‘We already know that.’
‘Oh, and that he’s sorry.’
‘And let me guess: if he could turn back the clock…’
Pippa nodded. ‘Oh lord, he’s spotted us – he’s coming over.’
Elle looked up to see Nick heading straight for them.
‘Hi,’ he said, hovering sheepishly in front of them on the pavement, his hands stuffed firmly inside his coat pockets.
Silence.
‘Hi,’ Elle said. Awkwardness was hanging in the air.
‘Have you been anywhere nice?’ he asked, doing his best to make small talk.
Still Pippa didn’t speak.
‘Just the pub,’ Elle offered, dodging the sudden glare Pippa shot her for providing such information.
More silence.
‘I’ll leave you to it then. It was lovely to see you both,’ he said, pausing for a moment before he reluctantly moved past them and kept walking. They turned slightly to watch him go and saw him glance over his shoulder as he turned the corner.
‘Are you okay?’ Elle asked tentatively.
‘What does he expect me to do? Stand there and make small talk or even ask him how he’s doing?’
‘I’d say by the worn-out, washed-up look on his face that he’s not doing too brilliantly.’
‘He’s regretting what he did,’ Pippa agreed. ‘I know I shouldn’t be happy with other people’s misfortunes, but I kind of think he’s got what he deserved. He’s girlfriendless and back home living with his parents – unlike me, who’s put all that sorry mess behind me and moved in with you!’ She managed a smile.
‘Exactly. So, no more stalking him on Facebook to see if he’s single.’
‘Nope. I couldn’t care less. I’m well and truly over him. It’s about time I moved on.’
Just then a car slowed down next to them. The window rolled down and Aiden beamed at them.
‘Do you ladies need a lift?’ Aiden asked, his hand poised on the gear stick. ‘I’m heading into Glensheil.’
‘Yes, thank you, Aiden.’ Elle opened the front door on the passenger side and climbed in whilst Pippa clambered onto the back seat.
‘Well, hello, little man,’ Elle heard Pippa say as she fastened her seat belt. She looked over her shoulder and was met with two big brown eyes staring back at her.
‘Hello, Theo, how are you?’
Theo hid his head in his hands, then peeped cheekily through the crack between his fingers.
‘We’ve not met before,’ Pippa said, holding her hand out, but Theo kept his face hidden.
‘Didn’t you meet him when he came into the library?’ Elle asked.
Pippa shook her head. ‘No, I was helping that student with her coursework, remember? I didn’t have a chance. You’re a handsome chappie, aren’t you?’ she said in a rather cooey voice as she tried to tickle his tummy. Theo let out the cutest giggle Elle had ever heard.
‘What have you pair been up to today then?’ Aiden asked.
‘We’ve been moving all of Pippa’s stuff across to her new room.’
