Aiden and Wilson seemed to be listening closely.
‘Then you best start the search for your ideal man,’ Elle said, swerving the question, but once again Noah Jones was firmly in her thoughts.
Jack’s phone beeped and he looked at the text message on his screen.
‘Damn. I’d forgotten I should be up at Buttercup Barn with Eleni, to discuss the flowers for the reception. Drink up quickly, Wilson. I’ll drop you back home on my way.’
‘No problem at all,’ he replied.
‘Then I’ve got a bit more work to do after that. The honeymoon won’t pay for itself, unfortunately.’
‘No rest for the wicked,’ Pippa said, grinning at them as they downed their drinks and placed the empty glasses on the table.
‘I’ll see you in the morning,’ Wilson said with a smile as he stood up.
‘You sure will,’ Elle replied, watching them disappear through the pub door.
‘They seem like a couple of decent lads,’ Aiden said. ‘I actually need to make a move too. I want to nip back and bath Theo and read him a bedtime story. That’ll give Louisa a break for an hour or so.’
‘Aww, how lovely are you,’ Pippa gushed.
Aiden checked his phone before stuffing it back into his pocket and bidding them farewell. As soon as he was out of earshot, Pippa caught Elle watching her closely.
‘He’s quite nice,’ Pippa said dreamily.
‘Quite nice?’ Elle gave her a knowing look. ‘I can tell by the look on your face that you’ve got your whole future mapped out! I can see you on speed dial to Libby asking her to design your wedding dress. Then the wedding will take place at Heartcross church followed by the wedding breakfast at Starcross Manor, prepared, of course, by world-famous chef Andrew Glossop and filmed by Guy Hart, the best in his field.’
Pippa opened her mouth to protest, then shut it again when Elle silenced her with her hand and laughed. ‘Don’t you even try to deny it.’
‘You know me so well.’ Pippa grinned. Anyway –’ she steered the conversation into a completely different direction ‘– about your birthday. I know you said you’re spending Friday with Irene but let’s definitely do something on Saturday.’
‘I’d love to, I really would, but actually, I don’t know if I can. Money is a little tight at the minute. I’ve even been thinking about looking for a part-time job in the evening.’
‘Are things actually that bad?’
‘They aren’t bad as such. I can pay my bills, pay for food, but it just doesn’t leave much extra for nights out. Not that I’m complaining, I love being home.’
Pippa was quiet for a moment and then a huge smiled appeared on her face.
‘I know that look. What are you thinking about?’ Elle asked, intrigued.
‘You don’t need a part-time job because I know of a better solution.’
‘I dread to think,’ remarked Elle, hoping that she wasn’t going to suggest that her new part-time occupation was the same as the man who owned the rucksack left on the bus. ‘Put me out of my misery, and don’t you dare suggest I sell feet pictures … or pictures of any part of my body for that matter.’
‘As if.’ Pippa’s grin grew wider. ‘How about you get yourself a lodger?’
‘I’m one step ahead of you there. I’ve already thought about that, but it could be a lot more hassle than it’s worth. What if they’re messy or they drive me insane?’
‘Simple. You just need to rent a room to somebody who doesn’t get on your nerves and is extremely tidy,’ Pippa exclaimed, throwing her arms open then tapping her hands on her chest.
Suddenly the penny dropped. ‘You mean you?’
‘Yes! Of course I mean me! Well,’ she said, grabbing Elle’s arm, ‘what do you think? It would be so much fun! Late-night girly conversations, film nights … not to mention the extra money will come in handy.’
‘It would certainly help me out,’ replied Elle, thinking this could be a possible solution.
‘Is that a yes then?’ Pippa pushed, before standing up with outstretched arms.
