Had Kieran ever looked at her in that way? When they’d only just met, perhaps? She bet he must have, but still, she hadn’t seen that look in his eye for quite some time. Instead, their marriage had turned into a convenience; somewhere for Kieran to come and go as he pleased, knowing there would be a bed waiting for him on his return. Well, not this time.
She heard footsteps on the stairs. The door bumped open as Pip pushed on it with her bottom, her hands full carrying a tray. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail that bobbed up and down as she walked across the room.
‘Morning, Mum.’ She smiled. ‘I’ve made tea and toast for us both.’ She put the tray down on the dressing table and handed a plate and a mug to Livvy.
‘Thanks, love.’ Livvy put down the mug. ‘Did you sleep okay last night?’
‘Surprisingly, I did.’ Pip climbed onto the bed beside her, throwing out her legs, crossing them at the ankles.
Livvy grinned. ‘Those socks ruin your street cred.’
Pip held up a foot and laughed. ‘I like unicorns and pink. So what?’
If she wasn’t busy tucking into her breakfast, Livvy would have hugged her. Pip was mad at her but pretending that everything would be okay. It was kind of her considering the circumstances. And even though she knew it wouldn’t last, it was good while it did.
‘So what’s it like in Somerley, Mum?’
‘It’s pretty dull from what I remember.’
‘But that was when you were eighteen. It might have changed since then.’
‘It must have, I suppose. I need to go into Hedworth to the Jobcentre to make an appointment to see someone at the job centre, no doubt. And then we have to see about school for you.’
‘If I fail my GCSEs it will be because of you.’
‘Pip!’
‘I’m just putting it out there. Changing schools is so stressful. I could revise at home for my exams until I decide if I’m going to sixth form or—’
‘Nice try, kiddo.’ Livvy smirked. ‘You’re way too smart for your age at times. Somerley High is where I went too. You’re going to love it.’ Livvy rolled her eyes and then crossed them, sticking her tongue out to make Pip laugh. It worked.
Pip seemed to like school really, but it had never been Livvy’s favourite place. She couldn’t wait to leave and had never intended going to college until her parents had their accident.
What a selfish cow she’d been. She should have come home years ago. Or gone to find her brother instead. After all, he was another reason for all this mess.
Chapter Nine
Hannah reached for her phone and then put it down with a sigh. It was still a force of habit. Before Doug had come on the scene, she and Phoebe had called each other every weekday morning at 8 a.m., even if it was Hannah’s morning to work in the salon. It had been a huge help through the years she’d been on her own with Mum.
Sometimes she missed their chats. Phoebe had suggested they ease off them once she and Doug had got together. But it was at times like these, when she needed female interaction and reassurance, that she longed for it again. Still, she’d be seeing her soon at work.
As she left the house, Hannah spotted Bev from number twenty-three getting into her car. She waved, hoping she didn’t want to stop and chat. All she ever talked about was her husband, Steve – no, actually all she ever did was moan about him. Hannah happened to like him, but no one really knew what went on behind closed doors. Personally, she thought Bev was a bit of a bully when she saw them together. Not that she’d say anything because Bev often terrified her too, especially if she’d had a bit to drink.
Nevertheless, Hannah was nothing but polite and couldn’t ignore her.
‘Morning, Bev,’ she shouted. ‘How are you?’
‘Hi, Hannah!’ Bev waved a manicured hand at her before pushing her red hair behind her ears. She was a well-built woman, mid-forties, and dressed to accentuate her age and size. She always looked immaculate, today wearing a woollen dress and knee-length boots underneath a long winter coat. ‘I’d be better if I wasn’t late because Steve forgot to set the alarm.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Typical of him – useless bugger. Must dash, speak soon!’
‘Bye!’ Hannah grinned; she’d got away lightly there.
The door to number thirty-two was ajar when she got to it. She knocked and stepped inside, spotting her neighbour, Thelma Mansell, sitting in the back room.
‘Yoo-hoo,’ she cried, waving to get her attention.
Thelma turned toward the door, a smile lighting up her face when she spotted Hannah. ‘Hello, love. Are you coming in for a minute or so?’
‘You mean you haven’t heard the news?’ Hannah went through to her.
‘Should I have?’ Thelma’s eyes danced with merriment. ‘Please say it’s good news.’
‘I’m surprised it’s not old news by now. Hope Street has let me down if the gossip hasn’t reached you.’
Thelma said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
‘Livvy’s back.’
Thelma’s mouth dropped. ‘That was the last thing I expected to hear. When and why? Is she staying or has she been and gone?’
Hannah put up a hand to slow Thelma down. She sat on the arm of the chair next to her.
‘She’s staying, for now. I don’t know all the why’s yet. But I can tell you she has a beautiful daughter – named Pip. Is that short for Phillipa, do you think? I haven’t asked yet.’
‘I think so.’ Thelma rested a gnarled hand on Hannah’s forearm, flashes of aqua blue on each nail. ‘How old is she?’
‘Fifteen. And very much the image of her mother.’
‘And her father?’
‘There’s just the two of them.’
‘Ah.’ Thelma paused. ‘And how do you feel about it?’
Hannah sighed. ‘I’m a bit numb, to be honest. I can’t help thinking it was a dream after all this time. But no, it’s definitely real. She and Pip are in our house. And then I start analysing, wondering why she’s really come back. There has to be a logical explanation, maybe something I’m not going to like, that Livvy won’t tell me yet.’
‘Perhaps so – give her some space, I reckon. It’s going to take time for you all to adjust if she’s staying.’
‘I know.’ Hannah wanted to say more but wasn’t sure how she could put her feelings into words. Even with Thelma who had been her neighbour for over twenty years.
‘It must have taken some guts to come back after so long,’ Thelma added.
‘That’s what Doug said.’ Hannah nodded in agreement this time. It was a brave thing to do, not knowing whether she’d be welcome or not. Or then again, maybe Livvy thought her older sister would never let her down. Pity things had been so one-sided.
She stood up. ‘Can I get you anything before I go?’
Thelma nodded at her mug on the table. ‘I don’t suppose you have time to make a fresh cup of tea?’
‘For you? Of course.’
‘Thanks, love.’
As she filled the kettle with water, Hannah looked through Thelma’s kitchen window. It overlooked next door; there was about three metres either side of the wall between the properties. She wondered what Livvy was doing right now. Had she had a good night’s sleep? Had Pip been able to settle after her upheaval? She seemed fine yesterday, but that could be an act for her benefit. She hoped they’d both been okay; that Livvy wasn’t regretting her impulsive actions.