One Step at a Time

After spending a domestic evening with Lisa and Betsy, eating their weight in pizza and watching a movie, Carla woke up feeling lighter and happier than she had done in ages. Despite her initial apprehension when Lisa finally admitted her feelings, Carla couldn’t help but feel excited for the future. For the first time in a long time, she had something to look forward to, something to smile about.

Carla lingered in bed for a few moments, a smile forming on her face as she reminisced about the enjoyable evening spent with the Swains. She replayed the evening a few times in her head. ‘How did i get so lucky?’ she thought to herself.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the loud ring of her phone. She picked it up from the bedside table with a sigh, irritated at the thought of who might be calling so early. It was likely something related to the factory, but her staff were aware of her situation and knew she wouldn’t be back to work for at least a few days. “Clearly, they can’t manage one day without me,” Carla muttered quietly, mindful that Ryan had come in late from his shift at the Rovers and didn’t need to be disturbed by her morning grumbling.

When Carla finally looked at the name flashing on the screen, all her earlier complaints about the factory staff faded away. Clearing her throat and doing her best to suppress a smile, she swiped to answer the call.

“Morning, you.”

“Morning, sleeping beauty. Did I wake you?”

“Hmm… you might have. It takes a lot of beauty sleep to look this good,” Carla laughed. “But I’m definitely not complaining about the wake-up call, especially if it’s from you.”

Lisa bit her lip, stifling a smile as she walked into Roy’s.

“Well, I’m glad you’re not complaining because I was wondering if you’d like a visitor before I head to work? I’m at Roy’s—what can I bring you?”

“Oh, you really know the way to my heart. I’ll take a coffee, please. And I wouldn’t say no to a bacon butty.”

“Let me guess, extra ketchup?” Lisa giggled softly while heading to the counter.

Having overheard the last part of Lisa's conversation, Roy had already begun preparing the bacon sandwich, knowing the extra ketchup would be for Carla.

“You read my mind. See you soon!”

“See you soon!” Lisa ended the call, trying hard not to laugh at the brunette.

Roy handed the bacon sandwich, generously topped with extra ketchup, along with Carla’s usual coffee order to Lisa, who looked at him in confusion.

“Sorry… I don’t mean to pry, but I overheard your conversation when you walked in. From the smile on your face, can I assume that you and Carla have sorted things out?”

“Well, Roy…” Lisa leaned in closer and lowered her voice to avoid the morning chatter in the café. “Usually, I’d advise against making assumptions, but this time you’re right.” A soft smile spread across her face, and warmth filled Roy’s expression, clearly pleased with the news. “I wanted to thank you for what you said to me yesterday. It really helped me see things more clearly. I know Carla means everything to you, and I promise to do my best to keep her happy.”

“As I told Carla, sometimes happiness is found in the most unexpected places. I’m so glad you both have found it in each other.” Roy smiled as he attended to the coffee machine. “Can I get you anything else, Detective Sergeant Swain?”

“Please, just call me Lisa. And yes, I’ll have the same as Carla, but could I request a normal amount of ketchup on mine?” She said with a chuckle.

“Of course!”

Lisa thanked Roy after paying for breakfast and left the café, excited at the prospect of spending time with Carla before her shift began.

—————-

Hearing his Auntie bustling about, Ryan slowly awakened. He observed her quietly for a few minutes, not wanting to let her know he was up. Carla was sitting at the table, applying her makeup with a gentle smile. Ryan couldn't help but notice that she seemed in much better spirits than the past few days. Had she spoken to Lisa last night?

Instead of jumping to conclusions, Ryan decided it was best to gently bring up the topic with Carla. ‘No time like the present,’ he thought.

Clearing his throat to signal his presence, he spoke, “Morning! You’re up early. How are you feeling?”

Carla startled upon seeing Ryan on the sofa, not realising he was there. It wasn’t surprising, considering he lived in the flat and slept on the sofa every night, but Carla had been too wrapped up in her happy thoughts to notice until he spoke. Trying to play it cool, she replied, “Oh, I’m on top of the world, Ryan! How about you?” Busted. A grin spread across her face, revealing how terrible she was at playing it cool. She should've known, especially after last night when she tried and failed to pretend she had changed her mind about pursuing a relationship with the blonde.

“What’s got you so cheerful this early? Who is this imposter, and what have you done with my auntie?” Ryan smirked, fully aware of what had put her in such a good mood. It had to be Lisa. After all, he knew what she’d been dealing with lately, and honestly, there hadn’t been much for her to smile about. The only explanation for Carla’s mood was a certain small blonde detective who had captured her thoughts for the last few months. Ryan stared at her, lost in thought, already brainstorming teasing comments and jokes to use on her later.

Noticing the gears turning in Ryan's mind and his clear understanding of the situation—despite not being privy to the events of the previous night—Carla let out a soft chuckle. "You know, Ryan, it's rude to stare."

Jolted back into the conversation, Ryan flashed a small grin and raised his eyebrows playfully. "Soo... you still haven't answered my question. Does your good mood have anything to do with a blonde detective?"

Sensing the direction this chat was heading, Carla grabbed a makeup brush from her bag, playfully threatening to throw it at her nephew. "I swear, Ryan, if you don’t stop doing that eyebrow thing—" Upon seeing Ryan raise his hands in surrender, she lowered the makeshift weapon that had almost been aimed at him. Admitting defeat, Carla explained, “She’s actually coming over in a few minutes for breakfast.”

Ryan smirked knowingly. “Oh, so that’s why you’re rushing to put on your makeup at...” He glanced at his watch. “...7:08 am. Well, Lisa is lucky to avoid seeing your face first thing.”

“Shut your face,” she retorted.

Amused at how easily he could tease his auntie, Ryan started to get ready for the day. “Don't worry! Give me 10 minutes, and I'll be out of your hair.”

Carla was about to protest, not wanting her nephew to leave—especially not for Lisa's sake—but before she could object, Ryan practically dashed to the bathroom. To be honest, she preferred not to have any witnesses for how sappy she might get when the blonde arrived, so it was probably for the best that he was making himself scarce.

The sharp sound of the buzzer jolted Carla from her thoughts. She hurried to the front door, instinctively buzzing Lisa in without a moment's hesitation. As she reached the top of the stairs, Carla opened the front door and headed to the table, quickly collecting her scattered makeup. Although it was obvious she had done her makeup, the brunette didn’t want her girlfriend to know she had been frantically trying to present herself nicely. Just as Lisa arrived at the flat's door, Carla emerged from her bedroom after tossing her makeup onto her dressing table in a hurry.

Lisa stepped into the room, taken aback by her girlfriend's appearance. How could Carla look this good just a few days after brain surgery? Her breath caught in her throat. She paused briefly, trying to compose herself before speaking. “H-Hi…”

Carla immediately noticed the blonde’s response upon seeing her. “Good morning.” Feeling pleased that she had made an effort to get ready, she walked over to her girlfriend and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on her lips. It resembled the kiss from the night before, filled with love, promise, and hope for what lay ahead. Pulling back slightly, the brunette gazed into her girlfriend's bright green eyes, captivated as always by their beauty. Before saying anything further, Carla leaned in for another kiss, deepening the connection. Lisa moaned softly into the kiss, a warmth rising within her. The factory owner pulled back just enough to place kisses along the blonde’s neck. Conscious of Ryan being in the next room, she leaned in and whispered playfully, “Is that bacon I smell?” then grinned widely.

Lisa let out a soft laugh, quickly returning Carla's smile. She stepped back to hand over her coffee and bacon sandwich. They both moved to the sofa, placing their breakfast on the coffee table. Carla sank into the sofa, pulling Lisa close beside her. She wished she could bring Lisa on top of her and continue their earlier kiss, but she knew it wouldn't be long before her nephew returned to the living room.

“How are you feeling?” Lisa asked with a hint of hope, relieved to see that her girlfriend looked and sounded better than she had the day before.

“Oh... I’m definitely better now that you’re here,” Carla chuckled, burying her head in the blonde’s shoulder to hide her grin.

The women engaged in lively conversation, exchanging playful banter and flirtation as they sipped their coffees and enjoyed their breakfast. Hearing soft giggles from the adjoining room, Ryan strolled into the kitchen, casting a gentle smile at the women. Noticing that they seemed unaware of his presence, he quietly tiptoed to the back of the sofa. Leaning close enough for them to hear, he whispered, “Good morning, ladies!”

Lisa jumped, nearly spilling her coffee on herself and on Carla's expensive sofa. “Shit, Ryan! You could’ve announced yourself. You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

Ryan and his Auntie burst into uncontrollable laughter. Tears welled up in their eyes as Lisa attempted to steady herself after being startled first thing in the morning. After a few moments, their laughter subsided, and Ryan picked up his coat and keys, prepared to go to the gym. “Sorry, Lisa,” he said with a smile. “I’ll leave you both to it. I’m sure Carla will make it up to you.”

Hoping to avoid anything being thrown at him, he shot a quick wink and exited. He swiftly closed the door, only to hear what resembled a cushion hitting it from behind.

Lisa clutched her sides, giggling as she glanced at Carla. “Was that a warning shot?” she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Carla couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. “Ryan always knows how to make a dramatic exit. It’s like he’s one of those action movie stars — except with a side of sarcasm!”

“Yeah, but at least his timing is impeccable!” Lisa responded, leaning back against the sofa, her laughter echoing in the cozy living room. After a moment, she turned serious, looking at Carla with a tender gaze. “So, what are your plans for today? I mean, aside from pillow fights and heart attacks.”

Carla looked thoughtful, tapping her chin playfully. “I’m thinking of going for a walk and maybe stopping by Roy’s for another coffee. I still need to thank him for whatever wisdom he shared with you."

Lisa looked at her girlfriend in surprise. “Wait—how did you know it was Roy who talked to me?”

Carla laughed softly. “Come on, how many other wise men do you know?”

“Alright, you’ve got a point.” Lisa giggled, but then her expression grew serious again. “Just make sure to take it easy. You just got out of the hospital—you need to rest.”

“I’m fine! I promise I’ll head straight back so you won't have to worry,” Carla assured her, her smile brightening the room.

“Okay, as long as you're sure you’re alright?” Lisa glanced at her watch, surprised to see how late it had become. “Oh my god! I’m going to be late for work!” She quickly gathered her things, tossing her empty coffee cup in the bin before rushing back to the sofa to kiss Carla. “Text me when you're back from Roy's, and I’ll come see you at lunch… if that’s okay?”

Carla gazed up at her girlfriend with love in her eyes. “Of course, I’d love that—I’ll need someone to wait on me, since i’m supposed to be resting” she said with a wink. She pulled Lisa in for another kiss. “Now go on—I don’t want to make you late!”

Lisa smiled and hurried out the door for her shift at the station, feeling ready to tackle her day. She carried a sense of newfound optimism within her. Being around Carla made her feel stronger. She smiled in excitement, knowing it would only be a few hours until she could see her girlfriend again.

———————-

Carla slipped on her jacket and stepped out of the flat, hoping to soak up some winter sunshine. The short walk to Roy's was pleasant, and the world felt alive around her. The sun was shining but the remains of last nights frost still lingered on the ground. she couldn’t help but admire the beauty of it all.

As she entered Roy's, the familiar warmth and aroma of coffee welcomed her. Roy looked up from behind the counter and smiled. “Ahh Carla, good morning! I hope you’re feeling better!”

“Much better, thanks Royston! I thought I should come and see you and express my gratitude for whatever magic you worked on Lisa.”

Roy chuckled, pouring her a fresh cup of coffee. “It’s just about reminding her to put her happiness first. Life’s too short to dwell on the negatives.”

Carla nodded, appreciating his wisdom. They chatted about everything and nothing—the café buzzing with chatter around them.

As Carla savored her coffee, her thoughts began to drift. Although Lisa was clearly eager to embrace this new relationship, Carla understood that both Lisa and Betsy would struggle with allowing someone new into their life following Becky’s death. Having experienced grief herself, Carla was reminded daily of the people she had lost in her life. She recognised, perhaps better than most, the importance of finding joy in life; otherwise, the pain can become overwhelming.

Carla pondered how she could help Lisa navigate the challenging path ahead. Perhaps she could organise something fun for the two of them—or find a way to support Betsy. She didn’t want to overstep or replace Becky, as she had emphasised to the younger Swain multiple times lately. Still, Betsy was important to her, despite the recent challenges the teen had posed for both her and Lisa. Carla had agreed to keep silent about Betsy’s involvement in her attack, but she suspected this was why the teen had suddenly become more receptive after Lisa shared the news about her and Carla getting together.

With her coffee cup empty, Carla decided to finish her thoughts at home. The café, with its gentle buzz of conversation and the lingering scent of freshly brewed coffee, served as a comforting backdrop, but the weight of her musings beckoned her back to the flat. She quickly fired a text to Lisa, as promised, to say she was heading home. She slung her bag over her shoulder, said goodbye to Roy and stepped out onto the cobbled street.

Back at the flat, Carla sank into the sofa, feeling a soft wave of familiarity wash over her. It was a small space, but filled with memories—pictures of her past, the laughter with family and friends, and the quiet moments she cherished when life became too overwhelming. She took a deep breath and opened her laptop, thinking about how she could help Lisa and Betsy mend their hearts.

By the time lunch rolled around, Carla had thought of a few ideas. She envisioned a day out—perhaps a picnic in the park or a trip to the local fashion exhibit that had just opened. Carla believed that immersing themselves in something joyful could serve as a temporary refuge from their grief. However, she remained cautious, knowing that both Lisa and Betsy might not be ready for such things.

Just then, the sound of the buzzer echoed in the flat. Carla's heart fluttered with anticipation. Whilst pressing the buzzer to allow the blonde into the building, she checked her reflection in a nearby mirror, ran her fingers through her hair, and opened the door to reveal Lisa, beaming brightly.

“Hey!” Lisa said, her smile lighting up the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Of course not! I was just thinking about you,” Carla replied, ushering her inside and pressing a lingering kiss to the blondes lips. “Want something to drink?”

Lisa headed to the kitchen with a smile. “Yes but i’ll make it, you sit yourself down. Coffee?”

“Yes please, How’s work been so far?”

“Busy, but good. We’re dealing with some interesting cases, but I’d rather be here with you,” Lisa said, flicking the switch to boil the kettle and sighing with contentment.

The air between them was comfortable, yet charged with unspoken thoughts. Once the coffees had been poured, Carla gestured for Lisa to sit down, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about discussing her ideas.

“I was thinking,” Carla ventured cautiously whilst sipping her coffee, “about how we could maybe do something together soon—like a little outing, for the three of us?”

Lisa’s brow furrowed slightly, and Carla could see the wheels turning in her mind. “That sounds nice, but what about Betsy? I don’t know if she’s ready for anything like that yet.”

“I understand,” Carla nodded, acknowledging the complexity of their situation. “Maybe we could keep it casual at first? Just a walk in the park or a movie night here. Something low-pressure.”

Lisa looked at her, her expression softening. “That could work. Honestly, all she needs is some time and understanding, but your support means a lot.”

Carla felt a swell of warmth at Lisa's words. “I just want to help, you know? Losing Becky was so hard on both of you.”

Lisa’s gaze dropped for a moment, shadows of grief flickering across her face. “It hurts. Every day. I just worry that moving on might feel like I’m forgetting her… or betraying her memory.”

“I get that,” Carla replied gently. "Grieving is such a personal journey. You don’t have to rush. I'm here to support you both, no matter what.”

The warmth in the room intensified, and Lisa smiled appreciatively. “Thank you, Carla. I really appreciate it.”

Feeling encouraged, Carla took a bold step. “What do you think about this weekend? We could go for a walk—just the three of us. Nature often helps clear the mind.”

“I didn’t know you were an outdoorsy person,” Lisa chuckled.

Carla smiled at the thought. “Oh, I’m not really. Spa days and retail therapy are more my thing, but I thought this could be nice.”

Lisa tilted her head, contemplating the idea. “That could be a good distraction. And maybe Betsy would enjoy the fresh air.”

“Exactly,” Carla replied, feeling excited about the prospect of the three of them spending time together. “Let’s just keep things light and focus on making memories. One step at a time, right?”

"Yeah," Lisa agreed, her eyes lighting up. "One step at a time." Lisa leaned forward, stealing a soft kiss from the brunette

As they discussed their plans, a sense of hope filled Carla. Maybe this outing could create a space for understanding—a way to bridge the gap left by loss. As Lisa’s lunch break drew nearer to its end, the earlier worries that had clouded Carla's mind began to dissipate, replaced by anticipation for the days ahead. In that moment, enveloped by connection, support, and hopes for the future, they both felt ready to face anything together—one step at a time.