‘You have a good memory,’ replied Irene.
Elle’s heart was racing just at the mention of his name as well as her memories of the first and only time she’d seen Noah.
‘I want to know how Mim has got so many copies.’ Pippa shouted the question over to Mim.
‘That’s the next bit of news … it’s thanks to Aiden.’
Both Elle and Pippa stared at Aiden, who grinned. ‘And Aiden has some amazing news to tell you all.’
‘She’s going to say he’ll be visiting our book club,’ Pippa jokingly whispered again to Elle.
Irene raised her eyebrows. ‘What is going on with you two? Why all the whispering?’
‘Nothing,’ Elle replied, shooting Pippa a warning glance.
‘You share the news, Mim. I know you’re dying to tell everyone.’
Mim clasped her hands together and looked around the room. ‘Aiden –’ she gestured towards him ‘– has transferred from Inverness Library, where part of his job was to work directly with authors and organise events at the library. Noah Jones is going on tour, signing copies of his brand-new book…’
‘She’s going to say he’s coming here,’ Pippa repeated.
‘Don’t be daft,’ Elle uttered under her breath.
‘…And Aiden had arranged for Noah to sign copies of his new book at Inverness Library, but now he’s transferred here, he’s persuaded Noah to come and sign books at the Library on Love Heart Lane, which was confirmed about thirty minutes ago! How utterly fantastic is that?’
Elle’s mouth had dropped wide open.
‘You’re catching flies.’ Pippa nudged her.
Elle’s thoughts were whirling all over the place. Her heart was racing and she couldn’t believe the words she’d just heard.
Everyone began to chatter excitedly.
‘I can’t believe you didn’t tell us,’ exclaimed Pippa as she looked at Aiden accusingly. ‘When? Do we have a date?’
‘I’ve just forwarded you the email with all the details on it.’
Elle took out her phone and checked her inbox. There it was, an unread email from Aiden confirming the attendance of Noah Jones at the Library on Love Heart Lane.
‘How lovely! That’s one not to miss,’ Irene enthused, smiling as she read the blurb on the back of the book. ‘This looks a really good read too.’
‘If you bring your copy along on the evening, Noah will take great pleasure in signing the book for you,’ Mim shouted over the happy conversation that had erupted throughout the teashop.
Pippa tipped her face towards Elle.
‘You’re staring at me,’ Elle observed, knowing the exact reason why.
‘How are you feeling? This is fate. I’m telling you it is. You’re going to get to see your man again.’
Nervous was how Elle was feeling … yet also excited. She’d often wondered if their paths would ever cross again.
‘It’s meant to be,’ Pippa whispered.
‘You two are whispering again.’ Irene looked at them both before turning towards Aiden. ‘You’ve done very well. This will be brilliant for the library and the community. All the publicity will enhance the profile of the library and hopefully you’ll get a few more members signing up.’
‘Let’s hope so. It should be a good night. He was very kind to courier across the copies of his book.’
‘Very kind indeed,’ added Pippa. ‘Was it just email contact with Noah, or have you managed to have phone conversations with him?’
