‘Did you speak, did he recognise you?’
Elle nodded and passed Dan’s business card over to her.
‘Why do you have a business card belonging to the stripper? I don’t understand.’
‘Look at the writing on it.’
Irene’s eyebrows rose. ‘You didn’t meet the stripper, did you?’
Elle laughed. ‘Not in the way you’re thinking. When the act finished and the lights went out this card was thrust into my hand. I didn’t know what to think. But look at the name.’
‘Dan Jones,’ Irene read out loud.
‘He’s Noah’s brother. Noah was backstage and he noticed me in the crowd. Goodness knows what he must have thought of me being on the front row enjoying every second of the show.’ Elle shook her head in embarrassment. ‘He asked Dan to put the card in my hand and I didn’t know until this morning.’
‘This morning?’
‘We exchanged a couple of messages online. Out of all the strip joints in all the world… Can you believe that Dan Jones is not only the man that left his bag on the bus, but also Noah’s brother?’
‘It’s Fate!’ declared Irene.
‘That’s exactly what Pippa said.’
‘Your life is all coming together, mark my words … and exchanging messages sounds very promising.’ Irene gave Elle one of those looks that meant she knew best.
‘We’ll see,’ Elle said, trying to play the whole thing down.
‘Any news on a meeting time with Cora?’ asked Irene.
‘No, but I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later. I’m dying to know what she looks like and how she turned her life around.’
‘How are you feeling about it all now you’ve had time to digest the contents of the letter?’
‘A little more settled. Growing up, I felt angry at the situation, especially not having a stable upbringing, but I think with age you realise life is never that simple.’
‘That is very true.’
‘I truly believe that Cora gave me up thinking I would have a better life and a stable family. It wasn’t her fault it didn’t turn out the way she hoped – until I met you. I think she’ll be devastated when she learns the truth.’
‘If I could change the past for you, you know I would, but hopefully now you’ll be able to build a relationship with Cora and look forward, not backwards. It will be an emotional time.’
‘I know. I’m nervous about meeting her.’
‘When you see each other I’m sure there will be lots of tears but you both want this and I think it will be the making of you.’
‘You’re wonderful, Irene. You do know how much I love you, don’t you?’
‘I do, and I love you too.’
They both turned their heads to Buddy, who’d begun to snore lightly. ‘Just look at him. What’s the timescale with this little one? How soon can you take him out for a walk?’ asked Elle, smiling at him.
‘He’s had his first batch of injections and his second lot are tomorrow. Then normally another two weeks after that, though he can roam around in the back garden in the meantime.’
‘I bet you can’t wait.’
‘I can’t, but apparently they don’t need that much exercise when they’re puppies. I’ve thought about taking him to obedience classes, though – look…’ Irene held up a chewed shoe.
Elle laughed then checked her watch. ‘I’m up for coming with you if you need a training partner but in the meantime, I promised I’d cook Pippa a roast dinner for when she gets back from the cinema, and I need to grab some potatoes.’
