Was that true? Was it really Spencer on the phone just now? If it was a lie, it came easily. She bit her lip. ‘Is there something going on, Hugh?’
He opened his eyes. ‘What do you mean?’
‘I don’t know, you seem …’ She swallowed. ‘Stressed.’
He shook his head. ‘It’s just the deal. Spencer’s worried it’s going to fall through.’
She scrutinised his face for evidence he was lying, but found nothing. She sighed. ‘I’ll get you a Panadol.’
‘Not for me, thanks,’ Carmen said, when Issy offered her a gin spritz once she’d finished her lemonade. ‘I’m the designated driver today.’
It was only then that Issy started to suspect there was a reason she wasn’t drinking. As the conversation flowed around her, Issy wondered. Had Carmen put on a little weight? Possibly, although it was hard to tell under the shapeless chiffon kaftan she wore. She did seem a little fuller in the face. She also hadn’t touched the soft cheeses or the prosciutto. And then there were the little glances Issy had noticed between Marshall and Carmen. Surreptitious glances between people who shared a secret.
Marshall was on to his fourth beer when he cleared his throat. ‘We have some news,’ he said, taking Carmen’s hand. He paused for effect with a dopey smile on his face, a less handsome version of his brother’s.
‘Well?’ Issy prompted, although she knew what was coming. ‘Don’t keep us in suspense!’
Hugh looked clueless.
‘Carmen’s pregnant!’ Marshall said, beaming.
Carmen nodded and put a hand on her belly. ‘We’re having a baby.’
‘I knew it!’ Issy said. ‘How exciting!’ She reached out and squeezed Carmen’s hand, her mind racing with questions she wanted to ask—none of them appropriate. Was this why they’d got back together? What a disaster! ‘How far along are you?’ she asked instead as Hugh pulled his brother into a hug.
Once the excitement subsided, Hugh and Marshall went out onto the balcony, beers in hand, leaving Issy and Carmen alone.
‘This calls for bubbles!’ Issy said, already opening a bottle of Veuve.
‘Pour me a tiny one so I can pretend,’ Carmen said.
Issy poured two glasses and sat back down on the sofa next to Carmen.
‘Cheers!’ Issy clinked her glass against Carmen’s. ‘To your little one! And to you and Marshall, who will make wonderful parents!’ She wasn’t actually sure what sort of parents they’d make. She’d never heard them mention having children before. Clearly this whole situation was an unfortunate accident.
Carmen took an imaginary sip. ‘Thank you, Issy. We’re just thrilled.’
‘You guys are good now, then?’ Issy asked.
‘Me and Marshall?’
‘All the problems are behind you now. That’s great news.’
Carmen narrowed her eyes. ‘Problems?’
Crap. She’d put her foot in it. She obviously wasn’t supposed to let on that she knew about their recent relationship dramas, but she had a nice buzz from the gin and, what the hell, they were going to be sisters-in-law. Carmen wasn’t exactly Issy’s first choice, but she would have to do.
‘Oh, you know,’ Issy said, keeping her voice light, as though it was no big deal. Every relationship has its rough spots! ‘Hugh mentioned things were a bit rocky for a while there between you two.’
Carmen cocked her head to one side, as though she was still confused. It was very convincing. If Issy didn’t know the truth, she would probably have believed her. She obviously wasn’t ready to go there, which was fine.
Issy sighed and changed the subject. ‘Are you and Marshall going away over summer?’
‘Why didn’t you tell me they were back together?’ Issy asked as Hugh closed the door behind them.
‘Who?’ he asked, walking back up the hall. She followed him.
‘Marshall and Carmen!’
