Liv swallowed, as if trying to keep a straight face. “I met him during singles hour.”
Hannah tried and failed to keep her composure. “I didn’t know they still did those things.”
“Neither did I,” Liv said. “I only went in for some milk.”
“Cow’s milk,” Mel added.
“Didheknow it was singles hour?” Hannah asked, her voice breaking.
Liv shrugged. “I didn’t ask.”
Hannah clamped down on her jaw.
“It’s all right,” Liv said. “You’re allowed to see the funny side.”
“I’m sorry,” Hannah said. “At least you’re in a relationship. My love life’s been non-existent for years.”
“I’m not sorry.” Mel’s amusement continued. “I think it’s hilarious.”
“Tell me about the non-profit Quentin works for,” Hannah said, attempting a more serious approach to the conversation.
“It’s something to do with recycling. Clothes and whatnot. Although his good works don’t end there.” Liv shone with pride. “He’s off to Africa next month to help build schools.”
“Very commendable,” Hannah replied.
“It’s one of the things we have in common.”
“What is?” Hannah put her glass to her lips.
“Our charity work, of course.”
Hannah suddenly choked on her drink, spraying it everywhere, while Mel burst into a guffaw.
“What?” Liv asked, evidently surprised by the response. “I do my bit.”
“Dressing up for Children in Need and shaking a collection bucket isn’t quite the same as volunteering abroad,” Mel said.
“At least I dosomething. What do you two do?”
“I have a direct debit set up for the Dogs Trust,” Hannah said, as she wiped herself down.
“And I buy theBig Issueevery month,” Mel said.
Hearing their efforts said out loud, they looked at each other. None of them could deny their efforts were pathetic.
Liv face lit up. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“That we’reallrubbish at this giving business,” Hannah said.
“That you’re dating a saint,” Mel said.
“It means we need to up our game.” Liv rose from her seat and picked up their empty glasses with a flourish. “How else am I going to impress Quentin?” She smiled. “Same again, is it?”
Hannah watched Liv head straight to the bar. “Since when did Liv need to impress anyone? It’s like she’s a different person.”
Mel sighed. “Love can do funny things to a woman.”
“She’s going to come up with some madcap idea, isn’t she?”
