“Can I do anything else?” Michael asked. He looked down at her, and Carrie found herself staring into his dark eyes.Suddenly, they were back in one another’s arms and their lips met, her body threatened to melt into his as his taste and touch took over her senses.
“Mummy! I’m ready!” Poppy called from the kitchen.
Carrie and Michael broke apart instantly.
“I’ll be down in a minute, Pumpkin!” Carrie squeaked.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that,” said Michael, running a hand through his hair.
“It was just as much me as you,” Carrie said quickly.
“Yeah,” Michael said, sheepishly.
“I think we’re allowed one little slip-up.”
Michael rested his forehead against hers. “I wish things were different,” he said quietly.
“Me too.” Carrie gave him a final hug. “I’d better get Poppy and head off.”
“Sure.” They regretfully broke apart and returned downstairs.
* * *
Carrie took Poppy over to their flat for her bath and stories. After Poppy was in bed, Carrie pottered around tidying up the sitting room and kitchen a little before she filled the kettle and put it on to boil. A message came through on her phone and she smiled when she saw who it was from.Poppy’s red hoodie is over here if you’re looking for it.
Thanks! And thank you again for today. It meant a lot.
My pleasure. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight.
Sleep tight.
Carrie resumed making her drink with a smile on her face. Try as she might, her body wouldn’t allow her to regret their kiss, and a single transgression was impressive considering how attracted they both appeared to be to each another. It would be a one-off, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t treasure thememory of it she thought, as she did her best to ignore the little butterflies in her tummy.
* * *
In bed, Carrie texted her mum:I love you. I didn’t meet him, but you were absolutely right. We were definitely better off without him. We weren’t the only people he’s walked out on.
Are you OK?came the immediate reply.
I’m good, Carrie told her.Tired though and just going to sleep. Love you. x
I love you too x
Carrie put down her phone and turned off the bedside lamp. She lay back. Her body was more than ready for sleep, but her mind was still busy. She felt it beginning to calm as she considered that she’d finally accepted that her father leaving wasn’t anything to do with her, and she’d missed out on nothing by not having him around as she grew up. She’d always been loved and looked after, and pining after her father was completely pointless. He’d made his choice, and his life had been the poorer for it.
Chapter 19
Carrie felt like a weight had been lifted from her when she was at work the next day, as if she’d finally been able to let go of the hold her father’s desertion had on her.
She was just finishing serving a customer, when the bell above the shop door gave its cheerful little jingle and her aunt walked in.
Carrie hurried around the counter to give her a hug. “You look wonderful!” she said. It was true. Auntie Mary’s holiday had clearly done her the world of good. Her eyes were sparkling and her lightly tanned skin glowed.
“So do you!” said Auntie Mary, holding Carrie at arm’s length so she could look at her. “Blimey! Life here really must suit you. Where’s that beautiful great niece of mine then?”
“She’s at holiday club.”
“Is she still enjoying it?”
