Chapter 18 - The Coffee Date

Message received at 1:54 am: Hi… it's me. Sorry for not getting in touch. I know you're all worried but don't be, I'm fine. I just needed to it away from it all, straighten a few things out in my head. You're probably wondering when I'm coming back. Truth is, I don't know. I appreciate that's not much to go on but it's the best I can do right now. I'm sorry. Give Bertie a kiss from me…Bye.

The message ended and Carla passed the phone back to Peter with a sigh. "Well, at least we know he's alive. That's something, I guess."

"It's been two weeks! Two weeks! And all we get is a voicemail! We're stuck looking after his kid and he can't even be bothered to tell us when he's coming back!"

"Shh. Keep your voice down." Carla gave a pointed look at Bertie in his highchair. She drained the rest of her coffee and fed Bertie another spoonful of mashed banana. Most of it ended up around his mouth rather than in it, and she laughed, dabbing his chin with his bib. "You're a messy little guy aren't you? Just like your uncle Peter."

They had been caring for Bertie for two weeks now and in that time Carla had grown incredibly attached. She did everything for him: fed him, bathed him, took him for walks in the park, once or twice Peter had even caught her reading to him. It warmed his heart and broke it at the same time because he knew the longer she spent with him, the harder it would be to give him back when Daniel eventually returned.

That afternoon they decided to go for a lazy stroll around the Red Rec. On their way back, they bumped into Rob and Tracy outside Victoria court. Peter was first to spot them approaching and nudged Carla. "Love, look who it is, the two convicted murders out for an afternoon stroll."

Rob readily fired back with a jibe of his own. "And it's the two winos playing happy families with someone else's kid."

Tracy laughed. "I'd watch out if I were you, Peter. She won't want to give that baby back to Daniel."

"I'm perfectly aware this is only a temporary arrangement, thank you." Carla quickened her pace, eager to get inside. "Come on, let's go."

In the flat, Peter was preparing the dinner, but he couldn't stop glancing over at Carla who was crouched on the floor beside Bertie's playpen. The playpen had been something she insisted they buy him and it was filled with all kinds of toys she'd bought over the weeks. It all seemed a bit excessive to him. He couldn't stop thinking about what Tracy had said. Even she thought Carla was getting too attached. If others saw it then it couldn't all be in his head. Perhaps it was time to put some healthy distance between them.

"I was thinking about taking laddo swimming tomorrow," Carla said. "There's this mum and babies learn to swim class. I thought it might be fun. The thought of me in a bikini though, not so fun. What do you think?"

"Actually, love, I said Beth and Kirk could have him for the day."

Her head shot up. "Oh. You never said."

He turned his attention back to peeling vegetables. "Well, they want to do their bit to help out. And we've had him all this time that I thought it might be good to have some space, you know, a bit of distance."

"Distance?" He cringed when she started walking up behind him. He turned around and saw her standing there, arms folded, eyes narrow and piercing. "This is about what Tracy said, isn't it? You think I'm getting too attached."

"No," he said, trying to backtrack. "I just think it would be good to spend some time apart."

He saw the hurt flicker across her face. "Peter, I know he's not mine. I know that. I'm not trying to replace Sinead or anything like that—"

"Oh, of course not!"

"But is it really so strange that I'm taking an interest? That I care? I might not be his mum but I'm still his family, aren't I?"

"And I love that you're taking an interest, I really do, it's just…" He sighed, not knowing how else to say it. "I just don't want to see you get your heart broken, that's all."

"Well, it won't," she snapped. "Like I said to Tracy, I'm well aware this is only temporary. And as soon as Daniel's back, I'll happily hand Bertie over. In fact, I'll be glad for the peace and quiet."

Peter was left to tidy the dinner away. Carla had disappeared into the bedroom to settle Bertie down for his late afternoon nap. She had been gone for quite some time so Peter decided to check on her. He paused outside the room and peered in through the narrow crack in the doorway. Carla was lying on the bed reading a story to Bertie who was nestled safely in her arms. The two of them looked angelic under the warm glow of the bedside lamp. She could deny it all she liked, but it was clear to see. She had fallen in love.

The next morning Peter was running late for work and was shovelling spoonful's of cereal into his mouth. Carla sat there in her dressing gown, feeding Bertie in his highchair. "You know what day it is today, don't you? It's Gary's verdict."

Peter swallowed a greedy mouthful, wiping his mouth. "Blimey, that came around quick. Then again, it's pretty clear cut. They'll throw away the key, love." He stood, grabbing his briefcase off the floor, and kissed her goodbye. "Right, enjoy your swim class and I'll see you both later. Love you."

He hurried to the door when her questioning tone stopped him in his tracks. "Swim class?"

He looked back at her. "Yeah, I thought you said you were taking him now that Beth and Kirk have bailed out?"

"No. I cancelled."

"You never said. How come?"

"I didn't want to appear to be getting too attached now, did I?"

She was still sulking about yesterday he realised. "Oh come on, love, don't be like that. So what are you going to do all day? You've got the whole day off."

"I'm meeting Nick for coffee this afternoon."

The very name sent pangs of jealousy rippling through Peter. "Nick? Nick Tilsley?"

"Is there an echo in here?"

"You're meeting Nick Tilsley for coffee?"

"Well, I say coffee, it's really more of a playdate for Bertie and Oliver."

"They're too young for playdates. And since when did you and Nick meet for coffee?"

Carla smiled, clearly enjoying how riled up he'd become. "Oh dear, is the green-eyed monster rearing its ugly head?"

"I'm sorry if the thought of you going for coffee with your ex-husband makes me the slightest bit uncomfortable."

"Don't make it sound untoward. We're just mates. And Bertie and Oliver are practically family so we thought it might be nice for them to hang out."

Peter and Nick had buried the hatchet after the whole Gary debacle, but they weren't friends. They never would be. They were civil. And that's all anyone could hope for. But the thought of Nick anywhere near Carla, hanging out with her, made Peter's blood boil, made the jealousy surge up inside him like a tidal wave, and made his hatred of Nick all the stronger.

Carla looked surprised to see him still standing there. "Aren't you going to be late for work?"

"Work can wait." Peter knew he was behaving like a child but he couldn't help himself. "Does Leanne know about this playdate?"

Carla shrugged. "That's Nick's business."

"Because I reckon she wouldn't be too pleased about this arrangement either. In fact, I know she wouldn't."

"You and Leanne take Simon out for his tea all the time and I don't bat an eye. What's the difference?"

"The difference is I don't trust Nick."

"Then it's a good job you trust me, isn't it?" She fed Bertie another spoonful. "Now you better get a wiggle on or you'll set a bad example to the others."

That afternoon Carla called round the Platts with Bertie. She sat in the garden wrapped in a thick winter coat with Bertie on her knee wrapped up snug in his dinosaur puffer jacket. Further down the garden, Harry and Oliver were playing in the sandbox. Carla smiled over at them before looking at Nick. He was sat across the table, distracted by his phone down in his lap. She coughed loudly, prompting him to look up. "You're worse than me on that thing."

"I'm sorry," he said, setting it aside. "Sarah just texted me the verdict."

"And?"

"Guilty."

"Well, no surprises there then."

Nick wrapped his hands around his coffee mug to keep them warm against the biting cold. "I can't say I feel too sorry for the guy. He brought it all on himself. And ruined a lot of lives in the process. Anyway, enough about that low life, any more news on Daniel?"

"He left a voicemail on Peter's phone late last night just to say he's alive and that he doesn't know when he'll be back."

"Oh, how thoughtful of him. Taking off without warning then leaving you in the lurch."

"He is grieving, we should probably cut him some slack. And if I'm honest, I've enjoyed looking after this little one. And that's something I thought I'd never say."

Nick smiled at the baby bouncing on her knee. "You two seem quite inseparable. I've got to admit it's strange seeing you with a baby. A good strange. I always knew you'd make a good mum."

Though his words were well-meaning, Carla took offense. "Except I'm not his mum though, am I?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend…"

She shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. It's just Peter's worried that I'm getting too attached. And I don't know… maybe he's right. These past couple of weeks looking after him, I've grown to like having him around more than I should admit to."

"That's only natural. I mean, look at me and Oliver. He's not mine by blood but he is in every other sense."

There was such pride in Nick's voice when he spoke about Oliver and Carla couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad you've got him, Nick. I know how much you wanted to be a dad, to have a family, and now you've got one."

Sarah appeared in the doorway, all dressed in black. Harry dropped his bucket and spade and rushed to greet her. She lifted him up into her arms and kissed him.

"I take it you've just got back from court?" Carla asked in way of greeting. "How was it?"

"It was tough. Gary collapsed in the stand when they read out the verdict. He practically had to be dragged away. It was horrible to watch."

Nick, however, was less than sympathetic. "Well, you know what they say: if you don't want to do the time don't do the crime."

Carla noticed a flash of blonde hair lighter than Sarah's behind her in the doorway, and she smiled. "Bethany, I didn't see you there. How are you?"

The question prompted Sarah to step aside and Bethany was forced into view. The usually vivacious, bubbly girl looked timid and afraid. She stared down at her feet. "I'm fine."

"I meant after everything with Daniel?"

Her head snapped up and her big blue eyes widened with panic. "How do you know about that?" She shot a hateful glare at her uncle. "Did you tell her?"

"Nick didn't breathe a word," Carla assured her. "Daniel told Peter and Peter told me. Don't worry, your secret's safe with us. And I'm not judging, not by any means. I'd be a hypocrite if I did. I just wanted to make sure you're alright."

Sarah brought a supportive arm around her daughter. "You're getting there, aren't you babe? She's actually thinking about going travelling with some friends to get away for a bit, aren't you darling?"

"That sounds like a great idea," Carla enthused. "That's what Kate's done and she's having the time of her life."

Bethany wriggled to get free of her mother's embrace. "I'll be in my room if you need me."

Sarah watched her go with a sense of helplessness. "Alright darling. Just shout if you need anything."

Stepping out of the doorway, Sarah joined Nick and Carla at the table. Her eyes shifted between the pair with a wry smile. "It's nice to see you two getting along for a change. Carla, listen… I know what Bethany did was wrong and believe me, I've laid into her about it, but you have to promise me you'll keep her name out of this. Think of all the backlash she'll get if people find out the truth. I don't think she could handle it."

Carla didn't think she'd ever seen Sarah so desperate, so fearful. "Sarah, I won't breathe a word. I think enough grief's been caused, don't you? Hopefully Daniel will come home and all this mess can be put to bed."

It was an uneventful afternoon in the bistro. Peter stood behind the bar with nothing much to do except think about Carla and her playdate with Nick Tilsley. He would never get used to the fact they had once been an item. Of all the men she could have gone for, why did she have to go for him?

He knew Carla had only agreed to this playdate to wind him up. This was her way of getting back at him for accusing her of getting too attached to Bertie.

He was desperately trying not to rise to it, but the jealousy was all-consuming.

"You haven't cracked a smile all day. What's up with you?"

Peter looked over his shoulder at Ryan and shrugged. "Nothing's wrong with me, I'm fine."

Ryan had an irritating smirk on his face. "Lovers tiff is it?"

"Do you ever mind your own business?"

"Not when I'm bored, no. Take it from me, aunty Carla's always been a drama queen. You should've seen her when she was married to my uncle Paul. She loves a few fireworks. So whatever you've done just buy her some flowers, tell her she was right and you were wrong, and life will be peachy again."

"For your information, Dr Phil, we've not fallen out."

"Then what's with the face like thunder?"

"She's meeting Nick Tilsley for Coffee. Nick flamin' Tilsley."

Peter looked at Ryan hoping he would share in his outrage but Ryan just looked confused. "And?"

"Well, don't you think it's weird, hanging out with your ex?"

"Why exactly is she meeting him for coffee? Is it a social thing or…?"

"It's a playdate for the kids. Or so she says."

Ryan was bordering on laughter. "You can't seriously think there's anything going on? Mate, you're tapped."

Just when Peter thought his day couldn't possibly get any worse, Rob walked in. He had caught the latter end of their conversation. "What's this? You feeling a bit jealous, Peter?"

"Why don't you crawl back under your rock?"

"I don't blame you for being worried," said Rob. "Nick's a decent bloke, and from what I've heard, he and my sister made quite the couple back in the day. For starters, he never cheated on her, never kept her up all night while he was lying in some gutter or bunking up with some babysitter. Can't say I'd blame her for wanting back over his side of the fence."

"I'm not in the mood for this. Just get out, Rob."

"The truth hurts doesn't it, Peter?"

"I'm serious, Rob, sling your hook, you're barred."

Rob scoffed arrogantly. "You can't bar me!"

"Last I checked I own this bar, so yeah, I think you'll find I can. You're barred. Now get out before I throw you out."

Bertie was asleep in the spare room and the two of them sat eating dinner in silence. There was a palpable tension between them as Peter watched Carla with envious eyes. "So," he began. "How was your playdate with Nick?"

Carla swallowed her forkful. "It was very nice, thank you."

"Good. I'm glad."

"Try telling your face that."

It went quiet again and all that could be heard was the scraping of cutlery and the tick of the clock.

"So what did you talk about?" Peter couldn't help himself. He needed to know every last detail of their cosy catch up.

Carla shrugged. "The verdict mostly. He brought up Bethany so we talked about that. And the boys, obviously."

They sure had managed to cram a lot into their coffee date, Peter thought.

He tried to smile but it came out as more of a grimace. "Well, isn't it great you're getting on so well?"

Carla lowered her knife and fork with a sigh. "Peter, have you heard yourself? We're just friends. Wouldn't you rather us be civil than tearing chunks out of each other every time we pass in the street?"

"There's a big difference between being civil and going round for coffee."

"Fine. If it really bothers you that much, I won't do it again. But it was nice to do something with the boys. It would be nice to think you trusted me."

"It's not you I don't trust, love. It's him."

She laughed. "You can't seriously think Nick would try it on with me? He's smitten with Leanne, a blind man can see that! And more importantly, I'm smitten with you. Me and Nick, honestly, it's ancient history. It's you I'm marrying. So give that suspicious mind of yours a rest eh?"

Carla was washing the dishes when Peter came up behind her. His muscular arms settled around her waist and he nuzzled into her neck. "Sorry for being a jerk. I know there's nothing going on with you and Nick. I was being childish."

"Hallelujah!" Carla turned to face him, draping her arms around his neck, grinning up at him suggestively. "Although I have to admit, it was kind of a turn on seeing you get all jealous."

"Is that so?"

"Uh-huh."

Their eyes locked in a heated stare and Peter's face drew ever closer until his lips very slowly captured hers, sucking on her lower lip, eliciting a soft moan. Things intensified and tongues began exploring and battling for dominance. Peter lifted Carla onto the countertop, kissing her more forcefully as his arousal pressed against his jeans. Before things went any further, Carla broke away, panting heavily. Her green eyes, laden with desire, were looking at him with a vulnerability he rarely saw from her. "You do know I love you, don't you?"

Suddenly the game they were playing had stopped being a game. He reached for her hand, kissing the ring on her finger. "I know."

"Good," she said, her flirtatious smile returning, a sign the game was back on again. "I'm glad we got that sorted. Now, after all that sulking I'd say you've got some making up to do, mister."

"Is that so?"

"Yep. Of course, if you're not up to it, I can always see if Nick's around."

"Oi! Come here you!" He lifted her off the countertop and carried her into the bedroom, determined to make her forget all about Nick Tilsley.

Author's note: Thank you everybody who reviewed the last chapter, your words of encouragement really inspire me to keep writing. A lot of work goes into this and it's nice to know it's appreciated, so thanks.

I hope this story, and the many other wonderful ones out there, are helping you through the carter drought.

If there's anything in particular you'd like to see happen, let me know and I'll try to incorporate it. :)