“I don’t know. We haven’t discussed it. There’s no rush.”
“I hope you’re not holding back because of me.”
I smile.
“It’s not been discussed, but also, I don’t want any baggage. Talks of infidelity, rumours of affairs. There are pictures of us all together at Caleb’s wedding.”
He shakes his head. “You need to stop worrying about what everyone thinks. This is about you and him. What you have together. The rest of the world be damned.”
“But what about you? You won’t remain unaffected.”
“No, but I’m in my forties. I’m a big boy. A few intrusive journalists are not going to ruin my day. I want you to be happy, Pen. And I can see that Elijah makes you that.”
“He does. Thank you for making me face it.”
“Isn’t that what friends are for?”
“True friends,” I say.
“Know I will always be there for you. Whatever you should need.”
“The same goes for you, too.”
“Does he know?”
I look up, my eyes clashing with his.
What the?
“Know?”
He raises an eyebrow.
“How?” I ask.
“You have the same glow Annie had. How far along?”
“I don’t know. I’ve only just missed my period. I haven’t even done a test yet.”
“I may be wrong. If I’m not, congratulations.”
My hand goes to my mouth, and the sickness I’ve been holding in for the past couple of days rears its head.
I run to the bathroom, emptying my stomach into the toilet bowl.
I lean against the sink and stare at my reflection in the mirror.
I swill my mouth out and spit the water into the sink, scraping my hair back.
Fuck! Could Kris be right?
I make my way back into the kitchen.
Kris looks at me, his eyes full of concern.
“Pen?”
“Don’t,” I say, my throat tightening, a sharp pain sparking in my chest.
