Naturally inquisitive and generally at ease with meeting people for the first time, Liam had to remind himself to hold back instead of going straight over to introduce himself. This was Hannah’s mother, her weekend. He was just here for support and it was important to let her take the lead. Instead, he busied himself clipping on Tank’s leash waiting until Hannah was ready, then followed her to the door.

‘Hi, Mum.’

‘Hannah.’

Jane looked her over, almost as if wanting to check this was her daughter and not an imposter, before pulling Hannah into a stiff hug. Before she had even let go, Liam could see her curious eyes glancing up at him.

‘You must be the new boyfriend,’ she gushed.

‘This is Liam.’ Hannah made the introductions awkwardly. ‘Liam, my mum, Jane.’

‘It’s good to meet you.’ Liam held out his hand, taken aback when Jane threw herself at him instead. As she embraced him – far more warmly than she had her own daughter – Tank started barking in delight.

Jane released him pretty quickly, eyeing the dog warily, and Liam glanced at Hannah, who had an amused expression on her face.

‘Come on in, come on in.’ Jane was beckoning them inside, linking her arm through Liam’s. He shrugged in apology at Hannah, who was left to trail behind with Tank.

‘Geoff, is the kettle on? Liam, it’s so nice to finally meet you. It’s about time Hannah started dating again. I kept telling her she was going to be left on the shelf.’

Liam cringed on behalf of Hannah, beginning to suspect it wasn’t just memories of Eileen that kept her away from Hixton.

Geoff and the boiling kettle were in the kitchen waiting. He was a man of few words, Liam soon learnt, giving them both a cursory nod as Jane made the introductions.

As he made cups of tea for them all, Liam considered what he knew about Hannah’s stepfather, which was actually very little. Geoffrey Lawrence had come into Jane and Hannah Freemont’s life just a year after Hannah’s dad had died, marrying Jane when Hannah was eight. Hannah had never taken her stepfather’s name and, according to people Liam had spoken to, her relationship with him was cordial at best.

Aware he was currently hogging too much of the attention, and wanting Hannah to have a few private moments alone with her mother and stepfather, he excused himself to go and fetch the overnight bags and let Tank have a pee.