Honesty Is The Best Policy

"Morning," Nick smiled as he leaned against the door frame of Leanne's flat.

"Hiya, are you alright?" She returned the smile and put her coat on as the sunny weather had descended and the darker days of winter were looming.

"I am thanks, what about you?" Nick asked as they walked towards their Bistro. As they walked past the hairdressers, Simon emerged from the Barlow's.

"Mum!" he shouted running over.

"Hiya Simon, are you alright?" Leanne asked, smiling at the boy. Despite all the abuse, she still loved Simon as much as she would love any child of her own. She couldn't help but smile as she saw him smile at her in the cheeky way he used to.

"Good thanks, are you two okay?"

"Yeah mate, we're good," Nick added.

"Oh Si, I know we have counselling next week but I think we also need to tell Eva, Grandad, Tracy and your Dad later."

Simon frowned. "But I thought if I was getting better we wouldn't need to tell 'em?"

Leanne sighed and spoke authoritatively, "Look Simon, it's not that I don't believe you or anything but it means they can support us, can't they? It's also not very fair on your Grandad and Tracy. They've been looking after you for me and they haven't had a decent explanation as to why. Come on Si, they're your family, they'll understand."

Simon looked at Nick who nodded at what Leanne had just said. "Okay then," Simon agreed. "I'll see you later then." He trudged off to the bus stop with his backpack.

"See you in the Bistro at four," Leanne called after him. Simon turned and nodded before climbing onto the bus.

Nick and Leanne continued walking to work and came past the Platt's, where David was walking from.

"Morning," David said, offering a smile to his brother and his ex-wife.

"Hiya," they both chorused.

"Ey Leanne, I heard about yesterday, are you alright?" David asked, he sounded genuine but then again Leanne knew it was David's fault her second marriage to Nick ended in the first place. Still, Leanne nodded and continued to speak.

"Yeah, I'm fine thanks, just need to stay away from her."

David looked at Nick and then replied, "Sounds like the best thing to be honest. Probably don't want to go near her."

"Oh no David, it's not that," Leanne began. "I can't go near her, the police told me that if anything happens between us I'll be back at the station."

David and Nick smirked, "Not fancy it then? Being banged up for assault?" Nick asked, turning to Leanne.

"Oh I'd assault her alright! But I don't fancy going to prison, even if I can't stick her."

David smiled and started moving towards the hairdressers. "See you two later then," David said.

"Bye," Nick replied as Leanne stared at Carla, who had just stepped out of the factory.

"Just ignore her Lea," Nick whispered, holding Leanne's elbow to prevent her from lashing out at a smug Carla.

"Morning Leanne!" Carla smirked, overjoyed at the chaos she had caused.

"Go away Carla," Nick shouted, turning Leanne around and taking hold of her hand, much to Carla's annoyance

"She'd like that wouldn't she!?" Carla yelled back. "I'll see you later Nicholas for a drink! How does that sound?"

Nick could hear Leanne grinding her teeth next to him. If it hadn't of been for that caution, Leanne would have quite happily of given Carla a black eye. Although the satisfaction of what Nick shouted was just as good as punching Carla.

"How about no! In fact, you are barred from the Bistro! If you ever set foot in my restaurant again they'll be hell to pay!" Nick angrily shouted back as the venom in Carla's eyes became even more noticeable. She was seething. If looks could kill, Leanne thought. If only.

"What?! You can't bar me!" Carla screamed back, aggressively yelling and pointing at Nick and Leanne.

"I already have Carla! Don't come near me or Leanne either. I want nothing more to do with you." Nick coldly replied as Carla froze, incensed.

"Fine! Screw you! I never liked your stupid Bistro anyway, not like it's the only drinking hole in Manchester!"

"Well go on then, run to another bar!" Leanne finally said, leading Nick by his hand into the Bistro as Carla furiously watched the duo.


In the office of the Bistro, Leanne sat behind the desk sorting out the wages. It was a boring job in comparison to serving the customers and rustling up cocktails but running a restaurant was bound to have its downsides.

Leanne sighed and squinted at the bright glare of the computer screen.

"Okay, let's sort this then," Leanne muttered to herself, reading through the staff list.

Steph Britton

Robert Preston

Gail Rodwell

Leanne Tilsley

Nick Tilsley

Leanne selected each name and paid their wages into their bank accounts, just as Nick came into the office carrying some files.

"I've got the accounts here as well Lea," he said, handing the files over to a disgruntled Leanne. She thought she'd finished doing the boring job.

"Oh thanks," She replied, not taking her eyes off the screen in front of her. Nick perched on the desk, watching her every move.

"Leanne?"

"Yeah, what is it?" She looked up at him and he smiled straight away.

"Well I was wondering what you are up to tonight?"

"Er, nothing. Other than speaking to the Barlow's and Eva about Simon."

"Okay. Well what if you came round to my flat for dinner afterwards?"

Leanne grinned and rested her hands on the table, "Yeah, I'd like that but only if you don't mind."

"No! Of course I don't! I'll cook us a nice meal and I could get some lovely wine too. What do you say Lea?"

"Sounds great! Why don't I bring dessert?"

"Are you sure?" Nick asked.

"Yeah of course! What time do you want me then?"

"How about seven?"

"Great, okay. I'll be there!" Leanne smiled broadly as Nick touched her hands.

"Also... I want to be there when you talk to the Barlow's about Simon. I feel as though it's my duty; I'm standing by you through this all. Not just the fancy dinners and kisses, I want to be there for you in the bad times as well. I know you're a tough cookie but you can't always be the strong one Lea. Sometimes you have to let us in, let us be there for you."

"I want you to be there, really I do. It's just...Is it not going to look odd? You and me together all the time again, are people not going to get suspicious?"

"Let them be." Nick replied as Leanne stood up from the desk.

"It's not that simple though. There's Simon to think about. I've had enough conflict lately, I've had a belly full of it and I don't think I could take much more Nick."

"Then tell them the truth. Tell them that I've been supporting you through this, I was the only one you could talk to when you needed me. They can't get suspicious of that, can they?"

Leanne looked down at the parquet flooring inside the office. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Sorry, I didn't thi..."

"Don't be ridiculous," Nick interrupted her, pulling her close to his chest and holding her there. He felt her arms loop around his neck as she clung to him for comfort. Just as Steph burst in.

"Hi... oh, erm. Shall I come back?"

"Steph!" They both jumped apart and stared at the pint-sized barmaid.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, wagging her finger between Nick and Leanne.

"Yeah fine thanks Steph. Just Carla, you know."

Leanne spoke, as Steph tilted her head in sympathy.

"Aw chick, you should have said. Sorry Leanne!"

"Hey, don't be daft," Nick smiled as Steph backed out of the door and shut it firmly behind her.

"Thank god! That was close!" Leanne said, flustered as she gathered the papers on the desk and cleaned them up.

"It's fine! It's Steph! She'll have forgotten already, she's got the brains of a rocking horse!"

"Yeah and a gob like the Mersey tunnel."

Nick laughed and went back out into the Bistro. God, Leanne couldn't help but smile as she cleaned up the work she had done. She was looking forward to the evening ahead so much.

But then again, a whole new feeling began to fill Leanne up. Could she really face a new relationship so soon after the last one burnt out? No pun intended. The last time she and Nick had been this close was when they were happy and together nearly three years ago. Did now really seem appropriate to risk it all again? They had gone through so much in their lives together and maybe there would be more but what if it all ended in heartache again? Could she really cope with crying herself to sleep every night like she did when Nick ended their second marriage?

However, what if she didn't try and enjoy the evening? How would it feel trying to lie and pretend she had suddenly stopped having feelings for him. Or even stopped loving him? Fine if they didn't work together or live on the same Street but they were as good as inseparable. Yeah, it is worth the risk, Leanne thought to herself. What life would anyone have if they never took a risk?

Leanne closed the door of the office and pulled her mobile phone out of her pocket. Unlocking the phone, she scrolled through the contacts list and selected the Barlow's home phone.

"Come on Ken," Leanne muttered impatiently, tapping her foot as the phone rung out. "It's the thing that's ringing Ken!" Leanne huffed as the phone continued to make the ringing noise. She could imagine him wondering what the sound was and not going to investiagte. Finally, someone picked up.

"Hello?" Ken asked.

"Ah Ken, it's Leanne."

"Hi Leanne, sorry I didn't pick up sooner, I had the hoover on. You weren't waiting long, were you?

"Oh no," Leanne lied, biting the inside of her mouth to fight the frustration.

"Is everything alright?"

"Well, not exactly. Is there any chance you and Tracy could come to the Bistro at about four?"

Ken frowned as he held the phone to his ear, an entire list forming in his head about Simon. Could it be something serious? Is Leanne sending him to live with Peter? His trail of thought was soon interrupted by Leanne on the other end.

"Er Ken? You still there?"

"Oh yes, sorry Leanne! Yes, we'll be there."

"Great, thanks Ken, see you later."

"Okay, bye Leanne."

Leanne sighed. Now it was time to get hold of Eva.

A text seemed sufficient enough and if she had rung Eva the phone call would have lasted until Christmas.

Eva:

Hiya, any chance you can be in the Bistro by four? Me and Nick need to talk to you, Tracy and Ken. Xxx

She held her phone tightly in her hand, awaiting a fast response from her sister who was always on her phone, texting or messaging someone.

Nick, who was behind the bar, had noticed her uneasiness. He reached out and patted her arm.

"Is everything alright?"

"What? Oh, fine."

Nick tilted his head in disagreement. "You don't seem it. Come on, what's wrong?"

Leanne put her phone down on the bar and spoke. "Nothing, it just feels a bit weird having to tell them about Simon. Sounds odd but because I'd told you it felt like everyone knew."

"The more people that know, the more support Si has. Surely that's better for everyone?"

"Yeah, I know but...I don't like going over it. Telling people about it. I didn't like it the other day at counselling, I felt uncomfortable."

"It'll just take time, that's all." Nick reassuringly said, offering a hug that Leanne instantly took.

"Thanks for everything Nick," Leanne whispered in his ear before gently pecking his cheek. Luckily the place was empty and Steph had gone on a short break. Even so, it made their little 'date' later seem even more exciting.


Hours had passed and the shift had gone by without any problems or visits from Weatherfield Police, which was great really. It was getting nearer to four, and Leanne suddenly remembered what she was soon going to be talking about. It made her shudder, the hairs on the back of her neck stand up on end. The fear began to bubble, deep in the pit of her stomach. Still, she had her evening with Nick to look forward to, oops. She had completely forgotten she was in charge of the dessert!

"Oh god... Robert!" Leanne called, rushing into the kitchen of the Bistro.

"Yeah Leanne?" He stopped chopping carrots and looked up at his boss. Well, one of his bosses anyway.

"I need a favour. I'll even pay you extra to do it, well... Can you do me two cheesecakes?"

"Yeah of course, for you and Simon?"

"Er no...no for me and a friend, we're having dinner together, tonight."

"Ah, okay...So for you and Nick then?"

Leanne turned round on her heel. What the hell? How did he know about that?

"Sorry, what?"

"You and Nick, he told me you're having dinner together tonight, he asked me to prepare a meal for you both. Seems you two are more alike than I thought."

"Oh he did, did he?"

"Yeah but don't say you heard it from me; I like having a job."

"Don't worry Robert, I won't," Leanne laughed as she left the kitchen. Oh there was no way she wasn't going to tease Nick even slightly about that. Haha, she thought. Bless him.

"Leanne!" Ken and Tracy said as they entered the Bistro with Simon close behind. Where had time gone? Leanne wondered. The fear was rising inside of her. It felt as if someone had put her on the edge of a cliff and pushed her nearer and nearer before completely throwing her off and watching her fall to the ground. She felt a protective hand touch her shoulder, encouraging her to go over and sit down.

"Hiya. Shall we sit down and wait for Eva?" Leanne asked, gesturing to the comfy couches in the centre of the restaurant. Tracy pulled a 'I told you so' face at Ken when Nick joined them and sat at the table.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Eva said as she rushed in and sat down with the others.

"What is it Leanne?" Ken questioned as Leanne struggled to find the words. She could feel Simon's eyes burning into her.

"Alright. Well, it was a few days after Kal had died," Leanne began, appearing confident and brave. Until she started to stammer. "And...and...Simon, well he...he."

Simon took a deep breath as he saw all eyes turn to him. "I said some nasty things to me Mum and then I threw the TV remote at her face. I bruised her and made her feel awful." Simon finished for Leanne who held back the tears as Nick placed a hand on her shoulder.

Ken held his mouth open in shock as Eva and Tracy stared at the boy they both deemed as their nephew.

"Is that why you had a bruise on your face Leanne?" Ken asked as Leanne avoided his gaze.

The tears had begun to fall like rain down a window. "Ye...Yeah, it is," Leanne whimpered as Nick wrapped his arm around her.

"Lea, was that the only time it happened?" Eva managed to force out a question, despite her shock that the sweet little lad had viciously attacked his Mum.

Leanne looked up at the ceiling as she cried, then met her sister's concerned gaze. "No...it happened a lot more and each time more violent than the last," she blubbered as Eva sunk back into the couch.

Ken opened his mouth again. "What else did you do Simon?"

Simon couldn't look at his Grandad or his Aunties. The hands he had used the week before to beat Leanne seemed more appealing to stare at. "I said she was ugly and that she wasn't my Mum. I found out about her past when Dan held us hostage in the flat and started to torment her over it. I hit her arm when we got out of hospital. I then kicked her, shoved her, intimidated her and made her life miserable. That's why I've been living with you Grandad. Mum wanted to tell someone but she couldn't because she wanted to protect me from harm. But then, then last week she told Nick. He asked me what was going on and I lied... I said it was Mum who was abusing me but it wasn't true. Then her and Nick fell out and I attacked her, I attacked her in here. I threw glass at her, kicked her, punched her and Nick walked in. He'd seen it all. That's why he and Mum have been together so much. We went to counselling the other day too because I want to sort this." Simon explained as the grown ups around him listened.

"I assumed when you cut your arm the other month it was Leanne's fault...I thought it was...I thought wrong," Ken looked downcast and horrified. The colour and bright smile of his face had completely faded. Leanne felt like she could have been sick.

Simon started again, "When I cut my arm a few weeks ago it wasn't Mum's fault; it was all mine. I'd pulled her hair and she pushed me off her in defence. I fell on the table and cut my arm. It was all of my fault. Everything was."

Tracy finally spoke, "Simon, do you have any idea how serious this is?"

Leanne and Nick immediately glared at Tracy, awaiting her next comment.

"You've been abusing a grown woman and you think that an apology and counselling can fix this?" Tracy began to get angry.

Eva frowned and looked at her big sister. "Leanne, I had no idea, hun, I'm so sorry." Eva looked and felt crushed, if she hadn't of been so worried about herself and her own life then maybe Leanne wouldn't have been as hurt.

Leanne's glassy eyes met Eva's, "It's not your fault Eva, really."

Tracy stared at Simon and spat her words at him, "Peter will be disgusted when he find out about this Simon. After everything Leanne has done for you?"

Simon looked defeated as his Grandad offered his words. "I take it you have felt you can't talk to anyone?" Ken looked at Leanne, who was still a tearful wreck in Nick's arms.

She nodded and tried to wipe her eyes. "All I wanted to do was protect him, I never wanted him to be hurt and by keeping it hidden it would all fo away but it didn't help. I had to tell someone. I had to tell Nick because I was losing control, I was losing everything I am. One hit, kick, insult and slap at a time."

The table soon fell silent and nobody knew what to say, how to make the situation any better, if it was possible.

"Why don't we take Simon home with us Leanne?" Ken asked, reaching across the table and patting her hand in a friendly manner. "In fact, we could keep him as long as you like."

Leanne could barely get her words together, so Nick spoke on her behalf. "That would be great Ken, we really appreciate everything you are doing. It means a lot to Lea, to both of us, knowing we have all your support. But I think someone needs to tell Peter about it."

Ken nodded in agreement. "I'll tell him. As his father he deserves to hear it from me. If you need anything Leanne, you know where we are."

Tracy and Eva bobbed their heads up and down too. Tracy offered Leanne a kind smile, which would have been a reason to ridicule her but Leanne didn't have the energy. "Honest Leanne, text me or call if you need someone to talk to," Tracy smiled, touching Leanne's shoulder kindly and leading Simon out of the Bistro with Ken.

Eva was still sat opposite Nick and Leanne. "This is why you two have been so close, isn't it?"

"Yeah but we didn't know how to tell you all," Nick said, sort of telling the truth. He didn't fancy telling that he was in love with Leanne at that moment.

"Oh god hun, I'm so sorry," Eva broke down, crying for her sister and throwing her arms around her.

"It's alright Eva, it's not your fault," Leanne cried into her sister's dress.

"You know that I love you so much Leanne," Eva started, whimpering at Leanne's pain. "I'm so glad I have a sister and that she is you. I just wish you had told me sooner, I'm so sorry."

The two sisters cried and hugged for a while longer as Nick went to the bar.

"You know if you ever need to talk Lea, I'm here," Eva said, wiping the mascara from under her own eyes and standing up.

Leanne smiled weakly at her sister, "Thanks Eva. I love you too and I'm glad you're my bonkers sister."

"I need to get back to work but text if you need me. Anything at all," Eva smiled and touched her sister's arm.

Leanne looked up and nodded. With that, Eva left too.

Nick came back over to Leanne and sat next to her.

"Come here," He said, pulling her close and holding her so the pain would go away.

"Thank god for you Nick," She whispered into his shirt.


After composing herself and changing clothes, Leanne headed off to Nick's flat with the desserts Robert had made. She rung the buzzer of his flat and was greeted by an immediate entry to the building. He must have known it was me, she thought walking down the corridor to flat 8.

Leanne knocked on the door. "Hi beautiful," Nick smiled, kissing her cheek. He wasn't lying, she did look beautiful with her hair curled and wearing a black dress.

"It smells delicious," She grinned, remembering what Robert had told her earlier in the Bistro.

"Oh really? It's a new recipe I found so I wasn't sure if you would like it."

Leanne sat down at the dinner table, lined with candles.

Nick handed her a glass of red wine as Leanne began to speak, "Yeah, what is your new cooking wonder, Nigella?"

"It's erm...lamb shoulder with a red wine jus and potatoes."

"Oh? Isn't that on the menu in the Bistro?" Leanne started laughing as Nick looked uncomfortable.

"I don't know... is it?"

"Ah! Nick! I know Robert cooked our dinner tonight!"

"Argh, I'll kill him tomorrow!" Nick smacked his face with his hands.

"Hey! I find it funny because I asked him to make dessert too! He's gone and cooked us an entire meal!"

"Did you really?"

"I've got Bistro cheesecake for dessert!"

"Oh god, what are we like?" Nick laughed as Leanne hugged him, giggling too. It was amazing to forget what was going on with Simon, even if it was for just a few hours. It was a great feeling to know Nick was doing all he could to help her, which was making the way she felt about him develop even more.

Dinner was exceptionally delicious, despite neither actually cooking it themselves. Still, the evening was turning out to be lovely as they sat on the couch together with a glass of wine each.

"Thanks for tonight... and for everything really," Leanne smiled at Nick, whose legs were touching hers. It felt like an electricity current was brushing against her.

He turned and looked at her with his eyes. Those eyes, she couldn't help but fall deeper. "It's nothing Lea, honest. There's nowhere else I'd rather be than here, by your side."

She smirked and spoke, "It feels like a weight has been lifted now that we've told them about Simon."

"One step at a time, isn't it? Gradually he's improving isn't he?"

She nodded and took another sip of wine, "Yeah, bit like you and me then."

Nick frowned and asked, "How do you mean?"

"I'd have never thought you and I would be having dinner together like this. Especially after we slept together this time last week. I never assumed it would come back to you and me again."

"It would always come back to me and you Lea. I never stopped thinking about you and working with you made me realise that. I knew that we'd end up together again at some point. You're the one I've always wanted and I should never have let you go."

Leanne couldn't resist. She leaned in and kissed Nick on the lips, almost spilling red wine over the cream sofa. The passion was fiery and it wasn't the wine that was making them kiss. It was love, genuine love.

Leanne pulled away, her face just inches from Nick's, "I need to get back," she whispered.

"Stay. Stay here with me."

"I want to but I need to get home. Eva will wonder where I am."

Nick sighed and followed Leanne to the door of his flat. He gave her one last kiss.

"I'll see you later," He said.

"Thanks Nick, I had a lovely time."

"Me too," he smiled before she turned and he watched her leave the flats.


Leanne reached the flat and glanced at the Rovers, where police cars and an ambulance were lined up outside.

"Lea," Eva cried, rushing over. "It's Jason! He's been attacked..."


Hello again! Just wanted to say thanks for the reviews again and all the follows and favourites! I really value and appreciate the support I am getting for this story as I know it is not the best one out there. I really hope you stick with it as I have huge twists coming in the next three chapters! Please keep up your reviews, follows and favourites! I'll try to update very soon but until then... :)