‘Come on. We best get back out there.’
When they returned to the library floor, they found Aiden sitting behind the front desk. He looked preoccupied.
Checking her phone, Pippa whispered to Elle that she’d already received a text from Wilson. ‘He’s asked me out tonight.’
‘And are you going to go?’ asked Elle, keeping her voice low.
‘It’s difficult, he’s sent me the most beautiful flowers and…’ Pippa glanced across at Aiden. ‘I feel terrible.’
‘It is a dilemma. How about we stick to my plan?’ Elle suggested.
‘Fish and chips with Irene?’
Elle nodded.
‘Yes, I think that’s the best plan.’
ChapterNineteen
‘You girls have been very popular today,’ Irene said as she was greeted by an armful of blooms when she opened her front door.
‘And we’ve brought fish and chips,’ said Elle, holding up the white carrier bag in her hand.
‘I’m not sure which smells the best – the flowers or the chips.’ Irene opened the door wide. ‘The only deliveries I’ve had today are the newspaper, a charity bag and a coupon for a free cup of tea from the local garden centre,’ she continued, chuckling. ‘Pop your flowers in the front room and then you can tell me all about who sent them.’
Elle placed the bouquets in the front room and followed Irene and Pippa into the kitchen.
‘I can’t believe neither of you has a date tonight,’ said Irene, dishing up the food. ‘You two take a seat.’
‘Pippa has had two offers of dates—’
‘Lucky girl,’ Irene interrupted.
‘Whereas I’ve had none.’
‘You could have had one of mine,’ Pippa said, grinning, squeezing brown sauce all over the plate of fish and chips that Irene had just placed in front of her.
‘Let me guess your two.’ Irene smiled at Pippa. ‘Wilson and…’
Pippa raised her eyebrows, waiting for the second guess.
‘Wilson and … please don’t tell me it’s the ex, Nick,’ Irene added, wide-eyed.
‘No, of course not,’ Pippa replied. ‘Actually, he’s not even crossed my mind today.’
‘Have you had any texts from him?’ Elle asked curiously.
‘I wouldn’t know because I took your advice and blocked his number. If he has been texting, he’s been talking to himself.’
‘I know Wilson sent you some flowers because I bumped into Jenny in the teashop and she might have mentioned it.’
‘What did she say?’ Elle asked before Pippa could get a word in edgeways.
‘That Wilson’s like an excited puppy every time he leaves for work, knowing the library is his first stop.’
‘Oh God,’ Pippa said, looking towards Elle.
‘He’s a lovely lad,’ Irene said, puzzled.
