‘Absolutely!’
‘Well, actually … I’ve not mentioned it yet, but Arthur has invited us both out for a meal with his daughter Jessica,’ she said to Elle.
‘Jessica is currently starring inMamma Mia!at the theatre in Glensheil. They’re on tour,’ added Elle, for Pippa’s benefit.
‘Oooh, I loveMamma Mia!,’ Pippa exclaimed. ‘Maybe we should try to get tickets. I love a night at the theatre.’
‘The last show is tomorrow,’ replied Irene.
‘That’s a shame, maybe next time.’
‘Arthur’s booked a table on Sunday, Elle, if you’d like to join us?’
‘I would! It will be lovely to meet them.’ Elle gave her a heart-warming look. ‘I knew this retirement would be good for you.’
‘I’m hoping it stays that way.’
‘And just like you have always been here for me, I’ll always be here for you.’
Irene gave Elle an affectionate hug. ‘That’s what families are for.’
Elle’s heart melted at Irene’s words. She knew, whatever happened with her biological mother, that she would always love Irene unconditionally.
ChapterThirty-Three
The following day, Elle was perched behind the desk in the library with lunchtime fast approaching. She flicked through the pages of a book she’d been trying to read for ages, but the words just weren’t sinking in. After rereading the same passage several times she finally gave in and closed the book. Maybe it was just the mood she was in. The only thing she could think about was that this time tomorrow she’d be face to face with her mother. Nerves were starting to get the better of her.
‘Penny for them.’ Pippa nudged Elle’s arm. ‘You’re very preoccupied.’
Elle looked up. ‘I’m just thinking about tomorrow.’
‘I can come with you, if you like.’
‘Thank you, but Irene is going to be there.’
Pippa nodded. ‘I’ll be there when you get home.’
‘And thank you for doing all this.’ Elle gestured to the library floor.
‘It’s looking good, isn’t it? I did wonder how you’d cope with seeing multiple posters of your heart-throb pinned around your workplace. I have to see if these posters do him justice. If they’re true to life than he’s extremely hot.’
‘I have to agree.’ Elle grinned.
Pippa and Aiden had organised everything for Noah’s book signing. Florrie had delivered umpteen floral displays, which decorated the signing area beautifully, and the shelf behind Noah’s signing table was stacked end-to-end with display copies of his books. Rona was dropping off a couple of long trestle tables after the teashop closed this evening, along with cups and saucers and a couple of aluminium urns. The buffet was being delivered tomorrow afternoon.
‘I’ve organised the publicity. We have Aidy Redfern coming along from the local newspaper. He said there’s a good chance this will make the local TV news.’
‘That’s good,’ replied Elle, distracted.
‘You don’t sound like you mean that.’
‘I do, I just feel terrible. I’ve not even messaged Noah to wish him good luck or tell him I’m looking forward to seeing him. All I can think about is this meeting tomorrow.’ Elle held out her hand ‘Look, it’s shaking. My heart feels like it’s continually racing, I can’t eat and I can’t sleep. I don’t think I have ever been as nervous about anything in my life.’
‘I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.’
‘My main fear is that after everything we’ve been through to track each other down, what if…’ Elle took a breath. ‘What if she doesn’t like me, or I don’t like her? Should it all just be left in the past?’
Pippa slid into the chair next to her. ‘But if that happens – and I’m sure it won’t be the case because who could not like you? – but if that does happen you have answers. You’ll never be wondering “what if”. You know who you are, where you’ve come from.’
