Chapter 24
Carrie had brought up about Tony needing to be away for work again during the drive and, thankfully, Poppy seemed to take it in her stride.
Carrie didn’t say how long he was contracted for, thinking that two years must feel impossibly long to a just seven-year-old, but explained that she’d be able to see him whenever he was in the country and they’d video call lots.
Ironically, the fact that Poppy had always had such sporadic visits from her father would probably make the time Tony was away easier for her.
She would have liked to have gone inside the flat above the bookshop to collect herself a bit and get changed, but they were already a little late and she was so nervous, she really didn’t think she could wait any longer.
“Let’s leave the stuff in the car for now. We can bring it in later. We need to wish Layla a happy birthday.”
The gate to Michael’s garden was unlocked so they went in and were almost immediately greeted by Monty who came running over like he hadn’t seen them in years. Carrie picked him up and gave him a scratch behind the ears while Poppy stroked his back and told him how much she’d missed him.
The garden was decorated with fairy lights and the party was in full swing.
There were plenty of teen girls around, giggling together mainly, but also some younger kids and adults as well.
Carrie loved the way that Layla seemed to have invited everyone she liked to her party.
Seren and Lucy were talking together and waved when they spotted Carrie and Poppy.
Carrie’s motherly instinct was glad that shy Seren had someone to chat with.
There was no sign of Michael and Layla outside but Carrie and Poppy were spotted by Carrie’s mum and aunt who came hurrying over with matching huge grins on their faces.
“What are you doing here?” they said, wrapping Carrie and Poppy in huge hugs.
“We’ve come back!” said Poppy.
“If the offer of the job and the flat is still on the table, I’d very much like to accept,” Carrie said to her aunt.
“Of course it is!” said Aunt Mary. “What a wonderful surprise!”
“Thank goodness for that.” Carrie laughed. “It would have been a tiny bit awkward if I’d had to drive back to London again tonight.”
“I’m thrilled,” Aunt Mary said. “You’re saving me the trouble of having to hold interviews and I trust you completely with the shop. Plus, it will be wonderful to have you both here. But what made you change your mind?”
“I guess we just realised where we wanted to be, eh, Poppy?”
Poppy nodded.
“So you’re moving here?” checked Ellen.
“Yes,” confirmed Carrie. “You were both right. I want to be here and to work in the bookshop, especially if you decide to move here too, Mum.” She’d fill them both in properly about what had happened with Tony when Poppy wasn’t around.
“That’s wonderful!” said Carrie’s mum.
“I’m sorry I didn’t listen and it took me so long to work it out.”
“You were just trying to do what was best,” reassured her mother. “We’ll chat more later.”
Layla came out of the house with a couple of friends. “Food’s almost ready!” she said. She saw Carrie and Poppy and came straight over to them. “You made it!” she said, hugging them both.
“We did,” said Carrie. “I’m so sorry that I even considered not being here. Happy birthday, sweetheart.” She gave Layla another hug.
“Thank you both so much for my present, I loved it.”
“I chose it,” said Poppy, proudly.
“I suspect Poppy chose you a cake decorating kit so that you would feel inclined to make more cakes for her,” Carrie joked.
“Maybe a little bit,” admitted Poppy, making them laugh.
“OK, guys, grub’s up,” called out Michael who was standing in the back doorway. “Come and help yourselves.”
He did a double take as he saw Carrie and Poppy. Poppy saw him as well and ran over to him. He lifted her up for a hug and mouthed, “Hi,” to Carrie.
People began drifting into the kitchen for food where the table was full of large pots of curry and rice and piles of poppadoms and naan bread. Bowls full of raitha and chutney were at the end of the table and everything smelled amazing.
Michael was busy making sure everyone had everything they needed, but Carrie kept catching him looking over while she was helping herself and Poppy to food.
They took their full plates outside and ate with Ellen and Mary.
“Isn’t this just lovely?” Aunt Mary said. “So sweet to invite everyone like this. Apparently, Layla’s friends are having a sleepover tonight so they’ll get to do their teen thing after we leave.”
The food was delicious and everyone went back for at least seconds if not thirds, moving between tables whenever spaces opened up so they could catch up with friends.
They’d finished eating and Carrie was taking the dirty plates to the kitchen when she was stopped by a tall woman with long dark hair.
“Hi, Carrie?” the woman said.
“Yes . . .” Carrie replied.
“I’m Georgia, Layla’s mum.”
“Oh, hi,” Carrie said. “It’s so nice to meet you finally.”
“And you. Layla talks about you a lot.”
“I’m very fond of her,” Carrie said. “She’s been so kind to my daughter and she’s such a help in the bookshop.”
“She loves Poppy and I think working in the shop has been really good for her. I wanted to thank you for helping Layla and convincing her to speak to Michael and me about what was going on with Ian’s daughters.
It wasn’t exactly the easiest of conversations to have, I’ll admit, but I’m so glad she told me.
I can’t believe what they were doing to her and I had no idea. I feel dreadful.”
“It’s really not your fault. I’m just glad she felt able to open up to me,” Carrie reassured.
“Yes. Well, I guess you never really know someone until you tell them their kids are bullying yours.”
“I’m sorry about you and Ian,” Carrie said.
“Thank you. It obviously wasn’t meant to be. The most important thing is that Layla isn’t having to deal with those awful girls any more. And I think I’ve managed to get through to her that if she has a problem, she can always come to me or to Michael. She never has to struggle on her own.”
“She’s very lucky to have you both,” said Carrie.
“Hi,” said Michael, coming over. “Georgia, would you be able to keep an eye on everything here for a bit? I need to talk with Carrie.”
“Of course. Let me take those for you,” she said, relieving Carrie of the dirty plates and cutlery and going into the kitchen.
“Have you got time to take a walk with me?” Michael asked.
Carrie nodded.