“OK,” said Carrie. “Well, I really appreciate it. I don’t often get to do grown-up stuff in the evenings, and I’ve always wanted to try a book club.”
She nodded towards the book in Layla’s hand. “Did you enjoy it?”
Layla nodded and held up the book up show Carrie the cover. It wasJane Eyre.
“Is it your first time reading it?”
“Yes. She had a really rough childhood.”
“Oh, there’s a lot more tragedy to come,” warned Carrie.
“I’m going to be doing English Literature for A level at college in September,” said Layla.
“That’s awesome. I wanted to, but was scared of the guy who taught it. He had a big beard and could be pretty fierce. I did history instead.”
Layla laughed. “I’m doing history too, and maths. If I’ve passed my GCSEs. I get the results in about a month.”
“Nice choices,” said Carrie. “I bet you’ve done really well.”
“Hopefully. I think English will be my favourite subject.”
Carrie looked Layla up and down and made a decision. “Would you be interested in working in the bookshop on Saturdays? We’re looking for someone, and I think you’d be great.”
“Really?” Layla’s face lit up. “I wouldlovethat!”
“Absolutely, you’d be brilliant. You’d better check with your dad first though. Why don’t I give you my mobile number? You can message me what you decide.”
“Sure, thanks,” Layla said, putting Carrie’s number in her phone. “I can’t believe how cool this is.” With the number added, Layla began collecting her stuff together.“Is it OK if I borrowJane Eyre? I was really getting into it.”
“Of course,” Carrie said.
They went down into the shop and as Carrie unlocked the door once again, she said, “I’m so glad you popped by to speak to me. I’ll see you soon.”
Carrie watched as Layla walked the few steps to the shop next door and waved before letting herself in.
Carrie returned to the flat and peeped in at Poppy, who was absolutely fast asleep and looked so cosy and comfy.
She went down to the kitchen and put the kettle on, still smiling about her unexpectedly fun evening. Everyone had been so lovely and welcoming. There’d been so much laughter and it had been wonderful to hear everyone speaking so fondly about her aunt. She hoped she was having a wonderful time on her holiday and quickly sent her a text message letting her know how well the evening had gone.
Carrie made herself a camomile tea which she drank while reading before getting ready for bed. She was pleased she’d thought to offer Layla a job. Not only did it mean she and Poppy would be able to have the weekends free, but it saved her from having to advertise and interview people, and she genuinely believed Layla would be a perfect fit. And perhaps it would be a good experience for the teen. Maybe she should be concerned having met Layla when she was attempting to shoplift, but, no, she truly felt Layla could be trusted. And Carrie considered herself a good judge of character. Except where men were concerned. Well, one man, Tony, at least.
Her phone dinged from her bedroom as she was brushing her teeth. She checked it and her heart skipped a beat when she read the text message on her screen.
Layla’s had a great evening and would love to accept the Saturday job. Thank you for giving her the opportunity. Michael.
Carrie couldn’t help but hope that this would mean she’d see more of Michael. Even if the memory of him trying to rescueher bra continued to make her cringe. Who would have thought she’d end up hiring the daughter of the quiet teenage boy she’d wondered about when visiting her aunt and uncle so many years ago?
Carrie grinned as she typed back.Brilliant. She starts Saturday at 10 a.m.!
Chapter 6
Seren was scheduled to work in the bookshop the next morning and Carrie had a cup of tea ready for her when she arrived. Tabitha sauntered in as Carrie opened the door for her. The cat took herself off to her usual chair and curled up, barely bothering to give the two women a glance.
Carrie filled Seren in on what had happened the previous evening.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t warn you!” said Seren. “I don’t usually have anything to do with the book club other than to post on social media, so it completely slipped my mind with the date change.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Carrie reassured. “It was a great evening. I’m surprised you weren’t there though.”
