All they could do for now was sit and wait.
ChapterTwenty
They arrived home from Irene’s around nine p.m. and after removing their make-up and changing into their PJs they settled on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate each. They were fifteen minutes into watchingPretty Womanwhen they heard a knock at the front door. Neither of them wanted to answer it and they dithered for a few seconds before the knock came again.
Whoever it was evidently wasn’t going away.
‘It’s your house,’ Pippa said, grinning. ‘You go.’
‘Why doesn’t anyone knock on the door when we’re dressed up?’ Elle exclaimed.
‘Cos that’s life,’ replied Pippa, watching Elle reluctantly get up to open the door.
Wilson was standing on the step. ‘Hi.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Is Pippa in?’
‘Yes. Pippa, it’s for you,’ Elle shouted over her shoulder, then smiled at Wilson, who appeared a little subdued.
Pippa appeared in the hallway and met Wilson’s gaze. ‘Hi.’
For a second there was an awkward silence before Elle took control.
‘Would you like to come in?’
‘If that’s okay?’
‘Of course,’ Elle answered, holding open the front door. ‘Come on in.’
As soon as Wilson stepped into the living room, he said, ‘I’ve interrupted you, haven’t I?’
‘It’s fine.’ Elle smiled warmly. ‘The film hasn’t started properly yet. Would you like a drink?’
‘Yes, that would be great.’ He perched on the edge of the settee next to Pippa.
Heading out of the living room, Elle could sense the atmosphere was a little tense. From the kitchen, she heard Wilson speak first. ‘Did you get the flowers?’ he asked.
Pippa gave a tiny gasp. ‘Oh, Wilson, I’m so sorry. I got distracted and forgot to text you back. The flowers were lovely. They’re over there.’
Elle peeked out and saw Wilson glance at the flowers displayed in the vase sitting in the window.
‘You didn’t answer my text about dinner tonight and I’ve been sat waiting, not knowing what to do.’
‘I’m sorry,’ replied Pippa. ‘It was a genuine mistake on my part. I only remembered when I was round at Irene’s with Elle, eating fish and chips, and then we got talking again … and it slipped my mind again. I know that sounds like a lame excuse.’
Wilson looked relieved. ‘You’ve been at Irene’s?’ His expression was earnest, his mood obviously lifted.
‘Yes, I went with Elle.’
‘Can I ask, are we okay?’ Wilson asked softly. ‘I just want to tell you I wasn’t looking for a quick fling, Pippa… I’m still not looking for a quick fling.’
Elle decided this wasn’t the moment to walk back into the living room so she waited on the other side of the door.
‘Wilson, you are so lovely—’ Pippa began.
‘But…’ Wilson interrupted.
‘Funny and handsome too,’ she added. ‘And just a genuinely decent bloke, but I have to be honest with you. I’m not interested in taking things further between us. I’m so sorry if I’ve hurt you.’
Wilson looked down at the floor. Elle knew it had definitely sounded like the end of the road for them, when it hadn’t even properly begun.
