In the staffroom, Pippa threw her bag on to the table and rummaged around inside. ‘Here!’ She pulled out a small gift wrapped in pink-spotted tissue paper with a bow on top.
‘For me?’ Elle asked, smiling.
‘Of course it’s for you! I didn’t just get you balloons; this is your proper present.’
‘You’re spoiling me. Thank you very much.’ Elle took the gift and pulled on the ribbon before carefully unwrapping the blush-coloured paper to reveal a small box. Lifting the lid she gave a tiny gasp. Inside was a gorgeous pair of silver earrings in the shape of books.
‘Oh, they’re perfect, thank you!’ she exclaimed, immediately wrapping her arms around Pippa and hugging her.
‘What’s going on in here?’ Aiden asked, walking through the staffroom door and placing a large white cardboard box on the table.
‘It’s Elle’s birthday today!’ Pippa said, smiling, scooping up the torn wrapping paper and rolling it into a small ball before tossing it into the bin.
‘A birthday, you say? It’s a good job I brought you this then.’ Aiden gestured towards the box. ‘Go on, take a look.’
Elle raised the lid to reveal a mighty fine-looking birthday cake. ‘Oh my gosh!’ The cake design showed the library with ‘Happy 30thbirthday Elle’ iced on top.
‘This is amazing. It has to be one of Rona’s creations.’
‘It is,’ replied Aiden. ‘If you look closely at the little pile of books you’ll see they’re by one of your favourite authors – Sam Stone.’
‘It’s just brilliant and very thoughtful – and it looks scrumptious.’
‘It’s chocolate cake on the inside,’ added Aiden, displaying a dimple as he grinned at both of them.
‘My favourite!’
‘Oh, and I nearly forgot,’ he went on, pulling a slightly creased card from the inside of his jacket pocket. He handed it to Elle and pressed a swift kiss to her cheek.
‘Happy birthday, Elle.’
‘I think there’s only one thing for it. Who fancies a slice of birthday cake for breakfast?’ she asked.
‘Absolutely a must!’ confirmed Pippa. ‘There’s fifteen minutes until opening time,’ she added. ‘Let the sugar rush begin.’
Pippa switched on the kettle whilst Elle took plates out of the cupboard and put them on the table before cutting the cake into pieces. ‘It seems an absolute shame to eat it. It’s the best cake I’ve ever seen.’
Pippa had already taken an enormous bite and Elle laughed as cream oozed down her chin.
All three of them sat in silence aside from the odd murmur of appreciation at how delicious the cake was, and soon every morsel had been hoovered from their plates.
‘That was the best breakfast I’ve had in ages. Thank you, Aiden.’
‘Is there time for another slice?’ Pippa looked longingly at the cake.
‘No! And you’ll feel queasy if you eat any more! Save some for lunchtime.’
Pippa blew a sad kiss at the leftover cake as Aiden shut the box and Elle placed the plates in the sink.
‘Wilson hasn’t arrived with any deliveries,’ Elle said. Looking up at the clock, she added, ‘He’s usually here by now.’
‘Maybe all your birthday presents are too heavy for him to carry from the van,’ Pippa joked, grinning as she held the door open so Aiden could walk past her on to the library floor.
‘Or maybe it’s simply because we don’t have any deliveries today. I’ll fire up the computers. Here, take these.’ Elle threw a bunch of keys towards Pippa. ‘Can you open the front door?’
‘Yes, of course,’ she answered, catching the keys.
Pippa disappeared towards the front door while Aiden and Elle headed towards the main desk.
