Poppy took her mother’s hand again and Carrie took her up to bed.
* * *
When Carrie came back downstairs to the sitting room, Michael was still on the sofa, checking his mobile.
“Layla seems to be having a great time,” he said, putting his phone back in his pocket.
“Brilliant,” said Carrie. She sat down, leaving as much space between herself and Michael as possible, with Monty stretching out more than she would have thought he was physically capable of. “I remember how exciting it was to stay over at a mate’s house at her age. I don’t think my friends and I got a lot of sleep.”
“Yeah, I’m expecting her to be good for nothing tomorrow. She usually ends up passing out in front of the television by lunchtime after a sleepover.”
“That sounds about right.”
“Your aunt certainly provided you with enough reading material for your stay,” Michael commented.
“She did. I’ve been working my way through some of my old favourites, which were probably all recommended to me by her at some point.”
“What’s your absolute favourite book of all time?” Michael asked, his focus completely on her.
“Of all time... that’s a tricky one! ProbablyLittle Women. My aunt and uncle got me the most beautiful copy for my birthday one year. It’s the ultimate girly comfort read. My aunt read it to me when I was staying with them, and we wept over poor Beth and both agreed that Jo was an idiot to turn down Laurie.”
“I always thought Jo made the right choice, that Laurie was meant to be with Amy.”
Carrie shrugged. “You’re right, but I was still cross with her at the time. I wouldn’t have expected you to have readLittle Women.”
“You forget what an influence your aunt was to me. I read a lot of books she recommended.”
“I love that she introduced you to it too. I was so sad when I lost my copy. It was hardback with a blue cover and the sisters on the front... I left it somewhere when Poppy was a baby. Never should have taken it out of the house.”
“That’s why you should have at least two copies of great books, an at home copy and one you can take out with you.”
“That is incredibly wise,” Carrie said.
There was silence for a moment before Michael said, “Well, I guess Monty and I should be getting back.”
“Unless you’d like another drink? There are still a couple of beers left.”
Michael seemed to consider the offer for a moment before he said, “It would be a shame to disturb Monty when he looks so comfortable. Cruel even.”
“It would,” Carrie agreed, grinning. Their eyes locked and Carrie had to force herself to break away. She just knew colour was flooding to her cheeks.
Going to the fridge, she retrieved the beers, popped their caps and brought them back over to the sofa.
“I bet it’s strange when Layla isn’t around,” Carrie said as she sat back down, seemingly having been left even less space by Monty than before. It seemed sensible to bring the conversation back to the children, at least until her heart rate decided to return to normal.
“It is, but I’m glad she’s enjoying herself. She’d been having a bit of a rough time at the beginning of the holidays.” He took a sip of his beer.
“I remember you saying,” said Carrie.
“Yes. It was actually because of that that I was distracted and Monty managed to steal your bra at the beach.”
Carrie felt herself blushing all over again.
“I still feel really bad about that by the way,” Michael said.
“Please don’t,” Carrie reassured him, giving Monty a little scratch. “I can laugh about it now, especially because I know what a sweetie he is.”
Michael raised his eyebrows.
