Page 80 of Heat Island
By the second round of champagne, I’m feeling pleasantly buzzed enough to actually be enjoying myself. The spa’s ambient music and the sound of rushing water from the jets of my foot bath create a cocoon of relaxation that even Amelia and Isabelle’s occasional snide remarks can’t penetrate.
“Another round, ladies?” The attendant approaches with a tray of fresh glasses filled with golden bubbles.
I reach for one with a smile, noticing that Isabelle is watching Josie with narrowed eyes.
“Josie, is that still your first one,” Isabelle asks, eyebrow raised. “The bachelorette party is tonight. Please don’t tell me you’re planning to stay sober.”
I turn to look at her at just the right time to see the suddenly stricken look on Josie’s face—there and gone so quick that a blink at the wrong time would have made me miss it.
Maybe it’s the lubricating effect of the alcohol that makes the pieces suddenly slide into place. Or maybe, I’m finally emotionally ready to face the evidence that has been flashing in my face like a neon sign for the past few weeks.
One look at Holly’s expression—the sudden panic she tries to hide—confirms it. They’re roommates and best friends, Josie wouldn’t be able to hide anything from her for long.
Josie’s occasional bouts of nausea. The apple juice that should have been whiskey on the boat cruise. Her sudden aversion to seafood when I’ve seen the way she usually attacks a good shrimp cocktail.
My sister is pregnant.
I reach for the full glass and pull it closer to me. “Actually, this one is mine. That empty one is Josie’s.”
Josie shifts uncomfortably, her fingers fidgeting as she takes the empty glass that I not-so-subtly push closer to her. “Oh, yeah. You can take this.”
Holly clears her throat. “I think I’ll switch to sparkling water, actually. I haven’t eaten yet today, and the champagne is going to my head a bit.”
“Me too,” Josie says too quickly. “Sparkling water sounds perfect.”
If Egret’s sisters notice the sudden tension in the room, they don’t comment on it.
“We have massages scheduled,” Amelia announces, standing. “We’ll see you tonight for the bachelorette.”
As they sashay away, I wait until they’re completely out of earshot before turning to Josie.
“Is there something you want to tell me?” I ask quietly.
Josie’s eyes widen, panic flickering across her face. “What do you mean?”
Holly suddenly becomes very interested in her cuticles, avoiding eye contact with both of us.
“Josie,” I say, keeping my voice gentle. “You’re not drinking alcohol. You’ve been nauseous. You practically turned green when I ordered seafood yesterday.”
“I was going to tell you after the wedding,” she whispers. Her lower lip trembles. “I didn’t want to steal focus from the ceremony.”
“How far along are you?” I ask, reaching for her hand.
“Eight weeks,” she admits, tears welling in her eyes. “I found out right before we got engaged. My alphas are so excited, Trin. They’ve always wanted a family.”
My heart twists with conflicting feelings. Joy for my sister clashes with obvious concerns about the rushed wedding and the nagging question of whether my exes are truly marrying her for love or because she’s carrying their child.
And I can’t voice a single one.
Looking at the cautious happiness in her expression as she waits for my reaction, I decide right then and there that I will never tell her about my history with her mates. They seem just as happy to pretend that the past never happened, and I’m willing to endure a lifetime of awkward family events if it keeps that look on her face.
“I’m happy for you,” I say, squeezing her hand. “Really, I am. I’m going to be the best aunt ever.”
Josie’s face breaks into a relieved smile. “You’re not mad I kept it from you? I know how you feel about secrets.”
“Of course not,” I reassure her, even as guilt worms in my belly. “It’s your baby and your announcement timeline.Although I assume you haven’t told Mom yet. There is no way she would have been able to keep it a secret.”
Josie makes a face. “I’m planning to tell her after the wedding. You know how she gets.”
