‘What isn’t?’
‘This.Tinder.Work.These one-night flings that end in bar tabs and blackout scrolling.’
‘Wild sex is joy,’ I say between gasps.
‘Sure, unless you’re using it as a distraction.’
I glare at her.‘Are you my therapist now?’
‘Do you still go to your therapist?’
Low blow.
‘Yes.’No.
She sighs.‘Jamie.There’s a whole world out there.’
‘And I’ve seen it,’ I insist.‘Online.’
Abbey ignores me.‘You should come to Japan with me for Christmas.My parents booked a little place near Kyoto.It’s calm.Peaceful.You could reset.’
‘Hard pass.I promised Issy I’d help with the girls.’
Abbey groans.‘Issy walks all over you.’
‘She has two kids!’
‘She has you.Who cancels every plan for her.’
We round a corner and I call it.‘Time.’
Abbey slows to a stop as I double over, hands on knees, dying loudly.She checks her watch.‘That was two kilometres.’
‘Okay, Usain Bolt,’ I pant.‘Not all of us are in peak physical condition.’
Abbey throws her hands in the air.‘That’s what I’m saying!If you took care of yourself—’
I cut in.‘Easy for you to say.’
Abbey frowns.‘What does that mean?’
I straighten, wipe my brow with the back of my sleeve, and say it.‘I’m pregnant.’
Abbey opens her mouth.
Closes it.
Opens it again.
Nothing.
Finally, she whispers, ‘Whose—’
‘It doesn’t matter.I’m booked in for an abortion on Monday.’Her eyes scan mine.She’s looking for something, and she must find it, because she nods.‘Do you want me to come with you?’
I shake my head, smiling gently.‘I’ve got it handled.’
Abbey nods again.This time, slower.Then she says, ‘Do you want to get pancakes?’
