‘Go on.’
‘Irene and I saw Louisa at the park. I didn’t know who she was, but Theo recognised me and we wandered over to them.’
‘What’s so unusual about that? Little kids like going to the park.’
‘It was the fact she wasn’t on her own.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘She was sitting on the bench kissing another man, and when we went across to introduce ourselves, she didn’t introduce him.’
Pippa raised her eyebrows.
‘It’s possible that Louisa isn’t struggling as much as she’s making out.’
‘Mmm, it sounds like a case of she doesn’t want him but doesn’t want anyone else to have him either. Do you think she’s trying to make Aiden feel guilty for whatever reason?’
‘It’s possible, but who knows?’
Elle glanced at her watch then looked out of the window. They still had a few minutes before the taxi was due.
‘Changing the subject,’ Pippa announced, swigging the rest of her drink back as Elle did the same. ‘Here’s to a good night!’
* * *
After collecting Irene, they travelled to a popular French bistro on the edge of town. It was the perfect place for Eleni’s hen do, sophisticated yet inexpensive, with hearty traditional food and a stunning art deco interior.
‘Oh look, there’s Jack, Aiden and Wilson standing outside the bistro,’ Irene said, leaning forward and paying the taxi driver.
‘I wonder what they’re doing here,’ murmured Pippa, trying to step out of the taxi in a sophisticated manner, which was a little tricky given she was wearing the shortest skirt possible. She tried to pull it down.
‘There’s no point trying to cover yourself up now,’ whispered Elle.
‘I just feel a little self-conscious. I wasn’t expecting to see my ex standing with my future date on the street.’
‘Ex is pushing it a bit – you only had a one-nighter with him.’
‘Shush! You know what I mean.’
‘Hi, Irene, ladies,’ Wilson greeted them, avoiding eye contact with Pippa.
Was it Elle’s imagination or was Aiden also avoiding eye contact with Pippa? There seemed to be a strange atmosphere lingering in the air. Elle looked at Pippa, who raised an eyebrow.
‘We’ve just been for a quick drink with Eleni, Mim and Mum. There’s a whole group of them inside,’ added Wilson, still not looking in Pippa’s direction.
‘Am I invisible?’ whispered Pippa.
‘I think it’s about time you men disappear,’ Elle ordered, shooing them away. ‘This is a girls only night.’
‘Ha, we know when we’re not wanted.’ Jack grinned as he patted Aiden and Wilson on the back. ‘Don’t you worry, we’re on our way.’
As soon as they were out of earshot Pippa asked, ‘Was that just my imagination or have I been mugged off?’
‘Mugged?’ Irene asked with a puzzled look on her face. ‘I didn’t see anyone pinch your handbag.’
‘Mugged off – it means ignored, left hanging,’ Elle explained, watching Irene enter the restaurant as she and Pippa hung back.
‘I was, wasn’t I?’ Pippa looked worried. ‘Did you see Aiden’s body language?’
