvy spotted Robin coming in the door and rushed over to him. The lighting bounced off his head as he walked.

‘Hi.’ She greeted him with a smile. ‘How are you?’

‘Doing great, thanks. Yourself?’

‘I’m good too. I wanted to speak to you before things got too loud. Thanks for letting us have the party in here.’

‘It’s no bother. I didn’t have to do anything, and—’

‘I meant after what happened.’

‘I told you, that wasn’t your fault.’

‘But I still feel responsible. More to the point, thank you for keeping it to yourself.’

Robin smiled at her. ‘It’s good to see you back.’

Livvy only had time to throw him a heartfelt smile before being whisked off by Pip to see some of her friends and their families. Finally, after doing the rounds to thank people for coming, and providing food, she joined Hannah again.

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