‘I’m sure we can come up with a reason for that. I’m good at making up stories.’

He winked at her and Hannah shook her head in exasperation. He was enjoying this.

‘Look, it’ll be fine. Message your mum back and tell her we’re coming. We have a few days to figure out what to tell her.’

Maybe he was right and she was overthinking this. It was her mother’s twenty-fifth anniversary party and she couldn’t miss it. Having Liam there would anchor her.

She sent the message, getting the read tick almost immediately. She hadn’t even had a chance to put her phone back down on the counter when it started ringing.

Hannah stared at in alarm, glancing to Liam for help. ‘It’s her.’

‘Well, you’d better answer it.’

Yeah, he was going to be no use whatsoever. She put the call on loudspeaker.

‘Hi, Mum.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me you’re dating someone?’

‘Umm, we decided to keep it quiet and see how things went.’

‘I’m your mother though.’

‘I know, Mum. Sorry.’

‘How long?’

Hannah looked to Liam in panic, who was listening in amusement. He helpfully shrugged and shook his head. ‘No idea,’ he mouthed.

‘Umm, it’s been about six months.’

‘Six months? It’s serious then. I can’t believe you never mentioned it when we came up to visit last.’

‘It was still early days.’

‘So it would seem. It’s about time you started dating again, Hannah. You’ve already let one good man slip through your fingers.’

‘Josh didn’t slip through my fingers. The marriage wasn’t working.’

‘Perhaps you didn’t try hard enough. He was solid and dependable, and had a good job.’

Hannah rolled her eyes. Her mother bloody loved Josh.

‘Can we not talk about my failed marriage please?’

‘So who is this new one? I want to know all about him.’

No. She wasn’t doing this now. Not only did she not have the inclination; she didn’t have the time either. Plus this wasn’t the most comfortable conversation to be having in front of Liam.

‘You’ll meet him on Saturday.’ Hannah gave Liam a sly smile. ‘You can fully interrogate him then.’

Ha, that got him back.

‘Well at least tell me his name.’

‘Liam.’

‘Liam,’ her mother repeated, as if testing it out. ‘And what does Liam do? Has he got a good job?’

‘You’ll meet him at the weekend, Mum. I have to go now. I’m late for an appointment. Love you.’

Hannah ended the call before her mother could ask any more questions and shot Liam a challenging look.

‘Sure you still want to come?’

‘I can’t wait,’ he told her dryly.

As he spoke, his own phone started ringing and he frowned at the screen, before rejecting the call.