‘And want to make her feel welcome in Saffron Bay.’ Alice gave Sam a stern look. ‘We’re not all village busybodies.’
Kitty laughed. ‘I doubt she’ll come, but offering the invite felt like the right thing to do.’
‘I came,’ said Carla, appearing at their table with a glass of wine in her hand.
With her back to the door, Kitty hadn’t seen her arrive. She blushed, wondering how much Carla had overheard, and slid along the bench to make room. ‘Good to see you again, Carla.’
‘And you, Kitty.’
Kitty introduced Alice and Sam, who greeted Carla warmly in return.
‘It’s lovely to meet you both, and thank you for inviting me. Kitty, I need to apologise. You shouldn’t have got dragged into our mess, although I’m not sorry you did.’ She laid a hand on Kitty’s arm. ‘From what Nick’s said, you’ve been a brilliant support for Emily.’
The thought of Nick talking about her sent Kitty’s pulse racing. She forced a smile onto her face. ‘Emily must be so glad you’re here.’
‘We both are. I’ve missed her so much.’
‘How’s your dad?’ asked Alice. ‘It sounds like such a difficult time for you all.’
Carla sighed. ‘He’s very unwell, and he doesn’t make life easy for those around him.’
‘I’m sure he’s glad you’re there for him,’ said Sam.
‘You’d think he would be.’ Carla gave a wry smile. ‘If he is, he’s got a funny way of showing it.’ She sighed again. ‘Staying with him isn’t easy, but it’s the right thing to do. And honestly, I can’t thank you all enough for how welcome you’ve made Emily. And for helping Nick look after her.’
‘He’s been doing a pretty good job by himself,’ said Kitty, feeling the need to stand up for him in his absence.
‘He’s certainly trying,’ said Sam. ‘It’s been sweet to see.’
‘Parenting is tricky,’ said Alice, ‘especially with no experience. I’m sure Nick will get the hang of it soon.’
‘Oh, he’s alright.’ Carla sipped her wine. ‘To be honest, I was terrified leaving her with him. Not because I thought she’d be unsafe, but there was a good chance she’d be miserable. He’d always struck me as incredibly self-absorbed, and that’s a bad combination with parenting. Thankfully, things have turned out OK. I know Emily’s been homesick and missed me, but sheseems to have settled now, and other than being a bit clueless, Nick seems to be doing OK.’
‘Clueless in what way?’ asked Sam.
‘Just the basics of adult life.’ Carla rolled her eyes. ‘He doesn’t have much grasp of how to cook a healthy meal, or how to use the washing machine, for that matter. He put all of Emily’s clothes in together, and now her whites have turned pink.’ She shook her head. ‘Not that she minds.’
‘He’s never had to step up and take responsibility for anything,’ said Alice. ‘He’s like a teenage boy trapped inside a man’s body.’
‘And a rather nice body at that,’ said Sam, wiggling her eyebrows. ‘Come on, Carla, spill the beans. What’s he like in bed?’
‘Sam!’ scolded Alice. ‘You can’t ask things like that!’
‘I’ve been with the same man since I was fifteen,’ said Sam. ‘I need to live vicariously through other people’s love-lives.’
If Carla was bothered by Sam’s candour, she didn’t show it. ‘I don’t actually remember much about our encounter. We were both drunk, and from what I do recall, it was a fumble that didn’t last very long.’
Sam spluttered into her wineglass. ‘So you’re not tempted to go for round two?’
Kitty understood the questions were all in jest. Then why couldn’t she shake the jealousy prickling her skin?Stop being ridiculous, she told herself.
‘I’m more of a girl’s girl these days,’ said Carla with a grin.
‘Oh, right.’ Sam’s eyes widened.
‘Sam hit the wine before we arrived,’ said Alice.
‘Oi, don’t apologise for me.’ Sam lightly punched Alice’s shoulder. ‘I’m only saying what the rest of you are thinking. And I’m not tipsy, just curious. Anyway, who’s up for another round?’
