“I want to know what’s happened to my house too. And Jean next door.”
The nurse re-entered with a colleague, mid-way through a conversation about wires and leads. There was a bit of fussing while the colleague rearranged a few things and pressed a couple of buttons, then the nurse held another instrument to Keren’s stomach, saying something about it being cold.
Scott was a little confused with all the movement then all of a sudden he heard a rapid ticking.
“Is that…” He looked from Keren to the nurse.
“Your baby’s heartbeat. Very strong and the beats per minute are what we’d expect. All is well. I suggest you rest for a couple of days and let him take care of you.” The nurse looked at Keren.
Scott didn’t register the words. “Can I record it?”
“Sure. We’ll be quiet while you do.”
He switched his phone on, ignoring the dozen or so texts that pinged straight through. He brought up the record function, hoping that it would pick up on the sound. This made it feel real, more so than seeing the bean.
Keren wasn’t watching the screen anymore; she was watching him. Her expression was one he didn’t recognise but it was soft and happy.
“Happy finding out you’re pregnant day.” Her words were tender.
He leaned down and kissed her. “Happy rest of your life day.”
16
“Ibrought chocolate. I wasn’t sure that Scott had the correct supply in.” Sorrell Slater had at least two full carrier bags with her. Keren felt herself heave. It was possibly psychological, but since she’d found out she was pregnant, she’d completely gone off anything sweet. Savoury, yes, by the bucket load. Especially anything spicy.
“Thank you.” She took the bags and wondered how she was going to get round this if Sorrell had come round for a pig out feast and gossip. Scott was working and he seemed to have made a point of ensuring she had company in the evenings.
Her house was a write-off. The roof had collapsed and downstairs was ruined by the flames. It was looking like the whole row of five houses would have to come down as they just weren’t safe structurally. Rebuilding was potentially not going to be an option.
But no lives had been lost. Lena’s Aunt Jean was still in intensive care after suffering burns and smoke inhalation, but her prognosis was good. The house next door to her had been empty: the family had been away for the weekend and their cat had the sense to get out of the cat flap. He’d been found the day before, seemingly enjoying a diet of rabbit and mouse.
“How’s living with Scott?” Sorrell sat down on the sofa. “His place is nothing like I expected.”
Keren smiled. It wasn’t what she’d expected either. It wasn’t your typical bachelor pad: the sofa and chairs were comfy and didn’t recline; the furniture was older, upcycled and painted in greys. And he was tidy.
“He’s a good flatmate. I have no complaints.”
“So you’ve gone from enemies to lovers to housemates in just a few weeks. Zack’s beside himself. Every so often he mutters ‘I hope Scott doesn’t fuck this up’. He’s thrilled you’re together.” Sorrell stared away at the bags. “There’s a bottle of fizzy stuff in there from the restaurant. Shall we crack it open?”
Keren went over to the bags, wondering what the hell to say. In just over four weeks they would be telling their friends. Until then, she needed to make excuses for not drinking and at some point someone was going to guess. It had been hard enough on Saturday avoiding samples of Gran’s Gin – now its official name – but for Beth who ordered plain water and swapped it with Keren’s. Another ally to help her fend off bad stuff for Beanie would be useful.
But then there was going to be the wholeyou’ve only just started seeing each othercontroversy. But Sorrell was a therapist. And very non-judgemental. Again, another ally.
“You can crack it open.” Keren took a long breath.
“Come again?”
“I’m not drinking.”
“You’re on medication? I didn’t realise that you were that badly hurt… oh.” Sorrell’s mouth became a perfect circle. “You’re pregnant? Oh my god!” She leapt out of her chair and threw herself at Keren, holding herself back as she got close which was when she became gentle. “That’s amazing news.”
Keren nodded, hoping everyone’s reaction was as positive. “Thank you. It’s very early days. I’m seven weeks and only Scott knows.”
Sorrell’s face froze. For a therapist she was crap at keeping the secrets of her friends.
“He told Zack didn’t he? And you brought the alcohol to get it out of me.” Keren raised a brow. “Honestly.”
“He was so excited. It was only this morning and he was smiling so hard something amazing had clearly happened. Zack was asking everything about your house and the investigation and Scott just kept smiling and fidgeting with his phone. Then he played…”
