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“What’s made you giggle like that?” whispered Carla, determined not to open her eyes as she wanted to get to sleep.
“Just a meme a mate has sent me.”
“Can it wait until morning, I’m knackered love.”
“Sure. Come ‘ere,” gently said Lisa and Carla willingly shuffled into her side.
--
“You’re in a good mood.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah, almost chipper, which I’m finding quite unnerving. Don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this, well not when you’ve stopped at mine.”
“It does happen,” teased Lisa.
“Not often enough,” countered Carla. “Care to share?”
“Just a sec,” as Lisa opened her phone up to show the meme of a rubber chicken squeaking along to the tune of Bon Jovi’s – Living on a Prayer.
“That rubber chicken sounds as if it smokes sixty-a-day!” chuckled Carla. “Who’s Martina, anyway?”
“Mate from school. She’s a DI in the Domestic Abuse Unit up in Newcastle. She’s decided to take a sabbatical and wanted to know if and when I’m available for a catch up. Her dad had dementia and died last year. Apart from all the practical stuff that needed doing at the time, she felt it was the right time for a break.”
“Ex?”
“Nope, good mate, married to Gary, parents to a three-legged retired greyhound called Marvin. Calls it how she sees it. You and her are very much alike.”
“… A stunning brunette with cheek bones die for,” smirked Carla.
“You’re never gonna let me forget that are you?” sighed Lisa.
“Not on your life. I like winding you up. Get’s you back for making me sweat…”
“Touché! How would you feel about meeting them for lunch the next time they’re down, or we could have a weekend up there. Head to the coast for a pub lunch or fish and chips overlooking the sea?”
“Ooh, meeting your friends.”
“Shut up, will ya? I do have friends, a few less than before if you know what I mean. Marts and Gary were the only ones who kept in touch after Becky died.”
“Right…”
“Whaddya mean ‘right’?”
“Just wondering, if it was your way of trying to pretend to the outside world that everything was ok by isolating yourself apart from work, but inside you were hanging on by a thread?”
“As much as I love you, I bloody hate it when you can read my mind!”
“I can always lend you a couple of t-shirts I’ve collected along the way…”
“You would an’ all,” smiled Lisa, sidling behind Carla on the breakfast bar chair and wrapping her arms around her waist. “Are you coming into town with me or meeting me later?”
“I’ll come in with you now as I fancy a poke around the shops and see if I can spot any of my stuff.”
“Bit of a busman’s holiday, int it, looking at lingerie?”
“A bit, but I like to see for myself what people are buying, and you still need to let me make something for you, missus?”
“Your bras have too much wire in them. I like mine sensible and comfy, especially if I’m chasing down Weatherfield’s finest. I do not want my breasts coming into the room two minutes before the rest of me!”
“Not even for a special occasion… You could be my model for 34C or 36B?”
“I’m not getting my boobs out for anyone other than you and my mammogram, and certainly not for Sally or Kirk!”
“Can you imagine! Me fitting you and copping a feel at the same time!”
“In front of your employees!” laughed Lisa, tears running down her face.
“And daughter!” giggled Carla.
“Nope, please can we not traumatise Bets anymore than she thinks we already have?”
“What snogging in my kitchen and on my sofa?”
“More how thin the walls are…”
“You need to learn to be quieter then, don’t you?”
“You need to stop being so good at what you do to me then, don’t ya!”
“Right, I’m gonna brush my teeth and you need to be ready to leave in 10 minutes DS Swain.”
“Ooh, my full title,” purred Lisa.
“Get dressed.”
“Have I pulled?”
“Yes,” laughed Carla. Truth be told Carla loved this side of Lisa, the blatant flirting and inuendo making her blush. No-one had ever been able to make her brain malfunction to this degree on a daily basis. Carla had got her head around the fact that ‘her Lisa’ and DS Swain were two different people, and Lisa needed the physical act of changing out of her work clothes and into jeans when she came home for her to become ‘her Lisa’. Even when asked, her response was always that trackies are for house work and PJ’s are for sleeping. Not that Lisa did much sleeping in them, grinned Carla, and they were more for show these days.
“I’m taking the tram; I can’t be bothered with trying find a parking space when the tram stop is opposite the salon. Although, if it rains, I’m getting a taxi home. I’m not getting my hair done only for it to be soaked waiting in a queue.”
“No arguments from me. Any sign of life from Bets?” asked Carla as they made their way downstairs.
“Nope, I knocked on her door to let her know we’ll be out for most of the day and told her not to raid your secret chocolate stash.”
“Eh, how does she know about that?”
“Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…” teased Lisa. “Hand please?” as Carla locked her front door and popped her keys into her handbag.
“Fine,” huffed Carla, secretly revelling in the warmth of Lisa’s hand in hers. Her initial reluctance at being out in public had dissipated, she still liked to tease Lisa.
“I love you. It’s us three against the world, remember.” Lisa closing the gap to kiss Carla in full view of Sally and Tim. “Hmm, minty fresh…”
“What did you expect!” laughed Carla. “C’mon your tram awaits DS Swain.”
--
“Carla, it’s a few days in Northumberland, not the Arctic,” frustration evident in Lisa’s voice. Carla pinching her nose in an attempt to compose herself. “I’ll pop the kettle, tea or coffee?”
“Tea.”
“Go and sit down and I’ll bring it over. Good or boring biscuits?”
“Boring,” muttered Carla.
“Would you like to tell me what’s got you out of sorts?”
“No. Probably,” relented Carla. “How much have you told them about me, us?” Her hand gesturing in the space between them.
“Ah ok. How long we’ve been together, that you own your own business as well as the pub.”
“How’d you know about that!” blurted out Carla before clocking the raised eyebrows from Lisa, “oops, copper! What about how we met?”
“Our paths kept crossing, you rescuing me when I was blind drunk in the Rovers, and that you’ve had a recent kidney transplant. I’ve missed out all the drama in-between.”
“Probably for the best,” sighed Carla.
“That’s what I thought. I’ve not sent them any pictures of us... We’ve never really done many dates, and I don’t think hospital selfies were the way to go. This is really out of your comfort zone isn’t it?” asked Lisa, watching Carla look everywhere apart from at her.
“I dunno love, it’s your friends who knew you when you were with Becky. God, you and her were together for 20 years, probably would still be!”
“I dunno ‘bout that,” muttered Lisa as Carla continued. The blazing rows they’d had, nothing was off limits in months before Becky’s death.
“And now me, whose been married five times and has seen more action with your lot than most and that makes me feel like a security risk.”
“Simple, opposites attract. I love you, and all your history and I’m fairly sure you love me. Look, we’ve had an intense few months, so let’s make the most of doing normal things like going away for few days by getting out of Weatherfield.”
“S’pose. Can you drive if we take my car?”
“Course I can. You’ve been to Devon, right? Northumberland is similar with less people and more space.”
“It’s Scotland!”
“Not quite. Listen, I know you’re nervous, so am I. It’s a big deal but at least we’re not meeting the parents? And, I went from being a copper to being a copper and your partner!”
“True, you’d probably arrest mine!” replied Carla, watching as Lisa loaded the last bag into the boot.
“So, are we ok to set off?” asked Lisa once they were in the car and the satnav set.
“Go on then!” huffed Carla, resting her hand on Lisa’s thigh for the drive up north.
--
“You know when you said cottage, I was imagining pokey and chintzy, not something like this” commented Carla.
“It’s stunning, isn’t it. The view’s not bad either…” flirted Lisa.
“You’re not so bad yourself. Lis, I’m sorry about this morning. This, this is all new to me and I had a bit of a wobble.”
“I know, and I’m hoping that you feel a bit less wobbly now we’re here,” soothed Lisa as Carla rested her head on her shoulder. “I wasn’t expecting to be here before Marts and Gary. They’re only leaving Newcastle now, so will be about another hour, we could always go for a walk…”
“Will you hold my hand?” Carla asked.
“Only if you’d like me to, or we could link arms instead.”
“I’d like that.”
“Only you could find a waterproof jacket in a snakeskin print,” teased Lisa as they made their way along the path, stopping as they came to the brow of the hill to take in the view of the horseshoe shaped bay in front of them.
“Wow, you weren’t joking about the Devon bit, bit chillier though. What castle is that?” asked Carla. “Ugh, don’t suppose you have a spare hair tie on you,” as she pushed her hair out the way for what felt like the millionth time in the last five minutes.
“Here,” as Lisa handed a hair tie to Carla, “I think it’s Bamburgh, but it could be Dunstanburgh, it’s certainly not Weatherfield!” Pausing to look around before pressing her lips to Carla’s. “Thank for putting your big girl pants on and being brave.”
“Not really big girl pants, more sensible shoes and waterproofs, things you make me do!” grinned Carla. “C’mon, we have virtually the whole beach to ourselves.”
Strolling arm in arm to the end of the beach, with nothing but the North Sea in front of them, the closeness of their bodies, and a mind full of thoughts. “This is probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever done,” whispered Carla, her coat rustling as she wrapped her arms around Lisa’s neck to pull her close, breathless as they broke apart. “I needed that. I didn’t think it would feel as different as it does, kissing you in public…”
“Ok… I’m always happy to try again,” replied Lisa. “Stay here,” as Lisa grabbed a nearby stick washed ashore by the tide.
“What’re you doing?”
“Wait and see…” grinned Lisa, slowly writing their initials in the sand before taking her phone out and beckoning Carla over. “How about a selfie?”
“That’ll last longer than some of my relationships,” quipped Carla, debating whether or not to send their selfies to Ryan and Betsy. “Hand me that bit of stick, will ya?” as Carla drew a heart around their initials, “that’s better!”
“Can’t improve on perfection, can we, hmm? You gonna be ok to walk back up the hill?”
“Yeah, I feel alright. I might have a lay down once you’ve introduced me to everyone.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I could do with a brew. D’ya reckon they’ll be there by the time we get back?”
“I hope so, I’m bursting for the loo!”
--
“Ah, there you are. We wondered where you’d got to!” smiled Martina, “Marts for short…”
“Hi ya! We’d gone for a walk along the beach. Carla, this is Marts and Gary is nowhere to be seen…”
“He’s sorting out the hot tub. C’mon in, and I’ll show you around. The kettle’s on if you want a brew?”
“I can give you a hand if you’d like,” replied Carla. “I think this one is bursting for the loo!”
“Hey, you don’t have to tell everyone!” whined Lisa.
“Down the hallway, last door on right,” said Marts.
“How do you take you tea, Carla?”
“Milk, no sugar, ta!”
“It’s a bit different to Weatherfield, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, the beach is lovely, we virtually had it to ourselves.”
“It’s good innit? Gary grew up around here and this was his mam and dad’s house. He’s done it up a bit since he were a kid.”
“It’s lovely. Do you come up here often?”
“Gaz is up most weekends, and I used to come up when work would allow, and now I can do what I want for the next few months.”
“That sounds like bliss.”
“Ask me again in a couple of months!”
“Tea’s in the pot, Lis,” said Marts as Lisa rejoined them.
“Brilliant.”
“Let’s take these outside and I’ll introduce you to Gaz,” said Marts. Both Lisa and Carla dutifully following her through the french doors and onto a terrace overlooking the beach. “Gaz, love. Come and say hi!”
“Gis a minute, I’m changing the filter!”
“Yer tea’s getting cold!” replied Marti. “Right, grab a pew and enjoy the view.”
“That’s bad!” said Lisa as recovered from snorting into her tea. “I can see why you’d want to come up here as much as possible,” taking time to absorb the view over the bay
“I’m so glad that I’m not in Weatherfield anymore, took me a while to adjust to living in Tynemouth, but the coast up here is something special. You really have to know that this place exists, or you’d completely miss the signs. We’ve stood here in the middle of a winter storm and it’s still one of the most beautiful places in the world. You know what it’s like when the shit’s hit the fan at work and you need to get away, it’s perfect.”
“I can imagine,” replied Carla, still taking in the view. “Lisa said you work in a domestic abuse unit up here?”
“Aye, arseholes are still arseholes no matter where you work. Nah, it’s good, we’ve got good links with the refuges and IDVAs across the area, sometimes you pull a thread see the same few names and suddenly you’ve got a major sexual abuse / grooming gang scenario. It’s a good day when they get a custodial sentences,” explained Marti.
“What’s IDVA?” asked Carla.
“Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, they’re community-based specialists, they help victims with non-mols and injunctions. Soz, non-molestation orders. You have them embedded in hospitals and refuges etc... It’s interesting now as we’ve got a male refuge that’s opened up in the area, and how that’s changed the dynamic within the team. I spend most of my time going to domestic homicide reviews and implementing the lessons learned from those that I very rarely get involved in the day-to-day stuff unless there’s a bigger operation. Not like the grizzlier stuff Lisa deals with. Has she told you about her fondness of kebabs yet?” shuddered Mart’s.
“Yeah, I threatened her with sushi and kombucha for lunch instead!” laughed Carla, reaching over to squeeze Lisa’s hand. “An’ don’t get me started with her need to have pineapple on her pizza.”
“Hey! ‘She’ is still here!” huffed Lisa, relieved that Carla was relaxing even if it was at her expense.
“I’m only messin’,” teased Carla, her smile warm as she glanced at Lisa.
“Finally! Carla, meet the man mountain that is Gary the plumber,” said Marts, as a 6’6’’ muscled bloke, came up the terrace stairs carrying what Carla assumed to be Marvin the greyhound.
“Hi ya, gimme a minute and I’ll wash up. I stink of chlorine tablets.”
“I’ve put the kettle on, or do you fancy a beer or wine?”, shouted Gary.
“I’d love another cuppa. Lis, same or…”
“Same, you stay here, and I’ll help Gary. Play nice, both of you!”
“Do you have any idea what’s she’s on about Carla?”
“Not a clue. Anyway, thanks for inviting us. We’ve not had much of a chance to get away what with me getting ill and needing another kidney,” flatly stated Carla.
“Must have been tough.”
“Yeah, it’s been tough on Lisa. We’d only been together a few weeks when we found out. I… I didn’t want her to be saddled with an invalid and tried to go back to being mates, but I’m glad she ignored me.”
“She looks like a weight has been lifted off her.”
“She’s trying. I appreciate that you both have seen her at her worst, putting the shutters up to the outside world,” sighed Carla.
“We’ve all got our history and cope with things differently. The job can chew you up and spit you out if you aren’t careful. And when your life is the job and the most horrific thing happens, you cling on at all costs. Changing the subject, Lis said you run your own business?”
“I do. The firm manufactures own label underwear and bras for mainly boutiques and occasionally a couple of large department stores and I work with the buyers and designers from prototypes to finished articles. It keeps me busy,” explained Carla.
“We have tea, Pimms, alcohol free beer, prosecco, and fizzy water,” announced Lisa as she carried a tray of drinks, Gary following with glasses, jugs, and ice.
“Right, first things first. Carla, gis a hug! Good to finally meet you even though I know nowt about you!” Carla standing up to be bear hugged by Gary. “Lisa was saying that you’ve never been to Northumberland before.”
“No, but summat tells me we’ll probably be back, so thank you for inviting us,” replied Carla.
“Nae bother, pet. I’ve promised Marts that I wouldn’t gan full on Geordie as a divvent think yers would understand a word a say!” laughed Gary.
“Was that Swahili?” joked Carla. “Listen, would you mind if I disappeared for a bit, I need to take my medication,” as her watch alarm sounded.
“Oh, let me show you to your room. I’m taking a guess that you’re knackered. Lis, are you coming?” asked Marts, who’d made her way back inside. “Follow me Carla, Lis can get your bags from the car!”
“Yes, Ma’am!”
“Yeah, she’s good like that,” commented Carla as she followed Marts to the spare room. “I can do a bit more as the weeks go by, but lifting owt heavy is still a no-no.”
“Right, here we are, en-suite is through there, and the wifi password is on the dresser. I’ll go an’ get a start on dinner. I’ve been told you can’t have anything spicy, oily, or processed. You’re in luck as Gaz is very much the same, he’s into clean eating and you can tell he goes to the gym. Take your time, I wanna grill Lis on how you two got together!” laughed Marts.
“Love, come ‘ere,” asked Carla, patting the bed next to her for Lisa to sit once she’d returned with the last of their things from the car. “They’re both lovely, and you can stop worrying about me, ok? Listen, let me take this lot and come and get me when dinner is ready as I need a nap.”
“Only if you are sure?”
“Yep, I fairly certain that you’re about to get the third degree about us.”
“I know, I’m prepared. Paths crossing, you being a better copper than me, pining, angst, flirting, rejection, and sorting it out with a side order of sepsis and organ transplant… No kidnappings, shootings, and assaults,” said Lisa, breezily summarising the last twelve months.”
“Yeah, now stop fussing and let me have a rest.”
“Yes, boss!”
“And don’t you forget it, missus!”
--
“Can I help?” asked Lisa as she found herself back in the kitchen.
“Carla alright?” said Marts.
“Yeah, tired. I’ve been told to give her an hour if that’s ok?” replied Lisa. “Right, what do you need me to do?” Only to be met with napkins and cutlery from Gary.
“Follow me,” grinned Gary. “You seem a bit tense Lis?”
“You’ve been hanging out with Marts for too long!”
“Occupational hazard. So… no deflecting either!”
“It’s all a bit new… meeting friends with a new partner.”
“Aye, but no woman is an island, so to speak. Carla’s got the measure of you by the way!”
“What makes you think that?”
“The teasing, the fact that you can hardly take your eyes off her, and I can see you thinking ‘how high’ when she says jump!” grinned Gary.
“Piss off. I’m not that bad, am I?”
“What’ve I missed?” asked Marti, joining them on the terrace.
“Just telling Lis how bad she’s got it for Carla. Denied it of course, but we have eyes, pet!”
“We have,” grinned Marti.
“Are you pair just gonna wind me up all weekend?”
“Yeah, got nowt better to do!” laughed Gary.
“How’s Betsy taken to Carla?”
“Begrudgingly, and now takes full advantage of trying to play us off against each other.”
“No change there then. Who’s babysitting her whilst you’re up north?”
“Carla’s nephew – Ryan. He’s lovely, there’s a bit of an older brother vibe between the pair of them. He looks out for Carla too. You know what work can be like,” shrugged Lisa.
“I do, but are you still a fully paid-up member of the workaholic club?” asked Marti.
“No, I’m taking my annual leave and rest days. Even took some compassionate leave when Carla had her transplant,” smiled Lisa. “Although, she was pushing me out the door after a few days and told me to stop mithering her!”
“I did!” said Carla, making everyone jump! Coming to stop behind Lisa and bending down to kiss her head. “But then I’m not the best patient in the world, am I?”
“I wouldn’t quite say that, love. I mean you hate doing nothing and watching mind-numbing reality TV shows aren’t exactly your thing. You made the best out of a rubbish situation,” grinned Lisa.
“Oh for fuck’s sake. When did you get this mushy, Lis?” teased Gary.
“Maybe you’re going soft in your old age?” added Carla.
“I’m the youngest out of the lot of you, unless you include the dog!” huffed Lisa.
“So what’s the story with the three-legged-greyhound?” asked Carla, changing the subject to give Lisa a break from the good-natured teasing.
“We got him when we moved to Tynemouth from a rehoming place. He had an infection in his leg when he was rescued, and it was either the leg went, or he was put to sleep. We saw him a few weeks later and it was love at first sight. We wouldn’t be without him now. Would we Marvy,” cooed Gaz. “He struggles with getting up stairs now, and has delusions about being a lap dog, dontcha son!”
“You got kids, Carla?” asked Marts.
“I tried but it wasn’t meant to be,” sighed Carla. “I do alright, I’ve got a couple step kids, including Betsy.”
“Betsy sometimes feels like having three kids and that me head is on a swivel-stick at times. It does feel like she’s turned a corner now. She’s about to go into her second year of college and works part-time at Carla’s factory,” added Lisa. “You’re really good with her, you know,” reaching over to rest her hand on her partner’s arm.
“Keeping it in the family…” teased Marts.
“Keeping an eye on her more like!” scoffed Lisa.
--
“It’s so quiet up here, isn’t it,” commented Carla. “I’m used to sirens and shouting back in Weatherfield.”
“Right! That’s why this place is so special to both of us. You’re more likely to hear sheep and cattle than people! So c’mon, how did you two get together?” asked Marts. “Ooh, there’s a story to tell!” noting the look between the couple.
“You’ve been waiting all night to ask us, and you do that when I’ve have too much truth drug!”
“I’d say my timing is perfect, then,” smirked Marts.
“No, not happening.”
“Howay, Lis. Ya kna Marts won’t let it drop, and I’ll just take the piss…”
“Yeah, and this is why I’m not subjecting Carla to your interrogation!” pouted Lisa.
“Carla, wanna tell us how you got together?” continued Marts.
“No, but I’m eager to ‘ear Lisa’s version…”
“Carla!”
“Three against one, Lis…” smirked Gary.
“You’re not going to drop this, are you?” sighed Lisa, taking a sip of wine, and mentally bracing herself.
“I had a case I was investigating and our paths kept crossing. You got under my skin from day one, didn’t you,” softly said Lisa, their fingers laced together. “I enjoyed the verbal sparring we had, I suppose. Going toe to toe with someone who was equally as passionate that they were right as me. Turned out I was wrong in the end; assumptions did take me down the wrong path with an investigation... How’m I doing?” nervously asked Lisa.
“You’re doing great, love. Promise,” rasped Carla.
“My feelings for Carla crept up on me and then I panicked. Guilt, anger, frustration, betrayal and mixed with completely falling for Carla. You know me, I don’t do casual. It’s all or nothing. So I pulled the shutters down and denied everything I was feeling. Oh, and Betsy, she was horrendous.”
“And where was Carla when this was going on?” gently asked Marts. Curiosity and pride that Lisa was opening up.
“Ugh, I was attempting to figure out why I always wanted to be spending time with her, it took me a while before the penny dropped that I fancied her rotten. I didn’t even know if you felt the same. We had a moment, and you spent the next few weeks swerving me for anything other than work. Ryan, me nephew was working at the pub one night and I got a call to come and rescue Lisa as she was steaming drunk and tryin’ to get everyone to sing Bohemian Rhapsody. Anyway, I got her back to mine, and she fell asleep on my sofa…”
“Bit of a false start the next day, but there’s nothing like a certain someone being clobbered over the back of the head during a break in at the factory to help prioritise our feelings, eh?” wistfully smiled Lisa.
“We did, and what with a bit of sepsis and another kidney transplant later, we’re finding our rhythm.”
“Whatever you are doing Carla, keep doing it. I’ve not seen Lis this soppy over a girl since uni!”
“Oh aye, you’ll have to tell me more,” teased Carla.
“Oi, I’m right here, you know!”
“We know, that’s why it’s more fun,” grinned Gary.