“Is Seren OK?” asked Dylan. “She didn’t stay long.”
“She’s fine. She just had some things she needed to do.”
Carrie managed to convince Poppy and the rest of the kids to stop playing for a little bit and they went in to wash their hands before they settled down with heaped plates on a blanket on the lawn.
Dylan had gone to refill his plate, so Carrie was by herself for a minute and Lucy came over.
“Hi,” she said. “This is awesome, isn’t it? Michael’s cooked up a storm.”
“Apparently so. Layla warned me about his cooking, but it seems that was completely unfounded.
Lucy laughed. “Typical teen. Are you having a good time?”
“Yes, it’s great. Poppy seems to be having an absolute ball and I’ve been chatting with Michael’s friend, Dylan.”
Lucy gave a little roll of her eyes.
“I’m guessing you know him?” Carrie said, raising her eyebrows.
“Yeah,” said Lucy. “He’s harmless. Just thinks he’s God’s gift that’s all. And that he knows everything...” She shrugged. “Anyway, it’s great to have you here. How are you liking the town?”
“It’s lovely. It doesn’t really seem to have changed much since my childhood visits!”
“I suspect that’s very true.” Lucy laughed. “I’m going to grab another drink. I’ll catch you later,” she said with a smile.
Michael came over with a plate of food he’d finally procured for himself.
“I saw you chatting with Dylan,” he said, seeming extremely interested in his fork all of a sudden.
“Your best friend, or so he informs me,” Carrie replied.
“He is indeed. He’s also an incorrigible flirt...”
Carrie laughed. “Don’t worry. He’s definitely not my type. I won’t be falling for any of his charms.”
“Phew,” said Michael, immediately. Carrie raised an eyebrow at him and was sure his cheeks reddened.
He cleared his throat. “Was the food all right?” he asked, taking a bite of a burger.
“Everything was great! Thank you so much for inviting us,” said Carrie. “Poppy’s having a wonderful time.”
“She certainly makes friends easily.”
“She does,” Carrie agreed. “I swear, I didn’t have anything like her confidence when I was her age. But you have to admit, it was easier to make friends when we were kids. You just walked up to another kid, asked how old they were and if they wanted to play football.”
“Very true,” Michael said, chuckling. “Carrie?” he said, suddenly all seriousness. Their eyes met.
“Yes, Michael,” Carrie replied, goosebumps suddenly appearing on her arms.
“How old are you?”
Carrie’s face broke into a grin. “I’m thirty-four.”
“I’m thirty-seven,” said Michael. “Do you want to play football?”
Carrie laughed. “Now?”
“Well, when I’ve finished eating.”
