‘Jenny is lovely. She often popped in and I’ve missed our chats. She’s such a down-to-earth, easy-going person.’
‘Her son, Wilson, is the new UPS guy and he also happens to be Jack’s best friend.’
‘Eleni’s Jack?’
‘Yes. He’s best man at their wedding.’
‘Isn’t it just a very small world.’
After catching up on the gossip they finished their meals and Elle clasped her hands over her stomach. ‘I don’t think I could manage another mouthful. Can we wait half an hour until dessert?’
‘Of course.’ Irene smiled. ‘Let’s sit back in the living room. We can tidy these plates away in a little while.’
Elle stretched out her fingers again and stared at the ring.
‘I’m glad you like it.’ Irene touched her arm affectionately before she followed her into the living room.
‘It’s my favourite present.’ Suddenly she remembered the mysterious Sam Stone book delivery. ‘I can’t believe I’ve forgotten to tell you this! Look what I have.’ Elle fished inside her bag, pulled out the book and passed it across to Irene.
‘Sam Stone’s latest! I was going to ask you about this one. Can you reserve me one at the library?’ she asked. ‘Or is this the library’s copy?’
Elle couldn’t hide her excitement. ‘Look at the first page. Go on. It’s not the library’s copy, it’s my copy.’
Elle watched Irene’s expression change to one of shock as she opened the book and focused on the birthday message written inside.
‘I have no idea where it came from. I was going to ask you, did you know? But judging by the shock on your face, you must have no clue either.’
‘You have a signed copy from Sam Stone?The Sam Stone?’ Irene repeated, just in case Elle hadn’t heard her the first time.
‘It’s an absolute mystery. One minute I’m cleaning the empty mugs off the desks and next there’s a parcel sitting slap bang in the middle of reception addressed to me.’
‘And you didn’t see who put it there?’
‘No, not at all.’ Elle shook her head. ‘And it wasn’t posted either.’
‘Hand delivered then? Now that is a mystery,’ Irene mused.
‘At first, I just thought it was a normal copy of the book, but then Pippa spotted the inscription.’
‘Written with what looks like a fountain pen too,’ Irene commented. ‘Proper ink. Do you think it’s fake?’
‘Why would anyone send me a book with a fake signature? What would be the point of that?’
They stared at each other for a moment, mystified.
‘But how does Sam Stone know who you are?’ Irene quizzed.
‘That’s what I said. I’ve no idea.’
‘Wait until you show them at book club next week!’
‘I know. Poor Mim will be hyperventilating – she’s a number one fan too.’
They both took a sip of wine and Irene kept flicking through the pages of the book.
‘What a day it’s been for you,’ she said.
‘It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, to say the least.’
