‘I bet,’ Elle replied, brushing down her dress and managing to avoid eye contact. ‘But you must be proud of his success too.’
‘Believe me, his choice of career has nearly split us up on numerous occasions.’
Elle was quite taken aback by Jessica’s response and was just about to ask why when Irene popped her head back round the door. ‘Hurry up, you two. Jessica, your dad is getting a little impatient.’
‘That’s because he’s hungry.’ She smiled. ‘He’s always been the same. Grouchy!’
* * *
After the waiter had taken their food order, Elle sat quietly at the table listening to Arthur and Irene talk about their latest ramble. It was lovely to see the interaction between them. Irene’s eyes were bright as they shared their stories and it was clear Arthur was a welcome addition to her life. But try as she might to concentrate, Elle’s thoughts kept drifting to Noah. She was glad she hadn’t messaged him now. What a fool she would have made of herself. The only future dilemma for her was Jessica being Arthur’s daughter, which might mean she would bump into Noah at family gatherings. She knew she hadn’t done anything to be ashamed of, but she also knew that she didn’t want to see him loved up either.
It didn’t take long for the food to arrive and Elle began to eat whilst she listened to Jessica talk excitedly about being cast in an upcoming production ofLes Misérables. Arthur’s face beamed with pride as she spoke.
‘She was always one for dancing around as a child,’ he said. ‘She would sing at every opportunity. All my Saturdays were spent going from ballet to tap, drama to singing.’ He looked at Jessica fondly.
‘And it was all worthwhile,’ Irene said.
‘When do rehearsals start for your next production?’ Elle asked.
‘I have a couple of weeks off before the rehearsals start, then it’ll be full on, all the way up till Christmas.’
‘Christmas?’ Irene exclaimed. ‘That seems like a million years away.’
‘It’ll be here before we know it,’ she replied.
‘How does your partner cope with all your time away?’ Irene asked, swallowing her last mouthful and putting down her knife and fork.
‘He’s learned to cope with it. He knows I love my job, and I love him. We just get on with it as best we can. We had a lovely night out last night after Noah’s book signing. We met up with the cast ofMamma Mia!for a few farewell drinks. I thought I’d be a little tired today but I’m bearing up!’
‘Elle, Jessica’s boyfriend,’ Arthur put in, ‘is—’
‘Noah Jones,’ Elle interrupted, looking at Irene.
‘Noah?’ Irene repeated, puzzled.
Jessica burst out laughing. ‘DadwishesI was dating Noah.’
‘At least Noah has a respectable job,’ replied Arthur.
Elle and Irene looked at one another, confused.
‘Pah!’ Jessica rolled her eyes at her father. ‘Dad thinks I’m about to marry the black sheep of the family.’
‘I wouldn’t go that far. I just wish he didn’t feel the need to take his clothes off for a living.’
‘Dan? You go out with Dan?’ exclaimed Elle, thinking out loud. ‘The guy from Eleni’s hen do?’
‘Yes, for my sins!’ She smiled. ‘He’s my lovable rogue.’
‘Definitely a rogue,’ Arthur teased his daughter.
‘As I said, Dad would have preferred me to date the sensible brother.’
‘His job prospects are definitely more appealing.’
‘Don’t listen to him, Elle. Dan and my dad get on just fine – in fact, when they get together, they act like a couple of kids.’
‘Indeed, we do,’ Arthur confirmed. ‘I just like to tease my daughter from time to time.’
