“You didn’t have to go out to get a special drink for Poppy, you know,” Carrie said.
“It’s her favourite.” Layla shrugged.
“It is,” agreed Carrie, her heart full of how thoughtful Layla was when it came to anything to do with Poppy. “I’ll go and get those quiches.”
She was back a few minutes later with the snacks which Michael popped in his oven. He’d made her a smoked salmon salad with sesame dressing.
“Oh, thank you!” Carrie exclaimed, taking a forkful. “My goodness, this is delicious. I hadn’t realised how hungry I was.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Michael looked at her in a way that made Carrie’s stomach flip.
“I suppose you do owe me for that drenching,” said Carrie, making them both laugh. They took their drinks and Carrie’s food outside to enjoy the sunshine until she needed to get back next door.
“Layla?” Michael called up the stairs “Would you keep an eye on dinner for me for a few minutes? I’m just going to help Carrie set up for book club.”
“Oh, thanks!” Carrie exclaimed.
Layla came down with Monty. “Shall I wake Poppy up now?”
“That’s probably a good idea,” said Carrie.
“She won’t want to miss her dinner,” Michael said.
“Absolutely not! There’d be hell to pay,” Carrie joked.
“Don’t forget the quiches,” Michael reminded.
“Yes!” She picked up the plates full of now warm quiches, Michael immediately relieving her of one — and popped a quiche straight into his mouth.
It was such a lovely evening that Carrie decided to hold the book club meeting in the garden. Michael helped her arrange the tables and chairs before returning to serve up dinner next door.
Carrie filled up the kettle in case anyone fancied a tea or coffee while listening out for the shop’s doorbell.
It wasn’t long before the shop was filled with book lovers bearing wine and food and greeting one another. Carrie counted eleven people come in. She felt much more part of the group now that she knew a lot of the members and was especially pleased to see Lucy arrive. The pair got together some plates and napkinswhile everyone else headed out into the garden. This book club seemed to be at least as much about the refreshments as it was the books, she thought wryly, as she joined them and took in the tables now overflowing with food and drink.
The book this session wasBook Loversby Emily Henry which Carrie had really enjoyed. Being so busy, she’d appreciated this book being an easier read that she’d been able to finish in time for the meeting. Everyone chatted and caught up while they waited for stragglers — then drinks were poured.
Carrie took the opportunity to follow through with Michael’s suggestion and do a little market research with the shop’s ideal demographic sitting in front of her.
“So,” she began. “I’m wanting to try out another event here, ideally one that could become a regular thing. Not another book club, as this one is perfection, but something book-related...”
“What about a blind date with a book evening?” Nat suggested. “I’ve seen a few of them on Instagram and they look fun.”
“I’ve heard of those!” said Rachel.
“How do they work?” Carrie asked. “I’ve not heard of them before. But I’m guessing it’s not turning up on a blind date, book in hand?”
“Nope! You basically blind date the books!’ Nat grinned. “I think there are a few ways that it can work. The one I like is where there’s a load of books wrapped up in brown paper so you can’t see the covers and people try reading a few pages of as many as possible, swapping to a different book every ten minutes or so and chatting about them... Then at the end of the evening, the books are all available to buy.”
“I love that idea! I’d need to bring more tables in... Maybe have people sitting in groups of four...”
“There could be wine!” suggested Sam.
“And I can provide posh sausage rolls,” offered Lucy.
“Oh my goodness, yes,” said Nat. “Your sausage rolls are amazing.”
“This all sounds so good,” Carrie said. “How about I organise a trial session? Would you all be up for it?”
