‘There’s never a dull moment with you around, is there?’ replied Elle, laughing as Pippa mimed to the song flawlessly.
Just at that moment a bus rattled past and as Elle glanced out of the window she met the eyes of Noah Jones once again – which was an odd coincidence because every time Elle heard the first line of this song, it reminded her of him. Playing scenarios over in her head, she often wondered what would happen if she picked up the phone and rang him.
‘Hello, it’s me,’ she’d say, hoping he would know who was calling. She wondered what he was doing right now.
Even though his number was still on the corkboard in the kitchen she’d never called him, firstly because she was too nervous, secondly, because she had no intention of writing a book and thirdly, because too much time had passed. But she still got flutters in her stomach every time she thought of him.
‘Earth to Elle.’
She met Pippa’s inquisitive stare.
‘What are you thinking about?’ Pippa probed.
‘Nothing,’ she replied, quickly.
‘I completely forgot to ask – did you have a lovely time with Irene last night?’ asked Pippa, placing her tray on the coffee table then cradling her stomach in her hands.
‘Yes, the food was delicious and she gave me the most beautiful gift! A ring – it was her mother’s.’ Elle held out her hand towards Pippa to show her. ‘What do you think?’
‘Wow! It’s beautiful,’ she said, holding Elle’s hand up to the light to get a better view.
‘I told her you were moving in and she thought it would do me the world of good. Are your parents all right about it?’
Pippa nodded. ‘Yes, Mum was a little tearful – again. But it’s not as though we’ve not been here before.’
‘How are you feeling about Nick now?’
‘Nick who?’ She smiled. ‘Exes are exes for a reason, and it’s time to move on.’
‘Well, at least that’s something,’ Elle said. ‘All we need to do now is finish decorating your room and it’s full steam ahead. I wonder how they’re getting on up there.’
‘Hey, slackers, any chance you’re going to switch the kettle on? We aredyingof thirst,’ Wilson requested as he popped his head around the living room door.
‘I’m on it!’ replied Pippa, standing up.
‘You have a lovely house here, Elle.’ Wilson cast his eyes around the room.
‘Thank you. I love it,’ she replied, offering him a leftover chip from her plate.
Pippa smiled. ‘How many teas and how many coffees?’ she asked, standing in the doorway unscrewing the lid of the tea canister.
‘Look at this one – she’s already making herself at home,’ Wilson teased.
‘Let’s hope she’s as enthusiastic about washing the pots and cleaning the bathroom,’ said Elle with a smile, standing up and taking her empty plate into the kitchen.
‘We’re all tea and one with sugar,’ he said to Pippa. ‘Thanks. I best get back to it. We’re already papering the second wall.’ He gave them a thumbs-up before turning round and disappearing.
Elle caught Pippa’s eye and posed the question she’d been wondering about for a few days now. ‘Do you prefer Wilson or Aiden?’
‘How can I choose? Anyway, what about you? Isn’t it about time you found someone now you’ve hit the big three-o?’
‘Me? I’m quite happy by myself.’
‘Mmm, really? Come on, you must have your eye on someone. When was the last time you went out on a date?’
Elle paused then took the plunge. ‘I’ve gone on a few dates in recent months and I had a very brief encounter eight months ago – and we are talking brief – but all the dates I’ve been on, I just didn’t seem to click with any of them.’
Pippa raised her eyebrows. ‘Brief encounter?’
