by A. E. Radley
“Yep.” Hannah sat back, her arms stretched across the back of the sofa and crossed her legs. “Used all my educational skills wisely.”
Alice licked her lips. She had detected a bit of a chip on Hannah’s shoulder. Clearly she was uncomfortable with herself and her level of education. Having a gifted daughter had obviously highlighted her own educational shortcomings, and Hannah felt belittled by it.
“Hairdressing is a good profession. Creative and something that many people can’t do,” Alice replied. “You saw my painting skills, zero creativity.”
“True, that was bad,” Hannah agreed.
Alice looked around the room. Something was bothering her, and she had to ask.
“I’m sorry to be nosey, but—and please, don’t take this the wrong way—but where is your bedroom? I’ve seen Rosie’s room and the bathroom, but I can’t see another door.”
Hannah chuckled mirthlessly. Alice got the impression that Hannah had been waiting for this moment, as if the whole evening had been a forgone conclusion heading towards whatever was about to be said.
Hannah leaned forward and swiped up her wine glass. “You’re sitting in it.”
Alice looked around in confusion.
“This is a one-bedroom place. I give Rosie the bedroom, and I sleep on the sofa.” Hannah knocked back a couple of gulps of wine. “This is life when you’re an uneducated single mother. Feel free to run away, I wouldn’t blame you.”
Hannah’s attitude was starting to make sense. She was embarrassed, and she expected a certain reaction from Alice. She’d been distant because she assumed that Alice would hear about her living arrangements and bolt for the door.
“Why would I run away? You’ve sacrificed your personal space so your daughter can have a bedroom, that’s commendable. Many people wouldn’t do that.” Alice looked around the room. “Though I’m curious where you keep your belongings because this just looks like a living room.”
Hannah gestured towards a storage unit in the corner. “Some clothes are in there. And there’s a pull-out section under this sofa for bedding.”
“Ah, I see.”
“It wasn’t supposed to be permanent,” Hannah said. “But time flies by and money flies right out the window. You don’t have to be kind, I know our situation isn’t for everyone. If you want to go, then don’t feel obligated to stay.”
“I don’t want to go,” Alice said. “Unless I’m not welcome. Rosie is a wonderful girl, and not just because of her gifted status, but also because she has clearly grown up surrounded by love. The fact that you sleep in here shows that you’re focused on Rosie’s wellbeing. That’s a very admirable quality.”
Hannah’s bravado seemed to falter a bit. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Just being honest.”
Hannah put her wine glass back down on the table and rubbed her face with her hands. “Sorry if I’ve been a bit standoffish. I haven’t dated properly for years. A couple of dates here and there, but no one ever wanted to stay the course because of the mess my life was in. So, I kind of swore myself off of dating, until Rosie is older and I get myself sorted out.”
Alice’s heart soared at the realisation that Hannah must have seen something in her in order to break her self-imposed no-dating rule.
“Well, I’m glad you made an exception for me. I’d like the chance to get you know you better, if you don’t mind?”
“I’d like that,” Hannah confessed. She sighed. “Though I have to warn you that our life here is crazy.”
“I can imagine. Being a single mum can’t be easy.”
“It’s not. And I’d rather Rosie didn’t know we were dating unless things become more serious. I’ve told her that you’re a friend and I’d like to keep to that story.”
Alice nodded. “I agree. We don’t want whatever this is to affect Rosie.”
Hannah regarded her for a few moments, seemingly sizing her up. “So, Miss Spencer, why Fairlight of all places?”
Alice chuckled. “I’d been working in Manchester for a few years, a big central city school which was being run into the ground by budget cuts. The kids were out of control, and everything was about targets and nothing about welfare. I kept speaking up, but I was ignored. Eventually, I decided to get out. I couldn’t take seeing so many kids being swept up in a system that was just about numbers and results. I wanted to go somewhere quieter.”
Hannah snorted. “You found that all right.”
“Yes, it’s quite different from the city.” Alice turned and rested her temple against the back of the sofa. “Do you like it here?”
“In Fairlight?” Hannah asked. She shook her head. “Not much.”
“Why stay?”
“Never really had the chance to leave. It’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t like it here, but I know it. It’s not that bad, and it’s safe for Rosie.” Hannah sipped some wine. “She couldn’t do anything in this village without me hearing about it.”
Alice laughed. “Yes, I’ve got the impression that they like their gossip here.”
“It’s like the bricks and mortar that holds the place together,” Hannah agreed. Her eyes flicked up to meet Alice’s. “I bet you’ve heard some tales about me.”
“No. I don’t listen to gossip.”
“No?” Hannah raised an eyebrow.
“No. I’ve been the subject of gossip enough in the past to know what it feels like. And most of the time it’s wrong. I’d rather get the story straight from the source, if the source wants to tell it.”
Hannah sipped her wine and looked thoughtful for a few moments. “How’s working for Hardaker?” she eventually asked.
Alice rolled her eyes. “Well, I thought budget cuts in Manchester were bad.”
“Hardaker hasn’t put his hand in his pocket for decades,” Hannah explained.
“I’m beginning to notice that. Of course, he didn’t mention that during the interview.”
Hannah laughed. “I can’t imagine Hardaker interviewing anyone. How did that go?”
Alice covered her face with her hand. “It was horrible.”
“Oh, there’s a story. Spill,” Hannah ordered.
Alice took a deep breath and then started to tell the story of the terrible interview, explaining how she got lost and turned up late and how Hardaker had called her Miss Spicer throughout the interview until she corrected him at the end. It had been thoroughly embarrassing and she’d been shocked to hear back that she got the job. Hannah joked that they were desperate, and she probably could have turned up and conducted the entire interview in a foreign language and still been successful.
They chatted comfortably for the next couple of hours, keeping to light topics and sharing anecdotes.
Alice had heard people talk about an instant attraction, but she’d never experienced one before. She’d always thought it was purely sexual. But she felt a connection to Hannah Hall like she had never known previously. Talking to her was natural and fun. She wanted to know everything but was still nervous to mess everything up. She felt more alive than she had in a long time.
Eventually, Hannah smothered a yawn behind her hand and Alice knew it was time to go, even if she desperately didn’t want to. Hannah was a mother and staying up all night to chat was off the cards. She had someone else to think about. Alice needed to respect that.
“I’m sorry,” Hannah said. “It’s been a long day.”
“It’s fine, it’s late.” She stood up. “Thank you so much for dinner, it was wonderful.”
“You’re easily pleased.” Hannah got up and gestured towards the front door.
“I’m useless at cooking and appreciate a home-cooked meal,” Alice said.
Hannah retrieved her coat from a hook. “Then we’ll have to do this again sometime.”
Alice beamed. “I’d really like that.” She put her coat on, and Hannah opened the door for her.
“Me, too,” Hannah admitted. She leaned forward and placed a soft, chaste kiss on Alice’s rig
ht cheek. Alice’s breath caught in her chest.
“I’ll call you,” Hannah said softly.
“Great,” Alice said. She waved and then stopped when she realised how ridiculously geeky the gesture was. “Good night.”
She turned and made her way down the stairs, not worrying nearly so much about them as she had when she’d arrived. Instead, she was reliving the kiss on her cheek over and over again, knowing that the second she got outside, and out of sight, she’d celebrate with a fist pump of joy.
17 THE TRUTH COMES OUT
“So, then I’ll feather the back to get some of the weight out,” Hannah explained to Mrs Silvestri.
The older woman met her eyes in the mirror and slowly nodded before returning to her magazine. Hannah suspected she could have cut any style she liked when it came to Mrs Silvestri. The woman seemed utterly unfazed by anything. She came in once a month, always requesting an early appointment. She politely greeted Hannah and then stuck her nose in a magazine and didn’t resurface again until Hannah was finished.
Small talk was a part of the job, but Hannah had to admit she enjoyed the break that came with Mrs Silvestri. She wasn’t scrambling to come up with conversation. She could simply cut hair and think about other things, like if Adrian had managed to get Rosie to school on time. And if she’d remembered to set up the new direct debit for the electricity company. And, of course, her date at the weekend.
Sunday had gone by in a bit of a daze. Hannah had told Rosie it was simply because she was tired, but the truth was, her brain was full of Rosie’s teacher.
The shop door opened, and Adrian walked in.
“Morning, ladies,” he greeted.
“Morning,” Hannah replied.
Mrs Silvestri nodded and then returned to her article on the top five must-have liquid foundations of the season.
Adrian walked into the middle of the shop and started to take off his coat. Hannah tried to focus on the haircut but could feel eyes burrowing into the back of her head. She looked up at the mirror and met Adrian’s gaze.
She raised her eyebrow in a silent question.
He raised his own eyebrow in response and gave her a knowing look before heading into the staff room.
What was that about? she wondered. She’d have to ask once she was done with Mrs Silvestri.
“Do you want any more weight out of the back?” Hannah asked.
Her client looked up and lifted a hand to feel the back of her hair. She silently shook her head.
Hannah let out a soft sigh. The lack of gossip was nice, but a little interaction wouldn’t have gone amiss.
* * *
Half an hour later, Mrs Silvestri paid and left. Hannah quickly swept the floor and prepared her workspace for the next client before heading into the staff room.
“What was that look for?” she demanded.
Adrian looked up from his phone. “I met Miss Spencer.”
Hannah felt the heat on her cheeks. She tried to look nonchalant as she made herself a cup of tea. “Oh?” she asked, hiding her face in the cupboard under the guise of selecting the perfect mug.
“Firstly, she’s insanely hot. Secondly, I thought she was going to tear me limb from limb,” Adrian said.
“Why? What did you do?”
“Nothing. I literally just walked Rosie into the playground, and she was there, demanding to know who I was.”
“Demanding?” Hannah asked with a snigger. It didn’t sound anything like the woman she knew.
“Well, asking,” Adrian amended. “But she was all red eyes and breathing fire about it. Very protective of Rosie. I was only saved from certain death by Rosie vouching for who I am.”
Hannah couldn’t help but smile at the mental image. It felt good to know that Rosie was being looked after at home, the salon, and now at school.
“I’m sure she would have done the same for any other student. It’s part of the teachers’ jobs, making sure the kids are with the right people,” Hannah explained, still with her head in the cupboard.
“For pickups, absolutely,” Adrian agreed, “but I was dropping her off. She looked very happy to see Rosie and very upset when she saw me. So, spill.”
Hannah slowly turned around. “We might have had dinner on Saturday.”
Adrian grinned. “Was it a date?”
“Ade,” she chastised him and turned back to the counter to make her drink.
“Oh, come on. Was it?”
“Yes,” she muttered, irritated at how she couldn’t have any secrets from him. It had been less than forty-eight hours, and he already knew. “You might as well know everything. She asked, I said yes, it was dinner, Rosie thinks she’s amazing, I kissed her cheek. The end.”
“A kiss on the cheek?” Adrian latched onto the most pertinent fact to his mind. “Nice, classy. I like it.”
“Well, I’m sure it won’t last,” Hannah said. “Tea?” She turned and waggled a mug in his direction.
“Yes, please. Why don’t you think it will last?”
She laughed as she made him a cup. “Because it won’t be long before she realises what she’s getting into.” The thought had cast a shadow over her memories of an enjoyable evening. She was waiting for Miss Spencer to realise that the reality of their life was too much for her to get involved in.
“You two are a catch. She’d be mad to not want to be with you,” Adrian said.
Hannah put a mug in front of him. “You’re delusional. Single mother, broke, not exactly in a runaway career—no offence—and I don’t even have a bed to sleep in. She’ll realise soon enough and will slip away.”
“How about not being so defeatist and giving it a go before you convince yourself it’s over?” Adrian suggested.
“That’s not up to me, that’s up to… her.” Hannah let out a sigh.
“What?”
She chewed her lip, wondering if she should admit to the biggest issue of them all.
“What’s wrong?” Adrian asked again.
“I… I don’t even know her name. Just that she’s Miss Spencer. Now I feel weird to ask!”
Adrian burst out laughing. Hannah glared at him before throwing a tea towel at his face.
“Oh my god, that’s priceless. You’ve had a date with the woman, and you don’t even know her name. Thank goodness you didn’t get lucky, that would have been some weird sex talk. ‘Oh… Miss Spencer… there! Right there!’”
The shop bell rang and saved Adrian’s life.
Hannah gave him a playful shove as she passed by. “You’re not funny,” she muttered as she walked out of the staff room to deal with her next client.
18 MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
Alice helped the last student with their coat and stood up.
“Right, class. Class.” She waited a moment until the chattering quietened down. “Thank you,” she said. “The bell is about to ring for lunch, so please walk and do not run as some of you did last week. I know sandwiches are exciting, but let’s be safe.”
The class giggled, and she opened the door at the very moment the bell rang. As the children filed out of the room, Alice saw Rosie approaching her. Just the student she’d been looking for.
“Rosie, may I have a quick word?” she asked.
Rosie stepped to one side. The corridor was becoming noisy with the sound of children shouting and the hammering of feet. Alice closed the door, not wanting anyone to overhear her.
“Um, Rosie,” she started nervously. “Your mother is a hairdresser, isn’t she?”
Rosie nodded.
“I was wondering if you could tell me where she works?” Alice felt bad about getting Rosie involved in her little scheme to see Hannah again. She knew she could have texted, but she was too nervous, and she really did need to get her hair cut. She figured she could casually call the salon and book an appointment, pretending to not know Hannah worked there.
Rosie nodded. “Yes, she works at Chopz on the high street.” She let out a heavy sigh. “They spell it with a Z
at the end.”
“Oh dear,” Alice said.
“I know. But Mummy didn’t have anything to do with naming it, that was all Uncle Adrian,” Rosie explained.
“Well, that’s a relief.” Alice winked. “Thank you, Rosie. Run along and enjoy your lunch.”
She opened the door, and Rosie hurried out of the room to join the rest of the children leaving the building. She closed the door and sat at her desk. Thoughts of Hannah Hall had filled her mind ever since Saturday night, and she was desperate to see the woman again. She’d thought she’d see her in the morning when she dropped Rosie off at school, even going as far as to practise what she’d say.
All of that went out of the window when Rosie had turned up with a man. In hindsight, she may have been a little forceful in her questioning of him, but who could blame her? She was Rosie’s teacher and well aware that there was no man in her life, until she suddenly turned up with one.
Of course, she’d be as cautious for any of her students, but she had to confess that she was extra watchful over Rosie who already held a special place in her heart.
She unlocked her phone and searched for Chopz on the local high street. Within a few seconds she was presented with a telephone number to make an appointment.
“It’s just a haircut,” she told herself. “Nothing pushy. Just… hair.”
She took a deep breath and dialled the number before she lost her courage.
“Good morning, Chopz Salon. Adrian speaking, how can I help?”
She swallowed nervously. It would be just her luck to get Adrian.
“Oh, hello, it’s Alice Spencer, Rosie’s teacher. We met this morning.”
“Ah, hello, Miss Spencer,” he said, much too loudly. “How can I help?”
“I was hoping I could make an appointment?”
“Absolutely, cut and blow dry?” he asked.
“Yes, please.” She wiped her palms on her trousers. “Sooner rather than later, if possible?”
“Of course.” She could hear the sound of papers being shuffled. “I have something with our senior stylist this afternoon if that’s suitable?”