Page 34 of Love on the Run
“Soon after finishing uni I fell pregnant. When I found out we were having twins, I didn’t have much choice but to put my ideas on hold. Looking after two babies at the same time was going to be challenging enough. Plus, childcare for one cost a fortune, for two it was extortionate.”
“Still, having to give up your plans must have been hard.”
“Carl was training to be a lawyer at the time, so in the long run it made sense for him to be the breadwinner. That’s when I decided I’d put my business career to good use and treat being a full-time mum like I would any other career. I’d be the best, most efficient mum on the planet.” Hannah picked up her glass of orange and took a drink. “Once the kids were in school and I could think about my design business again, Carl decided to up and leave.” She scoffed. “He felt we didn’t have anything in common anymore. Which meant I had to take any job I could get to bring some money in. I’ve worked at the call centre ever since.”
“It’s not too late though. You’re still young. Why not start your business now?”
“Like I said, designing on a budget is trendy these days. What I had to offer back then, people are now doing of their own accord.”
“Then come up with another idea,” Dorothy suggested. “Beth and Archie are of an age where they can fend for themselves.”
Not for the first time, Hannah recalled her mum’s comment about the kids going off to university in the not-too-distant future. As well as a new chapter in their lives, she supposed it could be a new one in hers too. It would certainly give her a purpose once they’d gone. “Maybe I will.”
“In the meantime, you know what’s needed around here?” Dorothy said. “A bit of fun.”
Hannah laughed. “What do you suggest?”
“I haven’t a clue. But I’m sure between us we’ll think of something.” Suddenly animated, Dorothy’s eyes lit up. “We could include Mel and Liv. Make it a group activity. Like a team bonding exercise.”
“Why not,” Hannah said. Enjoying her enthusiasm, it was great to see a glimpse of the Aunt Dorothy of old. “Count me in.”
Hannah cocked her head at the sound of the doorbell. “That’s if I don’t twist another ankle in the interim.” Imagining she was about to get a beasting, her heart raced as she got up from her seat and headed down the hall. Grabbing one of Archie’s baseball caps off the coat stand, she put it on. If things got too embarrassing, at least wearing that she could pull the peak down to disguise her identity.
Pausing, Hannah took a deep breath to calm herself before answering. Fixing a friendly face in readiness, she flung the door open. Her expression froze. “Gabe,” she said, without moving her lips.
He stood there looking as handsome as ever, this time in a pair of running shorts and a tight-fitting T-shirt. “Hannah,” he replied.
Up until the previous week, she’d never clapped eyes on Gabe. But from the second she had, she couldn’t seem to get rid of him. She waited for Gabe to tell her what he wanted, but he seemed to be expecting her to speak first. “Can I help you?” she asked at last.
Her question appeared to throw him. “I thought I was here to help you.”
“To do what?” Hannah replied, equally confused.
“With your training session.”
She stared at Gabe. “You mean you’re…?”
“Your PT instructor?” He clearly found the situation funny. “I am, indeed. Slim asked if I’d step in.”
“Who’s Slim?” Hannah had never heard of the man.
“I believe his new partner’s a friend of yours. I think her name’s Liv?”
“But Liv’s boyfriend’s name is…” Hannah fell silent as realisation dawned. “Oh, I get it. He’s named after Slim, as in Fatboy.”
Gabe’s smile grew.
“Otherwise known as Norman Cook. Real nameQuentinLeo Cook.”
“I’m impressed.”
“Small world,” Hannah said. Although having already shown herself up once in front of Gabe on the running front, she didn’t relish the prospect of doing it again.
His delight continued. “Isn’t it.”
Hannah heard a titter from behind and she turned to see Aunt Dorothy. Watching them from the kitchen doorway, she wore a grin bigger than Gabe’s.
“Nice to see you again,” she said.
