Everyone seemed to like the selection of books, and the refreshments went down brilliantly. It took half an hour for Carrie and Seren to ring up all the purchases when the evening began to draw to a close. A lot of the sales were books chosen for the evening, but some were books people had spotted on the shelves and taken a fancy to.
People began to leave once they’d bought what they wanted, and Seren left with Nat who offered her a lift home. Lucy collected up the platters from the food. “What a great evening,” she said, giving Carrie a hug. “Well done.”
“Thank you,” Carrie said. It was heartfelt.
“Do you need help carrying anything back next door?” Michael asked Lucy as he and Dylan came over. They were the last ones left in the shop.
“Thanks.” Lucy handed him a couple of trays.
Carrie noticed Dylan watching them leave together before he turned his attention to her.
“Lucy’s right,” Dylan said as he started to help her collect up glasses and plates. “Tonight was a big success for the shop.”
“I hope my aunt’s pleased when she hears about it. I really wanted to do something to help. She’s been so generous to me.”
“She’ll be thrilled. You know how she loves helping people discover new books. Am I correct in thinking you were surprised to see me this evening?”
“I thought Michael was bringing a date,” Carrie said, attempting to sound casual. The thought of him walking through the door with a woman on his arm had been excruciating.
“Michael doesn’t date,” Dylan said, very much to the point. “But I have high hopes that he’s changing his mind on that stance.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, he doesn’t usually drag me along to Blind Date with a Book nights, either. And I’m pretty sure it wasn’t for the book-buying opportunity, or even Lucy’s sausage rolls.”
Carrie was stopped from responding by Michael’s return.
“Would you like a hand putting things right for tomorrow?” Michael asked.
“In exchange for a beer?” Carrie suggested, her heart pounding as she went over what Dylan had said. “Deal.” Michael grinned.
“I’d love to stay and help, but I’m afraid I can’t,” said Dylan. “You know... things... anyway. Great evening, best Blind Date with a Book I’ve ever been to.”
Carrie laughed. “Thanks for coming.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice, to be honest.” Dylan’s words earnt him a glare from Michael.
Carrie grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge in the kitchen area and brought them through. Michael had already made a start taking the extra tables back outside.
“I cannot believe you came to a romance book event to support me,” Carrie said as she handed him his drink.
“Maybe I happen to enjoy romance stories — I believe men can. You know I’ve readLittle Womenfor a start.”
“Yes, but you forget that I’ve seen your bookshelves!”
“OK...’ He took a deep breath and appeared to be struggling to decide whether to speak. “I can’t seem to keep away from you, Carrie. I even threw a barbeque for a bunch of people so that I could invite you and have a valid excuse to spend more time with you...” He paused and looked at her, nervously waiting for her reaction.
“Really?” said Carrie. Her tummy gave a little leap as her heart began pounding faster.
“Yeah, but... I mean, I really like you Carrie... And it was so great to see you again after so many years...”
“But?”
“But you know what I’m going to say, because it’s the same for you. I’m devoted to Layla as you are to Poppy.That’s who we are right now. A mum and a dad. Neither of us have been seeking romance. Layla, she’s obviously so unhappywith Georgia dating someone, especially someone with kids... And you are leaving soon. I just don’t think we can risk it.”
“I understand,” said Carrie. “Completely.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s easy to do in practice.”
