‘Oh you know.’
Pippa shook her head. ‘No, I don’t know.’
‘It’s just a figure of speech,’ replied Elle quickly, telling a little white lie and feeling a twinge of guilt.
‘Back to Noah. I think you’ll find this an opportunity not to be missed.’
It had been eight months since Elle had set eyes on him;of courseshe wanted to see him again. She’d played that very scenario over in her mind most days since Noah walked out of the library. But something was troubling her – what if he didn’t remember it the same way, and she’d over-fantasised the whole thing? She gave herself a little shake. Of course she hadn’t. They’d kissed and it had made her feel like she’d never felt before.
Maybe this was the month to be taking chances and stepping out of her comfort zone. If she didn’t go to his book signing, Elle knew she would always wonder, ‘What if’.
‘I have to say, I think I agree with you,’ confirmed Elle, smiling. ‘After all, weareall about the books.’
‘And you, my friend, are all about Noah Jones.’
ChapterFourteen
Stepping under the canopy of Rona’s colourful hanging baskets, Elle opened the door of the teashop and welcomed the rich aromas of coffee and cake. As the little bell tinkled above their heads Rona turned from where she was standing behind the counter chatting to Mim, and looked over towards the door.
‘We have a new member,’ enthused Elle as she gestured towards Aiden.
‘Welcome to book club! All new members are welcome but only on one condition – that you must love books.’ Mim gave him a welcoming smile.
‘I think I can safely say I fit into that category.’
‘And I believe you’re here with some exciting news.’ Mim touched his arm. ‘I’m fit to burst but please excuse me for just a moment.’ Mim walked off towards Eleni and Julia, who had arrived, leaving Elle and Pippa looking at each other in wonderment.
‘Erm, what aren’t you telling us?’ Elle asked Aiden. ‘You know I don’t like secrets.’
Aiden couldn’t take the smile off his face. ‘You’ll just have to wait and see. I’ve promised Mim that I won’t tell a soul until it’s announced.’
‘Until what’s announced? You’re acting all very cloak and dagger. You have to tell us!’ insisted Elle but Aiden wasn’t up for sharing whatever information he had.
‘Urggh, you’re being frustrating,’ added Pippa.
Aiden held up his hands. ‘Sorry! But a promise is a promise.’
‘Whatever it is, it better be worth the wait,’ added Elle.
‘I don’t think you’ll be disappointed,’ he replied, looking a little smug.
‘Don’t you just hate it when someone knows something you don’t?’ Pippa huffed lightheartedly, waving to Isla and Felicity, who were sitting on the other side of the room.
Irene had grabbed their usual table and once they’d made themselves comfy Elle cast her gaze over the delicious-looking Lemon Drizzle cake on display under the glass dome on the counter.
‘I’m never going to lose weight. Everywhere I go there’s scrumptious-looking cake. A slice of that has my name written all over it.’
Rona walked up to the table. ‘Here he is, my new neighbour. How are you settling in, Aiden?’
‘This may sound daft and I know it’s only been a matter of days but it feels like I’ve lived here for a long time. I feel so settled already.’
‘That’s good to hear. Now can I get anyone any refreshments before Mim starts?’ Rona’s pen was poised over the paper.
Irene looked around them all. ‘I think, by the way everyone is drooling, that I can say a slice of cake for everyone and a couple of pots of tea.’
Rona nodded. ‘That’s a good choice. And how are you, Irene? Are you enjoying retirement?’
Irene smiled. ‘I can’t grumble, even though this retirement lark takes some getting used to. My body clock still thinks I should be up at six-thirty a.m.,’ she said, grimacing. ‘I long for a lie-in.’
