‘It’s from Eleni – an invitation to the hen do,’ Aiden replied as Elle punched in the alarm code. ‘It’s to both of you.’
‘Exciting! We need a good night out.’ Pippa took the envelope from Elle, who immediately took it back.
‘It’s addressed to me.’
Pippa huffed and headed inside.
After hanging up their coats and storing their lunches in the staffroom, they put on their lanyards and declared themselves ready for work.
‘Monday mornings do come around a little too quickly for my liking,’ Aiden added, tossing his pound coin into the tea-fund caddy. ‘Did you two get up to anything interesting this weekend?’
Elle and Pippa exchanged glances and hesitated. They’d spent the majority of the weekend putting the finishing touches on Elle’s competition entry.
‘That silence speaks volumes,’ he said, looking between the pair of them.
‘Nothing whatsoever,’ Pippa piped up. ‘Just a quiet one for us.’
Aiden looked sceptical but shrugged and happily changed the subject. ‘Jack’s invited me on the stag do. I know I’m a newbie but they’re doing everything they can to welcome me to the village,’ he said cheerfully, walking out on to the library floor.
‘Where are you going?’ Pippa asked.
‘Unfortunately, I’ve signed the Official Secrets Act. If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.’ He winked as he switched on the computer.
‘That sounds more fun than our meal out.’
‘You don’thaveto come,’ Elle said playfully. ‘No one is twisting your arm.’
Pippa shrugged. ‘I suppose it beats staying in by myself – unless I gate-crash the stag do. You wouldn’t mind if I tagged along, would you, Aiden?’
‘Don’t answer that, Aiden. She’s only teasing, and remember Eleni is in the early stages of pregnancy – she isn’t going to want to go clubbing until the small hours.’
‘I know,’ replied Pippa.
‘I’m sure you’ll have your chance one day and we can party hard then. I’m just wondering who’ll be lucky enough to marry you.’ Elle flicked her eyes towards Aiden, who promptly blushed and pretended he hadn’t heard.
Pippa discreetly poked Elle in the ribs and cocked an eyebrow.
‘Did you do anything nice over the weekend, Aiden?’ Elle asked, quickly changing the subject.
‘I met up with the lads Saturday night. Nothing heavy – just a few beers because I looked after Theo yesterday.’
‘Aww, what did you get up to?’
‘We went to the park, fed the ducks and had a picnic, though he spent half the time giggling and trying to throw my sandwiches to the ducks instead of the stale bread. He’s developing a little personality of his own.’
‘Bless him,’ Pippa and Elle chorused.
‘How’s Louisa?’ Elle asked
‘Yes, she’s okay. She’s starting a part-time job today, and now we’re both settled, Theo’s going to stay over with me a couple of nights a week so we can have some real boy time together.’
‘Aww, that’s nice.’
‘I’ll start filing these back in the gallery area,’ he said, wheeling a trolley of books towards the staircase.
Elle glanced up at the clock. ‘Has anyone seen Wilson this morning? He’s a little late.’
They looked towards the door, and just then Jenny came through it. ‘Wilson’s running late – there’s a flat tyre on the van but he will be with you as soon as possible,’ she said, answering Elle’s question. ‘The computer at home is playing up again. Would it be possible to use yours to check my email?’ she added.
