Page 112 of Love, Just In

‘Yeah, it does sound like Braxton Hicks. As long as the pains don’t get any worse or fall into a rhythm, your body’s just practising for labour.’ His lips tug up. ‘Congratulations, by the way.’

‘Thank you.’ Her eyes flicker back to mine. ‘I’m so sorry to have interrupted your night, darling, but I think I need to lie down. Would you prefer to get an Uber home?’

‘No, don’t be silly. I’ll come with you.’ I gently rub her sleeve. ‘I can drive if you like.’

‘All right.’

I feel Zac’s gaze on me as I scoop up all our bags and hang them off my wrist.

‘It was nice to see you,’ I say as he gets up. He wraps an arm around my back, drawing me close.

‘I’ll see you up north,’ he replies into my neck, the gentle heat of his breath setting my skin alight.

‘And I’ll let you know about the test,’ I say as I pry myself off him. ‘Promise.’

His eyes roam all over my face. ‘Do you want me to walk you both to your car? I can carry the bags.’

‘No, that’s OK. We’re big girls, aren’t we?’ I give Christina a tiny nudge.

The three of us stroll towards the road, where I say one more reluctant goodbye to Zac before Christina and I head into the Opera House carpark.

The moment we’re out of his view, she catches my arm and squeezes it.

‘Oh my gosh, darling, that boy is so lovesick for you.’

‘What?’ My pulse jumps.

‘Oh, come on. He looked like he was going to cry when you walked away.’

If she wasn’t pregnant, I’d give her a playful shove. ‘You’re just trying to make me feel better.’

‘Am not. And you didn’t tell me he looks like a heartthrob.’

I sigh. ‘Yes. While the rest of us are coping with the ageing process, that guy just gets prettier every year.’

She snorts. ‘How old are you again? Don’t forget you’re talking to a dinosaur.’

I shush her as we step into the carpark lift. When I catch her suggestive smirk in the mirrored walls,I break the bad news. ‘He told me tonight that we’re friends and that’s it.’ I slump against the wall as those words settle into my head.

Her lips part. ‘He said that?’

I nod. ‘I don’t think he wants me. At least not right now.’

Her mouth twists down, and I reach out to drape a lock of her hair over her shoulder.

‘Don’t ever kiss your best friend,’ I say like I’m giving her important life advice.

‘You’re my best friend, darling. And I’ll try not to.’

I laugh, but inside, my heart sinks so deep in my chest that I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get it out.

I’m fast asleep in Christina’s guest bed when a sharp cry jolts me awake. Disoriented, I blink hazily at the ceiling until a groan sounds from the other side of the wall. I kick myself out of bed and dash into the hallway, where Christina is standing with both hands braced against the wall.

‘I think I might be in labour,’ she grits out.

My hand flies to my chest. ‘What?’

This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening! Her husband isn’t even here!

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