“Absolutely loves it, and you wouldn’t believe how many friends she’s made. Though she also likes her mornings here, keeping everything running smoothly.”
“It looks like you’ve done a fantastic job. I’ve never seen the place look better. And I’ve heard wonderful reports about your Blind Date with a Book Night!”
“I can’t believe you came in when you’ve only been back, what, an hour or two?”
Auntie Mary laughed. “I know, I know! But I wanted to see you as well. And, you know, we stayed overnight in Bristol last night so there wasn’t too much travelling today.”
“Was it wonderful?”
“It really was. Holiday of a lifetime. I’ll bore you to tears showing you all the photos later, if you and Poppy will come for dinner tonight?”
“Don’t you want to rest up?”
“It’s you and Poppy — I’m hardly throwing a party! I’ll get something to throw in the oven. Oh, and thank you so much for the bits you picked up for me. The relief of having milk in for my tea when I got home. I can’t describe it.”
“It was absolutely the least I could do after everything you left in the flat upstairs for us!”
“I had to make sure you didn’t run off back to London, didn’t I?” she joked.
“We’d love to come for dinner tonight,” said Carrie. “But only if you let Poppy and I bring the food.”
“Well, doesn’t that sound just perfect?”
The door opened and Michael came in with Monty, who couldn’t decide if he was happier to see Carrie or Auntie Mary.
“Hello, Michael!” said Auntie Mary. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? I hope you and my niece have been getting on.”
Carrie’s face reddened at the memory of the previous night’s events. That man was such a good kisser . . .
“We have, indeed, Mary.” Michael gave her a peck on the cheek. “You look like you had a wonderful time.”
“I did,” Mary confirmed. “So you’ve been keeping an eye on Carrie?”
“To the best of my ability.” Michael smiled.
“He’s been absolutely amazing,” confirmed Carrie.
“I should think so,” said Auntie Mary. “I’ve thought for a long time that you two would be absolutely perfect together.”
Carrie and Michael turned a matching red.
“Michael has been helping me as a friend,” Carrie clarified.
“For now,” Auntie Mary said with a wink. “What have you got there?” she asked Michael, indicating a package wrapped in brown paper that he held in his spare hand.
“Just something for Carrie,” he replied, lightly.
Auntie Mary raised her eyebrows. “Anyway, Carrie, I will see you and Poppy later. Michael, darling, give Layla a hug from me and tell her I’m thrilled she’s working here now.”
“Will do,” said Michael and Auntie Mary left, waving goodbye.
“That was embarrassing,” said Carrie with a grimace.
“One of your aunt’s greatest qualities is her directness. That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway.”
Carrie laughed.
“Here,” he said, shyly, handing Carrie the package he held.
