Jessica was stunningly beautiful. She floated over to the table in the most elegant teal mini-dress, which gathered softly around her neck. She wore a tiny black cardigan and ballet slippers and her long brown curls bounced past her shoulders as she walked.
Visions of her and Noah seeped into Elle’s mind again, and her mood slumped.
Jessica fell into her dad’s arms and they hugged tight.
Irene smiled across at them and then looked over at Elle. ‘Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’
‘Of course! I’m all good,’ Elle said quietly, telling a little white lie.
After Irene had brushed Jessica’s cheeks with kisses, it was Elle’s turn to be introduced. Jessica shook her hand with a smile then narrowed her eyes. ‘You look a little familiar. Have we met before?’
‘I don’t think so,’ Elle replied.
‘It’ll come to me,’ she said. ‘I never forget a face and you definitely look familiar.’ Jessica studied her for a second longer before delving into her bag. ‘Here, I’ve brought you aMamma Mia!programme,’ she said, sliding it across the table to Irene.
Irene beamed. ‘I hope you’ve signed it for me.’
‘Aww, I can do,’ she said, whipping out a pen and scrawling her name across the photograph of herself before sitting at the table.
‘I was telling Elle that you were in the production, and what a fabulous job you have,’ Irene continued.
Elle stood up. ‘Will you excuse me? I need the bathroom,’ she said, wanting a moment to herself.
‘Are you sure you’re okay? You look so pale,’ Irene asked, concerned.
‘Maybe it was the boat ride. I’ve never been good on water. I’ll just use the ladies’ room. I’ll be two minutes.’ Trying to compose herself, Elle walked towards the bathroom. She couldn’t believe Arthur’s daughter was the girl who was with Noah last night. What were the chances of that? Elle leaned against the basin and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Taking deep breaths, she felt even more hungover than she had earlier.
She heard the door open behind her and Irene appeared at her side.
‘I’m sorry to follow you but you suddenly looked awful. Are you sick? I know the water taxi can give anyone motion sickness.’
‘It’s not that. I’m ashamed to say I’m not feeling well … probably because I had too much to drink last night,’ Elle admitted.
‘I’m not surprised. You had an emotional day yesterday. It’s certainly not every day you meet your biological mother after thirty years of separation.’
But that wasn’t the reason she had been drinking last night. She’d had way too much to drink because all she could think about was Noah and the fact that she’d probably missed her chance. Jessica was beautiful and they made a striking couple.
Once again the bathroom door swung open, Jessica appearing in the doorway.
‘The waiter’s asking if we’re ready to order, and Dad asked me to come and check if everything’s okay.’
‘Yes, we’re ready. We’re just coming,’ Irene said, giving Elle a heart-warming smile before heading towards the door.
Jessica leaned against the wash basin while Elle washed her hands.
‘I’ve been racking my brain since I got here. I was sure I knew you from somewhere, and it was only when Irene mentioned you worked in the library that I realised who you were.’
‘Yes, I think we have a mutual acquaintance.’
‘Elle. Yes – Elle. Noah’s mentioned you a few times in the last couple of weeks. It’s such a small world – and such a coincidence you’re Irene’s daughter.’
Elle’s stomach twisted with embarrassment.
‘It is,’ she agreed, feeling foolish knowing that Noah and Jessica had had conversations about her – and not only that, but he’d had the cheek to sit in her living room, pretending he was single and kissing her!
‘Irene mentioned you travel all over the country performing in theatre productions,’ Elle said, trying to quickly divert the conversation.
‘Yes, I love it! It can be a little difficult though when your loved one is on the other side of the country. It does get lonely but thank God for technology.’
