‘What am I meant to do with all these?’ Elle looked at the colourful balloons bobbing up and down in the air.
‘At least hold half because you might be right, I could be taking to the sky at any minute.’
‘How many are there?’
‘Thirty, of course, a colourful dancing balloon for every year of your life. Thirty years old … how do you feel? I feel no different from when I was younger except for the wrinkles.’
‘You have no wrinkles.’
Pippa leaned towards Elle and attempted to flex the skin on her forehead. ‘Botox in three places but that is not to be repeated.’
Elle laughed. ‘My lips are sealed.’
‘What were you like when you were younger? I can imagine you being top of your class, the most popular girl in the school, no doubt head girl.’
Pippa was so far off the mark. During her childhood, Elle was passed from pillar to post, family to family. She’d moved around the country more times than a travelling circus and lost count of the number of schools she’d attended, never staying in one place long enough to have any stability or make any real friends until she’d moved in with Irene and become part of the communities in Glensheil and Heartcross.
Wrestling with the fifteen balloons in her hand Elle saw the bus trundling up the road towards them. She stared, not quite believing her eyes, and her pulse began to race as she recognised the face staring back at her from the new poster on the side of the bus. There he was advertising his brand-new book – Noah Jones, a face she never expected to see on her birthday. Elle knew she was catching flies but his eyes melted her heart and he was still as utterly gorgeous as she remembered. There was only one word to describe the face on the poster – hot. Immediately, her thoughts went back to the kiss they had shared and her whole body erupted in goosebumps. He was perfect.
‘What’s up with you? You’ve suddenly gone quiet,’ Pippa observed, trying to control the balloons she was holding.
‘Nothing, absolutely nothing,’ replied Elle, knowing that wasn’t strictly true.
‘Well, just look at that.’ Pippa had spotted the poster. ‘Noah Jones’s new book is out very soon. He’s a little easy on the eye, isn’t he?’
‘Isn’t he just,’ murmured Elle, her thoughts distracted as the bus doors opened and they were met by Henry’s huge smile.
‘Here she is! Happy birthday, Miss Elle.’
‘Thank you so much, Henry! I hope you’re not going to charge us for the balloons today?’
Pippa was fighting her way up to the top deck as the helium balloons were attempting to fly off in every direction.
Henry laughed. ‘No. And as promised, you ride free today.’
‘Thanks, Henry, you’re so kind!’
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the library and were greeted by Florrie, the local florist, holding a bouquet of the most beautiful lilac roses that Elle had ever seen. ‘It’s a good job I went for flowers and not balloons!’ Florrie grinned, reaching up and grabbing the string of a balloon that was trying to escape. ‘You nearly lost one there. Happy birthday, these are for you.’
‘Florrie, these are gorgeous, thank you so much.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
‘Please could you reach inside my bag and grab the keys? I think I’m going to struggle to get through the door.’
Florrie reached in her bag and then opened the door. ‘Here you go,’ she said, placing the bouquet in Elle’s arms. ‘Enjoy the rest of your birthday.’
‘I’ll get them in water as soon as I can.’
Once inside the door, Elle weighted the balloons and let them dance each side of her desk.
‘How lovely is that?’ she exclaimed, taking in the aroma of the roses. ‘And such a beautiful colour.’
‘I bet you’re feeling loved today!’ said Pippa. ‘I love birthdays, it’s one of the best days of the year.’
Elle immediately felt a surge of emotion. For her it was completely different – birthdays had never been a source of celebration. She’d always felt that something – someone– was missing from her life. Trying to stay composed, she swallowed a lump in her throat. ‘Yes, I’m feeling loved. It’s great to have such wonderful friends,’ she replied.
