‘What did he say?’
I hope you’re well. I’m heading to the library after grabbing some food. I hope to see you later. X
Elle stared at the message and especially the kiss. Her pulse began to race.
‘Let’s go and make you look drop dead gorgeous … not that I’m saying you aren’t already drop dead gorgeous,’ Pippa added quickly.
‘The second text is from Irene.’
I’ll meet you at the library tonight. Go ahead without me. I’m grabbing food with Arthur just before.
‘Everyone’s life seems to be going in the right direction.’
‘And after tonight, let’s hope we can get your love life on track. What are you going to wear?’
‘Jeans and a nice top, and maybe those boots with the little heel?’
‘Yep, come on then, let’s get ready and you can go and bag your man.’
Elle laughed. ‘Now wouldn’t that just finish off my day perfectly.’
* * *
Pippa knocked on Elle’s bedroom door. ‘Are you ready?’
Elle had been staring at her reflection for the last few minutes. It had been a day of nerves and excitement and tonight was no different.
‘Ready as I’ll ever be,’ she said as she opened the bedroom door. ‘Ta-dah! How do I look?’
‘Absolutely gorgeous! You’re going to knock him dead. It’s just started to rain so I’ve ordered a taxi. It’ll be here in a minute.’
‘Great – I’ll grab my coat and my bag.’
A couple of minutes later, the taxi beeped outside and they hurried towards it as the rain came down.
‘Where to?’ the driver asked as they climbed into the back of the cab.
‘The Library on Love Heart Lane. It’s in the grounds of The Heart of the Village on the Foxglove Farm estate.’
‘Yes, I know it.’ The driver put the car into gear and headed through the town of Glensheil.
Elle turned towards Pippa. ‘I’m feeling really nervous, which I know is probably daft, and I’m hoping he’s not too put out that he’s being looked after by Aiden.’
‘He’ll understand when you tell him about today.’
Suddenly the car began to slow down.
They both looked out through the windscreen, where the wipers were swishing frantically in the rain.
‘What’s going on?’ asked Pippa.
Up ahead blue lights were flashing. The cars on both sides of the road just in front of the bridge were at a standstill.
The taxi driver turned towards them. ‘Looks like an accident. The road’s been closed along with the bridge into Heartcross.’ He picked up his radio and spoke into the receiver. The voice on the other end confirmed that one of the other drivers had just reported the accident.
‘Are we going to sit tight, or make a run for it in the rain?’ asked Elle, glancing at her watch.
‘If they’ve closed off the bridge I’m not sure how wecanmake a run for it.’
