‘Sorry, I feel like a right idiot,’ he managed to say. ‘I shouldn’t have come round.’
‘Don’t be daft – and don’t ever apologise for being such a lovely person.’
He let out a defeated sigh before standing up and putting on a brave smile. ‘If you ever change your mind, please come and find me. I really like you, Pippa.’
‘I will – I promise,’ she said, standing up and hugging him. ‘Friends?’ she whispered.
He nodded.
After hearing Wilson leave, Elle stepped back into the living room. ‘You did the right thing if you didn’t want it to go any further,’ she reassured.
‘It doesn’t make it any easier though. I feel dreadful about the whole situation.’
‘I can imagine. Is the reason you’ve turned him down because you’ve decided you like Aiden?’ probed Elle.
‘I think it is – which is daft because there isn’t anything going on between me and Aiden.’
‘Well, not just yet.’
Pippa smiled. ‘Every time I hear Aiden’s voice, it sparks off a swarm of fireflies in my stomach.’
‘That’s a good sign.’
‘It is … except I’ve probably messed that up now. I shouldn’t have gone out with Wilson. What if Aiden finds out?’
‘Don’t beat yourself up over that now. It was just bad timing. These things happen. You’re only human.’
‘Aiden’s probably got enough going on in his life right now – and anyway, he might not even be looking for another relationship so soon after Louisa.’
‘That’s very true,’ replied Elle, remembering the conversation she and Aiden had had. ‘It must be difficult when you have a child with someone and you go your separate ways. But I do know Louisa is struggling a little bit with the changes in her life – the break-up, moving back in with her parents and generally being on her own.’
‘Do you think there’s a possibility they’ll get back together?’
‘Apparently she’s mentioned the idea, but Aiden was adamant that wasn’t going to happen. There’s no connection there now except for Theo, as far as he’s concerned.’
She nodded, unpausing the film. ‘Julia Roberts gets her happy ending … why isn’t life that simple in the real world?’
‘If only,’ replied Elle, the thought of Noah suddenly creeping back into her head.
* * *
It was the following morning in the library. The door opened, letting in a blast of cool air, and Wilson walked silently up to the front counter, managing only a slight smile before placing the deliveries on the desk and heading out again.
‘Wilson?’ Elle shouted after him, but he just waved and continued without saying a word. Wilson normally had time for a chat in the morning, and the only reason Elle could think of for his hurry was that he might be avoiding Pippa. She vowed she would catch up with him after work tonight to make sure he was okay.
‘What’s up with Wilson this morning?’ Aiden asked, appearing behind Elle. ‘He wasn’t his usual cheery self.’
‘Probably just a busy morning,’ Elle replied. It was a little white lie but it wasn’t her business to discuss what she knew. She just hoped that things between Wilson and Pippa would get back to normal in time.
‘And what’s up with you?’ asked Elle. ‘You look a little miserable.’
‘I am, a little,’ he replied, shuffling some papers on the desk.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’ she asked, glancing around the library. Pippa was on the other side of the room, returning books to the shelves.
‘There’s nothing I can do about it anyway,’ he replied.
‘About what?’ asked Elle.
