Unfortunately when Carrie went to start the car, nothing happened. She waited a moment and turned the key again, but it still didn’t start.
“Why isn’t the car starting, Mummy?” asked Poppy.
“I don’t know, Pumpkin,” Carrie replied.
She should probably ring a garage... maybe they’d come out to look at it. She certainly had no idea why it wasn’t starting. Why hadn’t she taken up her mum’s suggestion of getting break-down cover?
“I’m sorry, Poppy. We’d better go back inside and I’ll try to call someone who can help us.”
They got out of the car and were removing the empty shopping bags from the boot when Michael and Monty came walking down the lane. Michael waved when he saw them and Carrie felt the colour rise in her cheeks at the memory of last night’s kiss.
“Hey there,” he said. “Where are you two off to?”
Poppy crouched straight down to make a fuss of Monty.
“We were going swimming with inflatables, but the car is broken and now we’re going to miss it,” said Poppy.
“Oh no, what’s wrong with it?” asked Michael.
“I have no idea,” Carrie said, grateful that he was acting so normally around her. “It won’t start but it was fine last time I used it.”
“Borrow mine for now,” said Michael. “I won’t be using it until later. I’m just going to open the shop. Are you insured to drive any car with the owner’s permission?”
“Yeah, I am. Mainly so I can borrow my mum’s car when mine breaks down... but...”
“Seriously, it’s fine. I’ll just need it back by five. I’m dropping Layla at her mum’s for a couple of days after she finishes work and I close up. Is that OK?”
“Yes, of course. We’ll be home long before then.”
“Great, I’ll go and get the keys.”
Michael was back a moment later. “The booster seat’s still in there for Poppy. If you leave your car keys with me, I’ll take a look at it if I have a chance.”
Carrie opened her mouth to protest and received a shake of the head. “Don’t be daft. I’ll see you later,” he said firmly.
She ended up saying “thank you” instead.
“Michael, will you make me pizza on my birthday, please?” Poppy said suddenly.
“Poppy!” exclaimed Carrie. “I’m sorry, Michael.”
“Of course, I will,” he said. “As long as you help.”
“I will!” declared Poppy.
“You really don’t have to...” She couldn’t believe what her little madam had done — how embarrassing!
“Carrie, it would be my absolute pleasure. Layla and I love spending time with you both and we were hoping we’d be invited to join in with Poppy’s birthday celebrations. In fact, Layla was wondering if she could make Poppy a birthday cake.”
“Oh my goodness, that’s so sweet of her,” said Carrie. “That would be wonderful.”
“Can it be a chocolate cake?” asked Poppy.
“She can manage that as long as you like it super chocolatey,” Michael said.
“I do,” confirmed Poppy.
“That’s all sorted then,” said Michael.
