‘For the same reason he’s not following me.’
‘Well, let’s put a stop to that nonsense.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You are now!’
‘Pippa!’
‘To be fair, he has that many followers, he might not even notice, but look – his brand-new book is out very soon and he’s doing a tour. There are no dates or venues confirmed yet, but maybe we should make the effort and pop along to one of them.’ Pippa gave an encouraging smile.
‘No! He might not even remember me.’
‘You shared a kiss. Of course he’s going to remember you.’
‘It was months ago. Can you remember everyone you’ve kissed?’
‘I try to deliberately forget most of them but I think if Noah Jones has forgotten like you say –’ Pippa rolled her eyes, making it clear she didnotthink that was the case ‘– then it’s about time he remembered you.’
‘You’re starting to worry me, Pippa. What are you thinking?’
‘Look at your profile picture. It screams librarian,’ she said, turning the phone in Elle’s direction.
‘Iama librarian.’
‘But it’s dowdy. There’s no colour to your clothes or your cheeks. In fact, it doesn’t even look like you’ve brushed your hair.’
‘But that’s what I look like,’ Elle protested.
‘We need a punchy bio, an up-to-date picture… There are so many filters and apps these days – who actually looks like their profile photo anyway?’ Pippa continued.
‘Me – I do!’
‘Then that’s where we’re going wrong.’
‘We?’
‘Yes, we! It’s a good job I’ve moved in, Cooper. We need to get your life back on track.’
‘Oh God,’ was all Elle could manage.
‘Leave it in my capable hands. I follow all the latest fashion and accessory accounts on Insta and TikTok. What we need is for you to watch a few videos, decide what kind of image you would like to portray and then we can transform you into a sexy goddess.’
‘I don’t like the sound of that. I’m quite comfortable how I am.’
‘Really? Look at your PJs – they have pigs all over them.’
‘They’re comfortable and I’ve had them for years.’
‘You can tell. I think I’ve moved in just at the right time. We need Noah Jones to wonder how the hell he let you slip through his fingers. Trust me.’
Elle was beginning to wonder what she had let herself in for.
ChapterEleven
It was Sunday night and The Grouse and Haggis was packed.
‘Where do all these people come from? Shouldn’t they be at home watching TV or something?’ Pippa said as they weaved through the sea of people towards the bar.
