* * *
Carrie’s stomach was in knots when the doorbell to her flat finally rang at just gone half nine. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Tony’s silhouette through the frosted glass on the door, pleased that he hadn’t let Poppy down.
When he came in, he did at least have the grace to look sheepish. The old Carrie wouldn’t have said anything, wouldn’t have wanted to rock the boat. Old Carrie had been desperate for him to see her as easy-going and fun, someone he would want to spend time with and raise a child with. But that Carrie appeared to be long gone.
“You’re late,” she said.
“Yeah, traffic,” Tony responded. “Sorry,” he added when she didn’t reply.
“If you could have Poppy back by one at the latest, please,” Carrie said. “I want to get going as soon as possible. It’s a long drive.”
“Do you have to go back today?” Tony asked. There was an unusual expression on his face which Carrie couldn’t place.
“We do. We’ve got a birthday party to go to this evening.”
Tony opened his mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it and just nodded his head.
“Aren’t you coming with us then?” said Tony.
“No, I’ve got stuff to be getting on with here. I’ve decided that Poppy and I will be moving to Castle Cove at least for the foreseeable future. Auntie Mary’s offered me a job. So I have packing to do.”
“You’re moving to Cornwall? For good?”
“For as long as we’re happy there. Of course I’ll bring Poppy to see you and you’ll be more than welcome to visit her. It’s very beautiful there.”
“Right,” Tony said, looking a little shell-shocked. Carrie realised she’d never actually stood up to him before and presumably he’d just assumed that she’d always be there, hoping he’d pay her and their daughter some attention.
“Anyway, I thought it would be nice for you and Poppy to spend some time just the two of you,” she said.
“I figured we’d go out all together,” Tony said. “Family time. Especially as it seems you’re moving away permanently,” he added, hitting Carrie right where it hurt. She saw him check her face for a reaction. She wasn’t going to give him one.
“It’s a bit late for you to be requesting family time, Tony. You know I agree it’s important to spend time with Poppy together, but I can’t today.”
“OK . . . only I didn’t bring the car.”
So that was it. He was hoping she’d drive them like usual, and presumably pay for him to treat Poppy, as per past experience.
“I guess walking or the bus it is then. Luckily, it’s a gorgeous day.” Carrie could feel her patience wearing thin. How had she never realised how ridiculous Tony was?
“Do you think I could borrow your car?” he asked.
“Are you insured to drive it?”
Tony looked a bit shifty. “I won’t be taking it far.”
“No, Tony you cannot borrow my car which you are not insured to drive,” Carrie said, struggling not to roll her eyes. Who was this woman she’d become? “Poppy!” she called. The little girl must be too busy playing to have heard the door.
Poppy came running down the stairs. “Mummy, can we take my Lego with us? I want to build a little bookshop with it. Oh, hi, Daddy!”
She gave her father a big hug. “Can I, Mummy?”
“Sure,” Carrie said.
“Daddy, did Mummy tell you about the kittens and how Michael took us climbing and listened to me read so much my reading has got loads better?”
“No, she didn’t,” Tony said, looking at Carrie. “Who’s Michael?”
“He’s Mummy’s friend. They like to go out together sometimes. And they talk lots.”
