“Layla, did Carrie tell you she’s running the bookshop for the summer?”
“No, she didn’t,” said Layla, avoiding looking at Carrie.
“I hope to see you in there sometime,” Carrie said cheerfully, aiming to put the teenager at ease. “Anyway, speaking of the bookshop, I need to get back there.”
Carrie hurried up the hill to the shop, going over her interaction with Layla. She seemed like a sweet kid and appeared to be close to her dad. What could have prompted her to try to steal? And something she didn’t even seem to want...
* * *
Carrie was cleaning up after dinner that evening when she heard abrrrriiiinnnngggg. It took her a second to work out that it was the doorbell to the flat. Telling Poppy she was just popping downstairs, she walked down and into the shop and over to the front door where she could see Layla waiting outside, her arms wrapped tightly around herself even though it was still warm.
Carrie quickly unlocked the door. “Hey, Layla,” she said. “What can I do for you?”
She felt a small wave of disappointment that Layla’s father wasn’t with her.
“I... I wanted to apologise for what happened earlier and to thank you for not saying anything to my dad...” Layla looked at the ground.
“Would you like to come in?” Carrie offered.
Layla nodded and walked into the shop.
“I hope it’s OK that I came round,” she said, evidently awkward as she fiddled with her hands.
“Of course it is. It was lovely to meet you today,” Carrie reassured her.
“I don’t usually go around nicking stuff . . .”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Carrie said, making Layla smile.
“It looks like you’re doing a good job running this place,” Layla commented.
“I don’t think I’ve messed up anything too badly so far.”
“It was me who got Mary to add in a young adult section, you know,” Layla said, proudly.
“That was a smart idea — it’s very popular,” said Carrie. She knew she needed to give the teen time and let her return to the topic she’d come to discuss when she was ready. She didn’t have to wait long.
“I don’t know why I was going to take the hair slides,” Layla blurted out. “You were right, they’re not even my style...”
“No one behaves perfectly, especially when they’re your age,” said Carrie, gently. “You had a blip. You said it won’t happen again, and I believe you.”
“It definitely won’t,” Layla said earnestly.
There was a knock on the bookshop’s door. Carrie turned to see three women, one of whom was Lucy from the coffee shop next door, standing outside. They waved in greeting. Carrie opened the door and they came in. They were carrying bottles of wine and platters of food, and each held a book in their hands.
“Hi!” said one of the women. “Hello, Layla. And you must be Carrie! It’s wonderful to meet you! We’ve heard so much about you from your auntie. I’m sorry we’re a little early, but we thought we could help set up?”
“Set up?” said Carrie, in alarm.
“We weren’t sure if you’d have time to get things ready,” said the third woman as they came in and looked around. Her loose, dark hair reached almost down to her waist. “I’m Rachel, by the way. The bakery on Cockle Street is mine.”
“Nice to meet you. Um... ready for what?” Carrie asked.
“Oh my goodness,” said Lucy. “Did Mary forget to tell you about our book club meetings?”
Carrie’s heart sank. “She did.”
“Oh dear, but she must have had such a lot on her mind. We usually meet on the third Wednesday of the month, but the Women’s Institute was having a big fundraiser so we postponed it and we’re a week late. This month isA Court of Thorns and Roses.” All three women held up their copies of the bestselling romantasy book.
