‘Damn that Siri is all I can say!’
Elle tilted her phone towards Pippa so she could see the image of Noah on her screen.
‘Oh, I know how gorgeous Noah Jones is and I’m delighted to see his face every morning when we climb on the bus. But why—’
‘We kissed,’ interrupted Elle.
Pippa laughed. ‘In your dreams, maybe.’
‘No, we really did.’
Pippa looked sidewards and studied her face ‘You’re being serious, aren’t you? Tell me everything.’
‘Before you started work at the library, somehow, miraculously, Irene persuaded Noah to come in and inspire a group of students from the local college. I was his assistant for the afternoon and we hit it off straightaway. Just before he went home we kissed.’
‘And?’
‘And nothing.’
‘Let me get this straight, you kissedtheNoah Jones and it was mutual, not a fangirl moment?’
‘Yes and yes.’
‘And now?’
Elle smiled. ‘He pops into my head quite often.’
‘Have you had any further contact with him?’
Elle shook her head. ‘Not since that afternoon but I do have his number.’
Pippa bolted upright. ‘You have his number? Have you ever rung it?’
‘No, he only gave me it in case I ever needed any help writing a book.’
‘Since when have you ever thought about writing a book?’
‘Exactly – that’s why I haven’t rung him.’
‘Do you know how lame that sounds?’
‘What do you mean?’ Elle asked, perplexed. ‘“Call me if you need help”, he said. I’ve not called him because I don’t need help and I’m not writing a book!’
‘Elle! No man would give out his business card just to help you with your writing.’
‘He’s a genuine guy.’
‘I’m not disputing that, but giving you his card meant he wanted you to ring in general, not just for that one specific reason. Where does he live?’
‘London, I think … according to Google.’
‘What does it say on social media? He must have author pages knocking about?’ she said, taking control of the phone and bringing up Elle’s Instagram app.
‘Ah,’ Pippa confirmed. ‘According to his bio, he does live in London.’
Elle sighed. ‘Miles away.’
‘Let’s see what he has on Twitter.’ Pippa waited for the app to load. ‘And why aren’t you following him on Twitter?’
