“That’s wonderful!” said Carrie’s mum.
“I’m sorry I didn’t listen and it took me so long to work it out.”
“You were just trying to do what was best,” reassured her mother. “We’ll chat more later.”
Layla came out of the house with a couple of friends. “Food’s almost ready!” she said. She saw Carrie and Poppy and came straight over to them. “You made it!” she said, hugging them both.
“We did,” said Carrie. “I’m so sorry that I even considered not being here. Happy birthday, sweetheart.” She gave Layla another hug.
“Thank you both so much for my present, I loved it.”
“I chose it,” said Poppy, proudly.
“I suspect Poppy chose you a cake decorating kit so that you would feel inclined to make more cakes for her,” Carrie joked.
“Maybe a little bit,” admitted Poppy, making them laugh.
“OK, guys, grub’s up,” called out Michael who was standing in the back doorway. “Come and help yourselves.”
He did a double take as he saw Carrie and Poppy. Poppy saw him as well and ran over to him. He lifted her up for a hug and mouthed, “Hi,” to Carrie.
People began drifting into the kitchen for food where the table was full of large pots of curry and rice and piles of poppadoms and naan bread. Bowls full of raitha and chutney were at the end of the table and everything smelled amazing.
Michael was busy making sure everyone had everything they needed, but Carrie kept catching him looking over while she was helping herself and Poppy to food.
They took their full plates outside and ate with Ellen and Mary.
“Isn’t this just lovely?” Aunt Mary said. “So sweet to invite everyone like this. Apparently, Layla’s friends are having a sleepover tonight so they’ll get to do their teen thing after we leave.”
The food was delicious and everyone went back for at least seconds if not thirds, moving between tables whenever spaces opened up so they could catch up with friends.
They’d finished eating and Carrie was taking the dirty plates to the kitchen when she was stopped by a tall woman with long dark hair.
“Hi, Carrie?” the woman said.
“Yes . . .” Carrie replied.
“I’m Georgia, Layla’s mum.”
“Oh, hi,” Carrie said. “It’s so nice to meet you finally.”
“And you. Layla talks about you a lot.”
“I’m very fond of her,” Carrie said. “She’s been so kind to my daughter and she’s such a help in the bookshop.”
“She loves Poppy and I think working in the shop has been really good for her. I wanted to thank you for helping Layla and convincing her to speak to Michael and me about what was going on with Ian’s daughters. It wasn’t exactly the easiest of conversations to have, I’ll admit, but I’m so glad she told me. I can’t believe what they were doing to her and I had no idea. I feel dreadful.”
“It’s really not your fault. I’m just glad she felt able to open up to me,” Carrie reassured.
“Yes. Well, I guess you never really know someone until you tell them their kids are bullying yours.”
“I’m sorry about you and Ian,” Carrie said.
“Thank you. It obviously wasn’t meant to be. The most important thing is that Layla isn’t having to deal with those awful girls any more. And I think I’ve managed to get through to her that if she has a problem, she can always come to me or to Michael. She never has to struggle on her own.”
“She’s very lucky to have you both,” said Carrie.
“Hi,” said Michael, coming over. “Georgia, would you be able to keep an eye on everything here for a bit? I need to talk with Carrie.”
