“Besides, she’ll think otherwise when the baby comes. Once that tiny little bundle lands in her arms, she’ll look down and realise he or she is relying on her as much as she’s relied on you. That’s bound to even the balance.”
Annie scoffed. “She’s going to have some sort of wake-up call, that’s for sure.”
“With you there to help her through it.”
“I know.” She smiled. “And thank you. For listening. Again.”
“What are friends for?”
“Anyway, enough about Emma,” Annie said. “Let’s talk about something cheerier. How are you and Fin getting on?” Annie suddenly developed a twinkle in her eye. “He tells me you’re getting along nicely.”
I felt myself blush. “Does he now?”
Annie’s face froze for a second time. She narrowed her eyes, suspicious, before a grin spread across her face. “O. M. G.” It clearly had dawned on her that there was more to Fin and me than she’d initially realised. “You’re not saying? You are, aren’t you?”
“I’m not saying anything.”
Annie squealed in delight, which customers took as an invitation to turn and look at us, all of them clearly wondering why the excitement.
“Keep your voice down,” I said, my embarrassment growing. Not that Annie seemed to hear a word I said. I smiled apologetically at the growing number of interested parties, my eyes finally resting on Roberta.Shit!I thought as she turned away in apparent disgust.That’s all I need.
Roberta uttered something to her dining party, who looked my way. Whatever she’d said they appeared equally appalled, before chunnering amongst themselves.
“I want to know everything,” Annie said, failing to notice any of the attention we’d garnered. “And don’t leave anything out.”
I raised an eyebrow, sure she didn’t wantallthe details.
“Well, maybe noteverythingeverything.” She clapped her hands together, her glee showing no sign of abating. “You know, I had an idea you two would be perfect for each other.”
I was sure she hadn’t.
“Not that I thought anything would actually happen. But I did say helikedyou, didn’t I? This is so thrilling.” She paused to look at me direct, her face all at once serious. “Tell me, do I need to buy a hat?”
“No, you don’t,” I replied. Almost choking on my coffee, I couldn’t believe she thought that a possibility.
“Because I’ll be wearing a bridesmaid dress?” she asked.
I looked at her, mortified.
“Maid or matron of honour then?” She giggled. “Come on, Holly, you’ve got to give me something. You know how much I love a good wedding.”
“You need to stop,” I said. If I thought I’d let my mind run away with itself, Annie’s was leaps and bounds ahead. “We’re just enjoying each other’s company.”
“I’ll bet.”
“While he’s still here,” I replied. Disregarding her witticism, I needed her to know that wedding bells were in no way, shape, or form, a part of mine and Fin’s future.
“What do you mean?” At last, she fell calm. “He’s not going anywhere, is he? At least not for a while?”
“He’s been offered another TV project.”
Annie’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s fantastic!”
“In America.”
“Oh.” Her shoulders slumped. “Not so fantastic then.”
“I’m afraid not. He leaves on the 31st.”
