Don got Carl a glass of red and went out to cook the meat on the barbecue. Alice ushered Carl and Nina into the sitting room, so she could finish preparing the meal while the meat was cooking.
‘Looks like you’ve made a good first impression,’ said Nina, as she guided him onto the sofa and sat down next to him.
‘Is that with your parents or the dog?’ Carl placed his glass on the side table next to the sofa.
‘You’re a lucky man, Carl West. You’ve charmed them all.’
‘Well, I’d better be on my best behaviour, then.’ He took a sip of the wine and replaced the glass on the side table.
‘Just be yourself, sweetheart. That’s who they want to meet. Put Inspector West away for tomorrow.’ She leant over and kissed him.
Carl relaxed back into the sofa. ‘It’s so good to just sit and feel loved.’
